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Consumer Reports Best Value Small SUVs - CR Says Subaru Forester Is Your Top Pick

What are the best compact SUVs that deliver the best value for the money? Consumer Reports says the 2023 Subaru Forester ranks best for small SUV shoppers.

What do current compact SUV owners say is the best small SUV? A new ranking from Consumer Reports (by subscription) from its members chose the cars, SUVs, and pickups that deliver the best value for the money. 

Owners of the 2023 Subaru Forester picked the compact SUV as the best. Consumer Reports says the Forester received the highest value scores in their most recent owner satisfaction survey because it gave their owners precisely what they expected from the all-wheel-drive model.

2023 Subaru Forester best value pick

"If you're in the market for a new car, you can use this list to help you narrow down your choices," says Steve Elek, the automotive data analyst at Consumer Reports. "All of them are reliable and recommended models, so you can be confident you'll buy a car or SUV that won't saddle you with costly repairs.”

Related Story: The 10 Best Compact SUVs For The Money - Aging Subaru Forester Peaks At The Right Time

What does Consumer Reports say about the Subaru Forester?

"This no-nonsense small SUV delivers a combination of a roomy interior, excellent visibility, commendable fuel economy, simple controls, a comfortable ride, and responsive handling. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder combined with the continuously variable transmission yields 28 mpg, among the best in its class."

2023 Subaru Forester picked the best by ownersRelated Story: Consumer Reports has one thing against Forester. 

CR says, "But acceleration is a bit tepid, and the engine's coarse hum gets loud at high revs. The cabin is roomy, with a generous rear seat and easy access. The controls are simple to use and within easy reach of the driver. The off-road-oriented Wilderness version has extra ground clearance."

Consumer Reports ranks the Subaru Forester as the second-best compact SUV of twenty-four new models overall. Which is number one? CR says it's the Honda CR-V Hybrid.

Find Out More In This Related Story: CR's 11 Reliable, Fuel-Stingy Compact SUVs - Subaru Forester Now Drops To 2nd Best

Check Out This Related Story: The 10 Cheapest And Best SUVs - Why Subaru Forester Is Now The Only Compact SUV

What is the price of the 2023 Forester?

The 2023 Forester comes in six trim levels; The Base Forester starts at $27,620, Premium ($30,620), Sport ($32,190), Limited ($34,300), Wilderness ($35,245), and Touring ($37,720). Pricing includes dealer fees ($1,225).

Consumer Reports ranks the 2023 Forester as one of the ten best cars of the year. They say it's an exceptional model that meets their highest standards for performance, safety, reliability, road-test performance, owner satisfaction, and garnering a high-enough Overall Score to earn a coveted CR recommendation.

For the money, Consumer Reports says the 2023 Subaru Forester is the best compact SUV value for shoppers this year. Owners say it gave them exactly what they expected from the all-wheel-drive model.

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Denis Flierl brings over thirty years of combined auto industry and automotive journalism experience to Torque News readers. He is an accredited Rocky Mountain Automotive Press (RMAP) member. The last twelve years have been spent with Torque News, covering Subaru vehicles and the latest news. Check back daily for his expert Subaru analysis. You'll find the latest stories on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

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