Consumer Reports - Subaru Crosstrek Is Best SUV Under $30K With One Small Flaw

What are the best small SUVs under $30,000? According to an updated study by Consumer Reports (by subscription), the hot 2022 Subaru Crosstrek is now number one of the top three models in recent tests and surveys.

Why is Crosstrek ranked highest by Consumer Reports? The subcompact SUV is CR's top choice for its good performance, top safety scores, reliability, and fuel efficiency, and it scored well in road tests.

photo credit: Competition Subaru

The top three SUVs under $30,000

In order of ranking from best to last, Consumer Reports says the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek is the most reliable SUV under $30,000 again, with a score of 86 points. The 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport is next with a score of 77, followed by the 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer with a score of 76.

What sets Crosstrek apart from the competition?

The 2022 Crosstrek comes standard with Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive, 8.7-inches of ground clearance, and X-Mode for improved severe weather traction.

photo credit: Competition Subaru

According to CR, the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek scores number one of fourteen subcompact SUVs and ranks Crosstrek best overall and says, "The Crosstrek delivers very good fuel economy and impressive ride comfort. Its handling is competent and enjoyable. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is mated to a continuously variable transmission; this combination works fine and gets 29 mpg overall, which is among the best for small SUVs."

Crosstrek has one small flaw

Is there a downside to the Crosstrek? CR could not find much wrong with the Crosstrek but says, "The seats are short on lumbar support, but the rear seat is roomy."

What is the price of the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek?

The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek comes in five trim levels for customers. The base trim is priced from $23,570, Premium ($24,720), Sport ($27,920), Limited ($29,420) and Crosstrek Hybrid ($37,895). Prices include destination and delivery fees ($1,125).

Subaru of America just added $500 on all new models after April 26, 2022. Read the complete report here.

What is the 2022 Crosstrek fuel mileage?

You can have an all-wheel-drive SUV and still get good fuel efficiency. The Subaru Crosstrek uses direct injection on its new 2.5-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine and gets 27/34 city/highway mpg and 29 combined mpg.

The Crosstrek's 2.0-liter engine gets 28/33 mpg and 30 combined mpg with the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) automatic, contributing to better mileage.

The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek hybrid gets even better fuel mileage. In Consumer Reports testing, the plug-in hybrid gets 38/45 city/highway MPGe and 42 combined MPGe. Note that the Crosstrek Hybrid is not available in all states.

With maintenance and gas prices rising, Consumer Reports says the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek is the most reliable, fuel-efficient subcompact SUV for under $30,000.

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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Photo credit: Competition Subaru