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You don't have to spend a lot of money to get a compact or subcompact SUV that will be a smart choice and make you happy. A new ranking from Consumer Reports (by subscription) reveals five compact and subcompact SUVs that most satisfied their owners in its latest Annual Auto Surveys.
When asked, "Would you buy this car again if you had to do it all over again," owners of the 2023 Subaru Forester, 2023 Subaru Crosstrek, Hyundai Tucson, Ford Bronco Sport, and Mazda CX-5. These five small SUV owners were the most satisfied with their new models.
The Forester was ranked number one in owner surveys, and the Crosstrek scored the second-best small SUV. In addition, in the recent Consumer Reports' Annual Auto Survey, the Subaru brand outscored its top rivals, Toyota, Hyundai, Honda, Nissan, and Mazda, in customer satisfaction. Check the report here for more information.
photo credit: Don Miller West Subaru
Why should I buy a Subaru Forester?
The 2023 Subaru Forester scored 87 points and is ranked the number one compact SUV overall among twenty-eight models in the U.S. market. Consumer Reports says, "The widely sold Forester delivers a satisfying combination of a roomy interior, excellent visibility, commendable fuel economy, simple controls, a comfortable ride, and responsive handling. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder CVT returns 28 mpg overall in our tests, among the best in class."
Where can Forester improve?
CR says, "But acceleration isn't exhilarating, and the engine's noise isn't the most pleasant."
What is the price of the 2023 Subaru 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).
Why should I buy a Subaru Crosstrek?
The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek scored 84 points and is ranked the number two subcompact SUV among nineteen models in the U.S. market.
Consumer Reports says, "The Crosstrek delivers good fuel economy, impressive ride comfort, and competent and enjoyable handling. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and CVT return 29 mpg overall, which is quite good."
Where can the Crosstrek improve?
CR says, "The EyeSight driver assistance system isn't available on models with the manual transmission; it includes forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking, while the blind-spot warning is a separate option."
What is the price of the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek?
The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek comes in six trim levels for U.S. customers. The base trim is priced from $24,870, Premium ($26,020), Special Edition ($27,970), Sport ($29,220), Limited ($30,720), and Crosstrek Hybrid ($38,070). Prices include destination and delivery fees ($1,225).
Our Take
The 2023 Forester and 2023 Crosstrek come standard with Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive for all-weather performance and 8.7 inches of ground clearance which no competitor exceeds. In addition, the Forester and Crosstrek Base and Premium trim levels come with the standard X-Mode for more severe winter driving and off-road excursions.
One of the significant upgrades includes giving the Forester Sport and Crosstrek Sport, and Limited a dual-function X-Mode for added all-terrain performance. It consists of a Deep Snow/Deep Mud setting. It's also available on the outdoor-themed Forester Wilderness and all-new 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness trim levels.
Should customers wait for the 2024 Crosstrek?
If you can wait, the 2024 Crosstrek will be worth standing by. The Crosstrek gets a complete redesign from the ground up. It will come with improved ride quality, the next-generation EyeSight safety technology, new interior upgrades with more comfortable seats, and new exterior styling changes. And the new 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness trim will be coming this fall.
Consumer Reports says the 2023 Subaru Forester and 2023 Crosstrek are smart choices and top picks for compact SUV and subcompact SUV shoppers this spring. Their owners said they would buy the small SUVs again if they had to do it all over.
You Might Also Like: 5 Things To Know About The Next-Gen 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Before You Buy
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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