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CR’s 10 Best SUVs You Can Buy Now And Subaru’s 2 High-Scoring Picks

What are the ten best SUVs you can buy right now? Consumer Reports says two Subaru models are the highest-scoring picks. Check out the report here.
2024 Subaru Forester, 2024 Subaru Crosstrek

What are the best Subaru SUVs? According to an updated ranking from Consumer Reports (by subscription), it's the 2024 Subaru Forester and the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek. They are the two highest-scoring picks out of the ten best. 

I cover the Consumer Reports best picks for customers monthly and annually, and it's the first time both the Subaru Forester and Subaru Crosstrek have been ranked number one and two best among all SUVs. 

Consumer Reports says they compiled the list of the Top 10 mainstream (non-luxury) SUVs, ranked by their Overall Scores. CR says these high-scoring models do well in performance, reliability, safety, and owner satisfaction.

2024 Subaru Forester driving in deep snow

From best to last, here are CR's top ten 2024 model-year picks you can buy right now.

  1. Subaru Forester (88)
  2. Subaru Crosstrek (87)
  3. Toyota RAV4 Prime (86)
  4. Honda CR-V (85)
  5. Hyundai Tucson Hybrid (85) 
  6. Toyota Highlander Hybrid (85)
  7. Honda CR-V Hybrid (84)
  8. Kia Telluride (84)
  9. Hyundai Palisade (83)
  10. Mazda CX-90 (82)

What does CR say about the number one ranked 2024 Subaru Forester?

"The Forester is a no-nonsense small SUV that combines 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 CVT yields 28 mpg overall, among the best in its class. 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. While AEB with pedestrian detection and AEB highway are standard, BSW and RCTW are optional. The Forester gets a redesign for the 2025 model year."

Forester is rated the #1 of 27 Compact SUVs

What is the price of the 2024 Forester?

The Forester comes in six trim levels: The Base Forester starts at $28,190, Premium ($31,390), Sport ($32,960), Limited ($35,070), Wilderness ($36,015), and Touring ($38,490). Pricing includes destination and dealer fees ($1,295).

2024 Subaru Crosstrek driving off road

What does CR say about the number two ranked 2024 Subaru Crosstrek?

"The Crosstrek got an evolutionary redesign for 2024. It's still essentially a raised Impreza hatchback with a very comfortable ride and standard all-wheel drive. Acceleration from the standard 2.0-liter engine is leisurely, and we got 29 mpg overall in our tests." 

"The optional 2.5-liter has more power and better acceleration. When full power is needed, engine noise is pronounced, but the sound isn't a deal breaker. Responsive handling, user-friendly controls, and a practical interior round out the package. Paddle shifters behind the steering wheel allow convenient engine braking in mountainous environments."

"The newly optional driver power seat with adjustable lumbar support is a major upgrade. The EyeSight driver assistance system is now standard and includes AEB with pedestrian detection, although BSW and RCTW are available only on higher trims."

Crosstrek is rated the #1 of 14 Subcompact SUVs

What is the price of the 2024 Crosstrek?

For 2024, the Crosstrek will be available in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trim levels and has a starting price of $26,290 (the same MSRP as the 2023 Base model equipped with the Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission).

The 2024 Crosstrek Premium has a starting price of $27,440, Sport ($30,290), Limited ($32,190), and Wilderness ($33,290). Pricing includes destination and delivery fees of $1,225 ($1,295 for Wilderness).

What is the price of the Crosstrek Wilderness?

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness will be the most expensive Crosstrek trim level. The all-new Crosstrek Wilderness costs $33,290, including dealer destination and delivery fees ($1,295).

My take

The 2024 Forester compact SUV and 2024 Crosstrek subcompact SUV are reliable, affordable, and fuel-efficient, come standard with Symmetrical all-wheel-drive, have extra ground clearance, have severe weather and all-terrain capability, and get the top safety scores from the IIHS.

The Forester and Crosstrek downside

The downside is the Forester and Crosstrek are in such high demand they will be in limited supply for the remainder of this year and into 2024. Customers willing to wait can order the exact trim level with your desired features. Check out how to build the Forester and Crosstrek trim you want in my story links below.  

Consumer Reports says the 2024 Subaru Forester and 2024 Subaru Crosstrek are now ranked number one and two best among all SUVs. It's the first time they are ranked number one and two. 

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this Subaru Forester and Crosstrek story. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

For additional articles related to new the two Subaru models, here are two of my top stories you may enjoy. 

My Must-Read Top Picks

Watch Don't Take Consumer Reports' Advice for Best Subaru Oil Recommendation YouTube video

I am Denis Flierl, a 12-year Torque News senior writer with 20+ years of Subaru and automotive journalism experience. I enjoy bringing you, the Subaru fans and customers, the most up-to-date Subaru news, reviews, and new model information. You'll find the latest Subaru stories on the Subaru page. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

I’ve got you covered! - I cover all Subaru all the time - It’s called the “Subaru Report.” Check back daily for my expert Subaru analysis!

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photo credit: Subaru USA

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Comments

Uncle Pato (not verified)    December 24, 2023 - 9:46PM

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I don't take CR's recommendations seriously ever since they deemed the 1995 Isuzu Trooper "unsafe." Had one for many years and did major off-roading with it and the 95 Trooper I had was never close to unsafe.
CR seems to be biased toward Subaru because the company markets themselves as environmentally conscious. They may be as reliable as other Japanese vehicles, but they are expensive and underpowered.