CR’s 10 Most Fuel-Efficient Used Compact SUVs, Subaru Crosstrek, Forester Are Top Picks Now

Fuel efficiency is king.

With the escalating prices of new cars, a used Forester or Crosstrek emerges as a financially savvy choice for compact SUV shoppers. In the current scenario of soaring gas prices, the high fuel efficiency of these models becomes a significant factor, aligning with the budget-conscious mindset of car buyers. 

Fuel efficiency and all-wheel-drive?

You bet. All Subaru Crosstrek and Forester trim levels come with Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive tech, a system that provides better traction and stability in various road conditions. They are also mated with the brand's Boxer engine, a unique design that allows for a lower center of gravity and better fuel efficiency. You can have both.

Which previously owned 5-year-old compact SUVs are the most fuel-efficient? An updated Consumer Reports study (by subscription) says the 2019 Forester, 2019 Crosstrek, and 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid are among the top-ranked models for fuel efficiency and reliability. Importantly, they also come with standard safety features with the highest crash scores, providing a sense of security for the buyers.

Consumer Reports (CR) says, "By the time a car is five years old, it has gone through the most significant part of the depreciation cycle. This means you'll get many features that are found in brand-new models at a lower price."

CR compiled a list of used compact SUVs that also scored well in their road tests. Each returned 26 mpg or better. Consumer Reports says the ten models listed below are ranked according to their fuel economy results from CR's tests when they were new.

The 10 Most Fuel-Efficient Used 2019 model year compact SUVs

1. Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
2. Honda HR-V
3. Subaru Crosstrek
4. Toyota C-HR
5. Mazda CX-3
6. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
7. Chevrolet Equinox
8. Honda CR-V
9. Subaru Forester
10. Toyota RAV4

2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

• Price Range:  $16,700 - $21,875
• Owner Reported MPG:  39 mpg

CR says, "Like the regular Crosstrek, the plug-in hybrid delivers good fuel economy, impressive ride comfort, and competent and enjoyable handling. It has a 17-mile mostly electric range and gets 33 mpg when operating as a regular hybrid. As a new car, the slim fuel economy improvement wasn't worth the price premium." 

"But at five years old, the 2019 model can be a decent value. The seats are short on lumbar support, but the rear seat is roomy. The infotainment system is easy to use. FCW and AEB with pedestrian detection and other systems were standard, while BSW and RCTW were part of an option package."

2019 Subaru Crosstrek

• Price Range:  $16,700 - $21,875
• Owner Reported MPG:  29 mpg

Is the Subaru Crosstrek a reliable vehicle? Read my Crosstrek reliability report here.

The Subaru Crosstrek scored 5/5 in predicted reliability, 4/5 in owner satisfaction, and 4/5 in fuel economy, instilling confidence in the buyers about the durability of their purchase.

Crosstrek safety scores

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek earned the IIHS's Top Safety Pick award, which is given to vehicles that perform well in crash tests and have advanced safety features. It also has a five-star rating from the NHTSA, which is the highest safety rating given by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

What did Consumer Reports say about the Crosstrek?

CR says, "The regular Crosstrek delivers 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 quite good. A more powerful 2.5-liter was also offered starting in 2019." 

"The seats are short on lumbar support, but the rear seat is roomy. The infotainment system is easy to use. FCW and AEB with pedestrian detection were standard with the automatic transmission but not offered with the manual, while BSW and RCTW were part of an option package."

2019 Subaru Forester

• Price Range:  $16,500 - $19,775
• Owner Reported MPG:  28 mpg

Is the Subaru Forester a reliable vehicle? Read my Forester reliability report here.

The Subaru Forester scored a 4/5 in predicted reliability, a 4/5 in owner satisfaction, and a 4/5 in fuel economy.

Forester safety scores

The 2019 Forester received the highest Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and an overall five-star rating from the NHTSA.

What did Consumer Reports say about the Forester?

Consumer Reports says, "Redesigned for 2019, the Forester retained the key features that made it a success: boxy styling, big windows, and thin roof pillars that supply excellent visibility; easy cabin access; a spacious rear seat; and cargo room. We got an excellent 28 mpg overall from the 2.5-liter four-cylinder and CVT, tying the CR-V EX for the best mileage of any small SUV that isn't a diesel or a hybrid." 

"The ride significantly improved this generation while handling remained nimble and responsive. Interior furnishings are fairly basic, and the cabin can be noisy. Fortunately, the controls are mostly straightforward and easy to reach. FCW and AEB were standard, but BSW was only optional, part of the all-weather package."

What type of gasoline do the Subaru Crosstrek and Forester require?

Read my "Using The Right Fuel In Your Subaru And Which Grades To Avoid" report here.

The Subaru Crosstrek and Forester engines are designed to run on 87-octane or regular unleaded gasoline. You don't need to pay for the more expensive mid-grade or premium fuel.

What makes the Crosstrek and Forester a good choice for used SUV shoppers this summer?

The Crosstrek and Forester come standard with Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive, 8.7 inches of rock-clearing ground clearance, and X-Mode for additional all-weather and all-terrain driving performance.

With the new Subaru Crosstrek and 2024 Subaru Forester model prices spiking higher, Consumer Reports says a five-year-old Crosstrek Hybrid, Crosstrek, and Forester are among the ten best compact SUVs. They are affordable, fuel-efficient, reliable, and safe compact SUVs and should be on your shopping list this summer.

Are you shopping for a used Subaru SUV? Which one would you pick? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News reporter since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Subaru