CR’s 10 Most Popular Used SUVs, Subaru Outback, Forester Are Top Picks Again

3-year-old SUVs are top picks by shoppers

Three-year-old SUVs are the most popular used models because they are just coming off lease and should be low-mileage vehicles. From the updated Consumer Reports (by subscription) ranking, I list its most popular 2021 model year vehicles and explain why the 2021 Subaru Forester and 2021 Outback are your best choices again this summer.

CR says, "With so many choices, how do you even begin to create a manageable list of (used model) candidates? One way is to look at what people are searching for on the Consumer Reports website." 

First, look at the ten 2021 model-year used vehicles that buyers search for most often on the Consumer Reports website. I've listed the models below in order of ranking, starting with the most-researched model.

CR recommends them. 

What is a Consumer Reports recommended model? It's important to note that they all scored well in CR's road tests, have good reliability, have standard electronic stability control (ESC), and performed well in crash tests. Read my new Subaru safety tech report here to understand how these vehicles prioritize your safety and peace of mind. 

CR's 2021 model year 10 Most Popular 3-year-old Used SUVs and Truck. 

1. Honda CR-V
2. Toyota RAV4
3. Ford Escape
4. Subaru Forester
5. Toyota Highlander
6. Ford F-150
7. Ford Explorer
8. Chevrolet Equinox
9. Nissan Rogue
10. Subaru Outback

Note: It's important for shoppers to know that Subaru car prices have dropped (check out my report here) since the last CR report. It's reflected in the pricing below. 

What does CR say about the #4 2021 Subaru Forester?

• 2021 Subaru Forester
• Price Range:  $19,675 - $24,275
• Owner Reported MPG:  28 mpg

"This popular small SUV delivers a combination of roomy interior, excellent visibility, commendable fuel economy, simple controls, comfortable ride, and responsive handling. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, combined with the CVT, yielded 28 mpg overall, among the best in class at the time." 

"But acceleration isn't exhilarating, and the engine's noise isn't the most pleasant. The cabin is roomy, with a particularly generous rear seat and very easy access. The controls are simple to use, including the infotainment system. The EyeSight suite of forward collision warning and auto emergency braking was standard but didn't include blind spot or rear cross-traffic warning; try to find a model built with those two features."

What does CR say about the #10 2021 Subaru Outback?

• 2021 Subaru Outback 
• Price Range: $20,850 - $26,050
• Owner Reported MPG: 26 mpg

"The Outback wagon has a long-running reputation as a smart alternative to an SUV. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine does the job but can feel strained under stress. Thanks to its effortless acceleration, the 260-hp, 2.4-liter turbo engine transforms the wagon." 

"The ride is very comfortable, and handling is responsive and secure. However, some tasks through the large infotainment screen require more than one step. While the standard EyeSight system included forward collision warning and auto emergency braking, blind spot and rear cross-traffic warning were optional."

Why choose Forester or Outback?

1. The 2021 Forester and 2021 Outback retain their value better than all other SUVs and are the lowest-cost-to-own models in their category. 

2. KBB predicted the 2021 Forester's 5-year cost-to-own of $36,466 (including the purchase price), $3,307 less than the compact SUV segment average. Read my full report here.

3. KBB predicted the 2021 Outback's 5-year cost-to-own of $40,614 (including the purchase price), $7,924 less than the Two-Row SUV segment average. For more details, read my report here.

The 2021 Subaru Forester and Outback are the best used picks for a reason. They offer high value to shoppers, providing excellent fuel mileage, standard all-wheel drive, the highest safety crash scores, utility, and cargo-carrying ability, all at an affordable price. These unique features make them stand out among other SUVs.

There's more.

The Forester and Outback come with Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive technology, which provides superior all-weather and severe-weather performance. So, when the weather gets scary, you won't have to sit on the side of the road waiting for a tow. 

In addition to getting the highest road test scores, reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety, Subaru Forester and Outback have 8.7 inches of ground clearance and X-Mode for additional all-terrain performance.

What about you?

Are you researching a used or new Subaru Forester or Outback? Which one piques your interest? Let us know in the comments below.

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, and Facebook.

Photo credit: Subaru