What are the ten most reliable cars you can buy now? Consumer Reports' annual surveys reveal one Subaru SUV continues to shine for reliability. Find out why the Forester is a top pick again.
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What is the most reliable Subaru model you can buy? An updated survey from Consumer Reports (by subscription) says it's the Subaru Forester compact SUV again. CR released its 10 Most Reliable Cars annual results, and the Forester, a beacon of reliability, stands out among the rest.
Before I explain why the Subaru Forester makes the CR list again, here are the top ten picks.
Consumer Reports gathers auto-reliability data through online questionnaires sent to its members. The Subaru Forester's consistent presence in the top ten picks is a testament to its reliability, as it has been a reliable choice for consumers over the years.
CR says," Purchasing a car is a long-term investment, with the expectation that it will provide dependable transportation for the long haul. But as Consumer Reports' latest auto surveys show, not all cars can fulfill that promise."
Consumer Reports 10 Most Reliable Cars and Their Score. All are 2024 model year vehicles.
- Toyota 4Runner (87)
- Toyota Camry Hybrid (87)
- Toyota Camry (86)
- Toyota RAV4 Prime (84)
- BMW X5 (82)
- Subaru Forester (82)
- Toyota RAV4 (80)
- Acura RDX (80)
- Toyota Corolla (77)
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid (75)
What does Consumer Reports say about the 2024 Subaru Forester?
- Price Range: $27,095 - $37,395
- CR MPG: Overall 28 / City 20 / Hwy 38 mpg
- The Forester is ranked the #2 of 31 Compact SUVs by CR.
CR says, "The Forester's strengths are its fuel economy, roomy interior, excellent outward visibility, and easy-to-use controls."
What is the 2024 Forester fuel mileage?
The 2024 Subaru Forester, with its standard all-wheel drive, boasts an EPA-estimated 26/33 city/highway mpg and 29 combined mpg, making it a fuel-efficient choice for the discerning consumer.
All 2024 Forester trims come standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque.
What is the price of the 2024 Subaru Forester?
All 2024 Forester trim levels increased by $770 in price, including dealer fees. 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).
What sets the Forester apart from CR's other reliable models?
All Forester compact SUV trims come with Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive, X-Mode with hill-descent control, 8.7 inches of ground clearance (9.2 inches for Wilderness), and the next-generation EyeSight driver-assist safety technology.
The Forester's dual-function X-Mode, which includes the added Deep Snow/Deep Mud setting, enhances its off-road capabilities. This feature, along with the Sport and Wilderness trim levels, makes the 2024 Forester a great choice for those who enjoy off-road adventures.
Forester reliability.
The Forester is in its last year of the fifth-generation life cycle, which means it will likely have fewer problems than a newly remodeled 2025 Forester.
Whenever an automaker launches a new generation model, "bugs" must be worked out. The latest models are typically only the most reliable once they've been out for a year or two. I will look for any potential problem areas and report them here.
Will the 2025 Forester be as reliable?
The 2025 Forester is expected to be more reliable than most new car launches. The reason is the Forester's previous reliability record, but we won't know for another year or two. Read my Forester reliability report here.
Time is running out.
The fifth-generation 2024 Forester compact SUV is nearly gone, and if you want one, you need to act quickly. Check my report here for more details.
As of July 17, CarsDirect says, "Inventory data indicates that the 2024 Subaru Forester is already sold out at most dealerships. While there are 9,400 listings nationally, only 950 are for the 2024 model year."
Check with your local Subaru dealership first to see if any remaining 2024 model-year Foresters are available. If not, they may be able to locate one for you locally or ship one in from a neighboring state.
2025 Forester is here now.
Shoppers looking to lease a Forester will find the 2025 Forester is a better deal than the outgoing 2024 model. When you consider the upgrades that the automaker made for the 2025 model year Forester, it's worthy of your consideration.
CarsDirect says the 2025 Subaru Forester can be leased for $329 monthly for 36 months, with $3,229 due at signing.
The Subaru Forester is an annual top pick by Consumer Reports based on the latest yearly auto surveys for reliability. CR says they predict Forester will give owners fewer problems than its competitors. Compact SUV shoppers should check out the Forester.
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: Competition Subaru
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