CR’s 10 Most Reliable Fuel-Stingy Used Compact SUVs And Subaru’s 3 Winning Picks

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Which are the best compact SUVs for used car shoppers? Check out the top ten and why Subaru's three models are your best picks this winter.

Which are the best small SUVs for used car shoppers for about $20,000? An updated ranking from Consumer Reports (by subscription) says the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek, 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid, and 2019 Forester are among the top picks. Keep reading, and I will explain why they're your best choice among the top 10 models.

The vehicles listed below performed well in the Consumer Report's road tests when they were new and had average or above-average reliability, according to our surveys of CR members. They are recommended because they are reliable and affordable, and many are equipped with active safety features, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot warning.

These SUVs are also recent enough that their performance in CR's tests, such as acceleration, braking, and fuel economy, is on par with brand-new models. And each one returned 26 mpg or better in our tests.

The vehicles listed below are ranked within their category based on their fuel economy results from CR's tests when they were new. All are 5-year-old 2019 model-year vehicles.

CR's Reliable, Most Fuel-Efficient Used Subcompact SUVs

  1. Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
  2. Honda HR-V
  3. Subaru Crosstrek
  4. Toyota C-HR
  5. Mazda CX-3

CR's Reliable, Most Fuel-Efficient Used Compact SUVs

  1. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  2. Chevrolet Equinox
  3. Honda CR-V
  4. Subaru Forester
  5. Toyota RAV4

What does CR say about the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid?

  • Price Range:  $17,175 - $22,500
  • Owner Reported MPG:  39 mpg

"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 didn't make it 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."

What does CR say about the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek?

  • Price Range:  $17,175 - $22,500
  • Owner Reported MPG:  29 mpg

"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."

What does CR say about the 2019 Subaru Forester?

  • Price Range:  $17,450 - $21,400
  • Owner Reported MPG:  28 mpg

"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 agile and responsive. Interior furnishings are fairly basic, and the cabin can be noisy. Fortunately, the controls are mostly straightforward to reach. FCW and AEB were standard, but BSW was only optional, part of the all-weather package."

MY TAKE

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek, Crosstrek Hybrid, and 2019 Forester are a top choice for used SUV shoppers because, in addition to being fuel efficient, the small SUVs come with Subaru's excellent Symmetrical all-wheel-drive for winter-weather capability, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, has X-Mode for severe weather performance and dual-function X-Mode on some trims for all-terrain capability. 

The Crosstrek and Forester are designed for the most active customers who want to avoid sitting home on the weekends when the snow flies. All three Subaru models are the best small SUVs for outdoor enthusiasts. 

Consumer Reports says the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek, Crosstrek Hybrid, and 2019 Forester are among the best small, used SUVs. I say they are the best. 

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

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

My Must-Read Top Picks

Watch 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid First Impressions; Audience Questions | Talking Cars

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