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CR’s 10 Recommended Fuel-Efficient Cars And SUVs And Subaru’s 2 Top Picks

Which are the most fuel-efficient cars and SUVs? Consumer Reports says two Subaru SUVs are among the best. Check out all ten models here before you buy.
2024 Subaru Forester, 2024 Subaru Crosstrek

Which are the ten most fuel-efficient cars and SUVs you can buy now? An updated ranking from Consumer Reports (by subscription) says the 2024 Subaru Forester and 2024 Subaru Crosstrek are the best compact SUV and subcompact SUV, respectively. 

I cover CR's report annually, and the two Forester and Crosstrek are consistently top picks for new small SUV shoppers. Here is why they are the best for shoppers this winter. In addition to being fuel-efficient, Consumer Reports recommends all ten models here because they score the highest in performance, reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety.

CR ranked the vehicles by how good a deal they were relative to the manufacturer's suggested retail price, using the percentage of savings from the sticker price. The top model represents the best deal.

Here are Consumer Reports 10 best 2024 model year fuel-efficient cars and SUVs recommended by Consumer Reports. 

  1. Toyota Crown
  2. Lexus ES Hybrid
  3. Kia EV6
  4. Kia Niro Electric
  5. BMW X1
  6. Hyundai Ioniq 6
  7. Subaru Forester
  8. Lexus UX
  9. Subaru Crosstrek
  10. Toyota Camry Hybrid

2024 Subaru Forester rear view in the snow

photo credit: Competition Subaru

What does CR say about the 2024 Subaru Forester?

  • Price Range:  $27,095 - $37,395
  • CR MPG:  Overall 28 / City 20 / Hwy 38 mpg
  • #1 of 29 Compact SUVs

2024 Subaru Forester Premium CVT

  • MSRP: $30,295
  • Average spent under MSRP: $288
  • Average transaction price: $30,007

CR says, "This popular compact SUV 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 continuously variable automatic transmission yields 28 mpg, among the best in class." 

"But acceleration isn't exhilarating, and the engine's noise isn't the most pleasant. The cabin is roomy, with a generous rear seat and easy access. The controls are simple, including an infotainment system compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay." 

2024 Subaru Crosstrek front view in the snow

photo credit: Competition Subaru

What does CR say about the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek?

  • Price Range:  $25,195 - $32,195
  • CR MPG:  Overall 29 / City 20 / Hwy 41 mpg
  • #1 of 13 Subcompact SUVs

2024 Subaru Crosstrek Premium CVT

  • MSRP: $26,345
  • Average spent under MSRP: $50
  • Average transaction price: $26,295

CR says, "The Crosstrek received several important updates for 2024. It's essentially a raised Impreza hatchback with a comfortable ride, standard all-wheel drive, and decent cargo room for the class. Responsive handling, mostly simple controls, and a practical—but not fancy—interior round out the package." 

"Acceleration from the standard 2.0-liter engine is tepid, and the engine can get loud, but it returned 29 mpg overall in our tests. The optional 2.5-liter has more oomph. The EyeSight driver assistance system is now standard and includes AEB with pedestrian detection, although BSW and RCTW are available only on higher trims."

MY TAKE

The 2024 Subaru Forester and 2024 Subaru Crosstrek are top choices for new SUV shoppers because, in addition to being fuel efficient, both models come with Subaru's excellent Symmetrical all-wheel-drive for winter-weather capability, 8.7 inches of ground clearance (and more on Wilderness trims), have X-Mode for severe weather performance and dual-function X-Mode on some trims for all-terrain capability. 

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

Consumer Reports says the 2024 Subaru Forester and 2024 Subaru Crosstrek are ranked the #1 compact SUV and the #1 subcompact SUV, respectively. 

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed the Subaru Forester and Crosstrek 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 Subaru Forester Wilderness Snow and Ice Off-Road Test

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: Competition Subaru 

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