CR’s 10 Small SUVs With The Most Cargo Room - Subaru Forester Is Only 5th Best

Which Compact SUVs have the most cargo space for your gear or luggage? The 2023 Subaru Forester does not have the most cargo and luggage room in the compact SUV segment but ranks in the top five of the ten best. But Forester is the best in another critical area. 

Active customers who carry sports equipment and camping gear have one best choice, the Subaru Forester Wilderness trim level. Among compact SUVs recommended by Consumer Reports (by subscription), the Forester and Forester Wilderness ranks fifth best overall for its cargo carrying ability.

According to the latest study from Consumer Reports, some compact SUVs have narrow, short, or oddly shaped rear hatch openings and need more usable space. It's not total cubic feet, but the volume enclosed by the SUV's rear box gives consumers a better idea of the cargo you can fit in the back and still get the hatch door closed.

The ten best compact SUVs with the most cargo space

CR scored the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid number one with 38.5 cubic feet of usable cargo space. The Kia Sportage is second with 38 cubic ft. The third best is the Honda CR-V Hybrid (37 cu ft), Nissan Rogue (36.5), Subaru Forester (36.5), Mazda CX-50 (34), Volkswagen Tiguan (33), Chevrolet Equinox (32), Mitsubishi Outlander (32), and Volkswagen Taos (31.5).

Last year, the 2022 Forester ranked third overall in cargo space. In the updated study, the Subaru Forester now has the fifth most functional cargo-carrying ability.

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CR says, "The popular Forester delivers a satisfying combination of a roomy interior, excellent visibility, commendable fuel economy, simple controls, a comfortable ride, and responsive handling. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder CVT returns 28 mpg overall in our tests, among the best in class."

CR has one thing against Forester. 

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CR says, "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. Given its boxy shape, there should be no surprise that the cargo room is impressive: we measured 36.5 cubic feet of space."

What sets the Forester apart from the competition?

The significant difference between the Forester and the compact SUV competition is that it comes standard with all-wheel-drive and X-Mode, which you won't pay extra for the all-weather, all-terrain features. In addition, Forester has 8.7 inches of ground clearance, gets the highest IIHS safety scores, it's fuel-efficient, and is fun to drive.

Subaru has the Forester Wilderness.

Forester has the outdoor-themed Wilderness trim level for those who want to get further away from civilization and off the grid. 

Forester Wilderness upgrades

Forester Wilderness has an advanced dual-function X-Mode, elevated 9.5-inch ground clearance, standard front and rear skid plates, and an upgraded suspension. 

Check Out This Related Story: Subaru’s 3 Hot Wilderness Trims Are Far From Equal And Which Is The Best For You

To make the Consumer Reports list, vehicles must also have active safety technology and get the highest safety scores. The 2023 Forester recently earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

What is the 2023 Forester price?

The 2023 Forester comes in six trim levels; The Base Forester starts at $27,620, Premium ($30,620), Sport ($32,190), Limited ($34,300), Wilderness ($35,245), and Touring ($37,720). Pricing includes dealer fees ($1,225).

Subaru touts the Forester for its standard all-wheel-drive, extra ground clearance, and "go-anywhere" capabilities. Consumer Reports says the 2023 Subaru Forester is among the top five compact SUVs for fitting all your gear in the back and offers near the most usable cargo volume.

The Forester Wilderness is the best pick to carry your sports equipment and camping gear, get off-road, and further off the grid. 

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Denis Flierl brings over thirty years of combined auto industry and automotive journalism experience to Torque News readers. He is an accredited Rocky Mountain Automotive Press (RMAP) member. The last twelve years have been spent with Torque News, covering Subaru vehicles and the latest news. Check back daily for his expert Subaru analysis. You'll find the latest stories on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

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