CR’s 12 Best Compact SUVs For Safety Tech - Says Subaru Has The Top 2 Picks

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What are the best compact SUVs with standard safety tech? Consumer Reports says Subaru has the two top picks from $25,000 to $35,000. Check the updated report here.

You know I cover the best compact SUVs with active safety systems if you have read my reports. What are the best 2024 model-year compact SUVs with standard safety tech from $25,000 to $35,000? An updated Consumer Reports (CR) ranking (by subscription) says the 2024 Subaru Forester and the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek are the two best choices for compact SUV shoppers in 2024.

Here is CR's list of compact SUVs that cost $25,000 to $35,000 and have standard Auto Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection and AEB that operates at highway speeds. Many of them also have standard blind spot warning and rear-cross-traffic warning. All 2024 model-year compact SUVs below are recommended by CR and are listed in order of their Overall Score.

  1. Subaru Forester
  2. Subaru Crosstrek
  3. Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
  4. Honda CR-V Hybrid
  5. Toyota Corolla Cross
  6. Kia Sportage Hybrid
  7. Mitsubishi Outlander 
  8. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  9. Mazda CX-5 
  10. Honda HR-V
  11. Nissan Rogue
  12. Ford Escape Hybrid

What does CR say about the #1 ranked 2024 Subaru Forester?

Standard Safety Systems

  • AEB with pedestrian detection
  • Highway speed AEB

CR says, "The Forester is a well-executed, no-nonsense small SUV with a comfortable and supple ride, responsive steering, and well-controlled body lean around corners. The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine provides plenty of power to pass and merge successfully, and fuel economy is impressive at 28 mpg overall. But Subaru makes BSW and RCTW optional on the Premium trim level and above, though they aren't available on the base trim."

What does CR say about the #2 ranked 2024 Subaru Crosstrek?

Standard Safety Systems

  • AEB with pedestrian detection
  • Highway speed AEB

CR says, "The Crosstrek got an evolutionary redesign for 2024. It's still essentially a raised Impreza hatchback with a very comfortable ride and standard all-wheel drive. Acceleration from the standard 2.0-liter engine is leisurely, and we got 29 mpg overall in our tests. When full power is needed, engine noise is pronounced, but the sound isn't a deal breaker. Responsive handling, user-friendly controls, and a practical interior round out the package." 

"Paddle shifters by the steering wheel allow convenient engine braking in mountainous environments. The newly optional driver power seat with adjustable lumbar support is a major upgrade. BSW and RCTW are unavailable on the base trim; they're optional on the Premium and Sport and standard on the rest of the line."

My Take

The Subaru models won't leave you stranded in a snowstorm or blizzard this winter. 

The 2024 Subaru Forester and 2024 Subaru Crosstrek come standard with Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system for all-weather capability and X-Mode for severe weather safety. Sport and Wilderness trim levels come with dual-function X-Mode for all-terrain capability.

The Forester and Crosstrek also get the Top Safety Pick+ and Top Safety Pick scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).  

Shoppers looking for the safest compact SUV and subcompact SUV should check out the 2024 Subaru Forester and 2024 Subaru Crosstrek. Consumer Reports says they are your #1 and #2 best picks this winter.  

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed the Subaru Forester and Subaru Crosstrek safety tech 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 the 10 NEW Features on the 2025 Subaru Forester - 2024 vs 2025

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