CR’s 13 Most Reliable 3-Year-Old Small SUVs, Says 2 Subarus Hit The Sweet Spot

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What are the best 3-year-old small SUVs you can buy now? Consumer Reports says the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek and 2021 Subaru Forester are top picks. Here's why they are the best.

If you are shopping for a used small SUV, which are the best models? I continually cover the top 3-year-old model rankings and keep customers informed. A new updated ranking by Consumer Reports (by subscription) lists the top models they recommend. There are eight mainstream (non-luxury) and five luxury brand picks. 

How does Consumer Reports determine the best picks?  

CR lists the most reliable 3-year-old cars and SUVs they've identified based on its Annual Auto Surveys of Consumer Reports members. CR also says they are reliable, perform well in road tests, are fuel efficient, and come with the latest safety systems, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assistance, which are optional or standard. 

CR's top 3-year-old small, non-luxury SUVs are listed in the manufacturer's alphabetical order.

  • 2021 Honda CR-V
  • 2021 Honda HR-V
  • 2021 Hyundai Tucson
  • 2021 Kia Sportage
  • 2021 Mazda CX-5
  • 2021 Subaru Crosstrek
  • 2021 Subaru Forester
  • 2021 Toyota RAV4

CR's top 3-year-old small luxury SUVs are listed in the manufacturer's alphabetical order.

  • 2021 Acura RDX
  • 2021 BMW X3
  • 2021 Lexus NX
  • 2021 Lexus UX
  • 2021 Volvo XC40 

What does CR say about the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek?

  • Price Range: $19,625 - $27,925
  • Owner Reported MPG: 29 mpg

CR says, "The Crosstrek is Subaru's pseudo-SUV; it's essentially an Impreza hatchback with a raised ride height and some rugged visual cues. Because it's based on the already good Impreza, it has that model's smooth ride, good fuel mileage, and roomy rear seat." 

"The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is mated to a CVT and returned 29 mpg overall, which is quite good. The seats are short on lumbar support. The infotainment system is easy to use. FCW and AEB were standard with the automatic transmission but not offered with the manual, while BSW and RCTW were optional on all versions."

What does CR say about the 2021 Subaru Forester?

  • Price Range: $21,100 - $26,475
  • Owner Reported MPG: 28 mpg

CR says, "This popular small SUV delivers a combination of roomy interior, excellent visibility, commendable fuel economy, simple controls, comfortable ride, and responsive handling. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, combined with the CVT, yielded 28 mpg overall, which is among the best in class at the time for a nonhybrid." 

"But acceleration isn't exhilarating, and the engine's noise isn't pleasant. The cabin is roomy, with a generous rear seat and easy access. The controls are simple to use, including the infotainment system. While FCW and AEB were standard, both BSW or RCTW were optional, so try to find a model built with those two features."

My Take 

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek and the 2021 Subaru Forester have added features for active customers you won't find on the other small SUVs listed above by Consumer Reports. All 2021 Crosstrek and Forester trim levels come with 8-7 inches of ground clearance, Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system for all-weather capability, X-Mode for severe winter capability, and dual-function X-Mode on some trim levels for all-terrain capability. 

Another area where the Crosstrek and Forester shine is they achieved the top safety scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Cosstrek earned a Top Safety Pick award, and the Forester was a Top Safety Pick+ winner.

What are the best 3-year-old small SUVs you can buy this winter? Consumer Reports says the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek and 2021 Subaru Forester are among the top picks. I say for adventurous customers they are the best this winter. 

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this 3-year-old 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 2021 Subaru Forester Review // It's all about utility

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: main image Competition Subaru