CR’s 13 Most Reliable, Fuel-Stingy New Compact SUVs And Subaru’s 2 Top Picks

What are the best compact SUVs you can buy now? Consumer Reports says there are thirteen they recommend, and two Subaru models are the best.

What are the most reliable and fuel-efficient compact SUVs for new model shoppers? An updated ranking from Consumer Reports (by subscription) reveals there are thirteen that they recommend and are worthy of your consideration. 

Recently, I covered the best compact SUVs with standard safety tech. CR now has an updated, most reliable, and fuel-stingy compact SUV report from a ranking I covered last year. CR says two Subaru models move to the top of all the best picks this year: The 2024 Subaru Forester and the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek. 

Consumer Reports says they are all 2024 model-year compact SUVs and are ranked here as the top picks, and none have poor reliability, low owner satisfaction, or missing safety features. They are listed in order of their Overall Score.  

CR also identified whether or not they come with standard automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, AEB that works at highway speeds, blind spot warning (BSW), and rear cross-traffic warning (RCTW).

CR's 13 Most Reliable, Fuel-Stingy Compact SUVs

1. Subaru Forester 
2. Subaru Crosstrek 
3. Toyota RAV4 Prime
4. Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
5. Honda CR-V Hybrid
6. Lexus NX Hybrid
7. Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
8. Kia Sportage Hybrid
9. BMW X1
10. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
11. Lexus UX
12. Ford Escape Hybrid
13. Kia Seltos

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

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

"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 returned 28 mpg overall in our tests, among the best in class. But acceleration isn't exhilarating, and the engine's noise isn't the most pleasant. The cabin has a particularly generous rear seat and very easy access. Though AEB with pedestrian detection and highway speed AEB are standard, BSW and RCTW remain optional."

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

• Price Range: $25,195 - $32,195
• CR MPG:  Overall 29 / City 20 / Highway 41 mpg
• #1 of 14 Subcompact SUVs

CR says, "The Crosstrek got an evolutionary redesign for 2024. It's still essentially a raised Impreza hatchback with a 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. The newly optional power driver's 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 Forester and Crosstrek compact SUVs have features the other compact SUVs listed by CR don't have. They 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, 8.7 inches of ground clearance (9.2 inches on Forester Wilderness, 9.3 inches on Crosstrek Wilderness), and X-Mode for severe weather safety. Sport and Wilderness trim levels come with dual-function X-Mode for all-terrain capability.

In a previous report, I covered why the Forester and Crosstrek are the best compact SUVs with active safety features. The Forester achieved the Top Safety Pick+ and Crosstrek the Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). 

Shoppers looking for the most reliable and fuel-efficient compact SUVs should check out the 2024 Subaru Forester and 2024 Subaru Crosstrek. Consumer Reports says they are your #1 and #2 best picks this year. 

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

• The New Subaru Baja Wilderness You’ll Want To Play In The Snow With This Winter
• New Subaru Model Reliability Ranked Best To Worst, One Stands Above The Rest
• Subaru’s Two Hardest To Find Models In 2024

Watch 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Trim Levels Explained: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Wilderness

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 Tucson Subaru