CR’s 9 Most Popular Used SUVs, Why Subaru Forester, Outback Are Your Best Picks Now

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What are the best used SUVs and trucks for shoppers? Consumer Reports announced the nine best. It's not a surprise that the list includes the 2021 Subaru Forester and 2021 Outback. Here's why I think they are the best.

Three-year-old SUVs are hot items because they are just coming off lease and should be low-mileage vehicles. From the Consumer Reports website, I will list its most popular 2021 model year vehicles and explain why the 2021 Subaru Forester and 2021 Outback are your best choices.

First, let's look at the ten 2021 model-year used vehicles that buyers search for most often on Consumer Reports (by subscription) website. I've listed the vehicles below in order of ranking, starting with the most-researched model.

It's important to note that they all scored well in CR's road tests, have good reliability, have standard electronic stability control (ESC), and performed well in crash tests. 

CR's 2021 model year 10 Most Popular 3-year-old Used SUVs and Truck. 

  1. Honda CR-V
  2. Toyota RAV4
  3. Subaru Forester
  4. Ford F-150
  5. Ford Escape
  6. Ford Explorer
  7. Toyota Highlander
  8. Subaru Outback
  9. Jeep Grand Cherokee
  10. Chevrolet Equinox

What does CR say about the 2021 Subaru Forester?

2021 Subaru Forester

"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, among the best in class at the time." 

"But acceleration isn't exhilarating, and the engine's noise isn't the most pleasant. The cabin is roomy, with a particularly generous rear seat and very easy access. The controls are simple to use, including the infotainment system. The EyeSight suite of forward collision warning and auto emergency braking was standard but didn't include blind spot or rear cross-traffic warning; try to find a model built with those two features."

2021 Subaru Outback 

  • Price Range:  $21,950 - $28,025
  • Owner Reported MPG: 26 mpg

"The Outback wagon has a long-running reputation as a smart alternative to an SUV. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine does the job but can feel strained under stress. Thanks to its effortless acceleration, the 260-hp, 2.4-liter turbo engine transforms the wagon." 

"The ride is very comfortable, and handling is responsive and secure. However, some tasks through the large infotainment screen require more than one step. While the standard EyeSight system included forward collision warning and auto emergency braking, blind spot and rear cross-traffic warning were optional."

MY TAKE

I think the 2021 Forester and Outback are the best choice for used SUV shoppers for several reasons:

1. The 2021 Forester and 2021 Outback retain their value better than all other SUVs and are the lowest-cost-to-own models in their category. 

2. KBB predicted the 2021 Forester's 5-year cost-to-own of $36,466 (including the purchase price), which is $3,307 less than the compact SUV segment average.

3. KBB predicted the 2021 Outback's 5-year cost-to-own of $40,614 (including the purchase price), $7,924 less than the Two-Row SUV segment average.

4. The Subaru Forester compact SUV and Outback wagon/crossover are the best picks of 2021 because they offer shoppers high value. They both provide excellent fuel mileage, standard all-wheel drive, the highest safety crash scores, utility, and cargo-carrying ability, and both are affordable.

CR says both Forester and Outback are picked for exceptional performance in reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety. 

This is the latest information regarding a used Subaru Forester and Outback. I'll keep you updated with any new information.

Until then, visit torquenews.com/subaru regularly and bookmark the page for my latest updates.

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed the used Subaru Forester and Outback 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 Outback | Review & 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: Subaru USA