CR’s Best New Small SUV, Subaru Crosstrek The Best Of 10

There's good, and there's the best. 

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek isn't just good; it's the best. That's what Consumer Reports (by subscription) says in a new ranking of the top small SUVs you can buy now for under $30,000. 

It's more than affordability. 

Consumer Reports says, "To assist bargain hunters, we've assembled a list of the best new cars and SUVs under $30,000 based on their Overall Score, factoring in road-test performance, owner satisfaction, predicted reliability, and safety."

I'll give you Crosstrek's score in each area, but first, I've listed the small SUVs that meet CR's criteria. It's important to note that the Subaru Crosstrek is the best. 

CR says, "All vehicles below have met the stringent performance, reliability, and safety requirements necessary to earn CR's recommendation." 

It's the Subaru Crosstrek, then there's the rest. CR says, "The well-rounded Crosstrek is currently the highest-scoring subcompact SUV."

• #1 Subaru Crosstrek 

Then there's the rest.

• Chevrolet Equinox
• Honda HR-V
• Hyundai Tucson
• Kia Seltos
• Kia Sportage
• Mazda CX-30
• Nissan Rogue
• Toyota Corolla Cross
• Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

What does CR say about the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek?

• Price Range: $25,195 - $32,195
• CR MPG: Overall 29 / City 20 / Highway 41 mpg
• #1 of 11 Subcompact SUVs

"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. The optional 2.5-liter has more power and better acceleration. Engine noise is pronounced when full power is needed, 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. The EyeSight driver assistance system is now standard. It includes auto emergency braking with pedestrian detection, although blind spot and rear-cross traffic warnings are available only on higher trims."

Note: The Subaru Crosstrek is not a raised Impreza hatchback.

• Impreza sits 5.1 inches off the ground, and Crosstrek has 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Crosstrek and Impreza ride on the same Subaru Global Platform and share many chassis parts. Still, the Crosstrek has a very different suspension and additional features like X-Mode for severe weather, which the Impreza lacks.
• Crosstrek adds X-Mode for severe weather, but the Impreza does not. Crosstrek is ideally suited for venturing off the beaten path. The Wilderness trim on the Crosstrek offers even more ground clearance (9.3 inches) and other upgrades. 
• Crosstrek Wilderness trims have all-terrain tires and, like the Crosstrek Sport and Limited, a more advanced dual-function X-mode for more extreme conditions, such as deep snow, deep sand, and mud. Impreza lacks all those features. Read more on the differences between the two models in my report here. 

What are Crosstrek's Overall CR Score, road-test performance, owner satisfaction, predicted reliability, and safety scores?

• Overall Score - 87
• Road-test performance - 82
• Owner satisfaction - 4/5
• Predicted reliability - 99
• Safety score - IIHS Top Safety Pick

What are the Crosstrek trim levels and pricing?

The Crosstrek is available in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trim levels. Prices include destination and delivery fees ($1,345).

• The Base model starts at $26,540
• Premium $28,085 
• Sport $30,935
• Limited $32,440 
• Wilderness $33,540 

Consumer Reports recommends two other top models under $30,000 if you are looking for a small or midsize car. 

Consumer Reports' best small car is the 2024 Toyota Prius.

• Price Range: $27,950 - $36,365
• CR MPG: Overall 51 / City 40 / Highway 59 mpg
• #2 of 18 Compact cars

Consumer Reports best midsize car is the 2025 Subaru Legacy.

• Price Range: $24,895 - $38,195
• CR MPG: Overall 28 / City 19 / Highway 39 mpg
• #4 of 12 Midsized cars

It's important to note that the 2025 Subaru Legacy is discontinued after the 2025 model year. You can find out more about it in my report here.

I'll answer more questions for Crosstrek shoppers.

Should you choose the Base or Premium trim levels with the 2.0-liter Boxer engine or the Sport, Limited, or Wilderness trim with the 2.5-liter engine? 

The 2.0-liter engine in the Base and Premium trim levels is ideal for city driving. It has 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. The 2.0-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 27/34 city/highway mpg and 29 combined mpg.

The 2.5-liter engine in the Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trim levels is ideal for those who want more power for carrying extra cargo or if you live in an area with mountains to climb.

The 2024 Crosstrek 2.5-liter Boxer engine has 182 horsepower and 178 lb.-ft. of torque. The 2.5-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 26/33 city/highway mpg and 29 combined mpg. Wilderness gets 25/29 city/highway mpg and 27 combined mpg.

If you'll use the Crosstrek for commuting and occasionally take trips out of the city, the 2.0-liter engine is more than capable.

For those with an active lifestyle, the Crosstrek is a versatile companion. Whether you're commuting or taking trips out of the city, the 2.0-liter engine is more than capable. If you're venturing into the mountains, carrying extra cargo, or going off-road, the Sport and Limited trims are excellent choices. And if you're looking to get further off the grid or tow a small trailer, the Wilderness trim is the best model for you. 

Note: There is one trim level you should avoid. 

The next-generation 2024 Crosstrek is an excellent small SUV, but the Base trim level fails to meet the high standards you may have for this subcompact SUV. I would recommend you not buy the Crosstrek Base trim level. You can find out more about it in my report here. 

Conclusion: 

Consumer Reports says the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is their top choice for small SUV buyers under $30,000. There's a lot to like, especially if you have an active lifestyle. 

Why are you looking at the new 2024 Crosstrek? Click the red 'Add new comment' link below and let us know. 

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Writer since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Subaru North Orlando