CR’s Best Small SUV Under $30K, Subaru Crosstrek Is the Top Performer

The Subaru Crosstrek is a hot pick.

I wrote recently that the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is the hottest new model in America. Cloud Theory revealed the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek had the most significant increase of vehicles sold to customers in the past 90 days in the U.S. of any model. They identified ten cars, SUVs, and trucks with the most considerable growth, and Crosstrek was number one. Read my report here for more information.

A new ranking from Consumer Reports (by subscription) says the Subaru Crosstrek is the best small SUV you can buy for under $30,000. 

Consumer Reports says, "It feels like forever, but after three years, automakers and their dealers have finally returned to "normal" levels of inventories."

Subaru has now increased its inventory levels for the remodeled Crosstrek and other new models. In my latest report, I covered the U.S. inventory levels. Check out my report here and what they mean for customers now. 

CR says they picked the Crosstrek as the best small SUV because of its attractive pricing and overall score, which factored in road-test performance, owner satisfaction, predicted reliability, and safety.

I've included the list of CR's best small SUV picks, starting with the top performer. 

The Subaru Crosstrek has been ranked as the best small SUV by Consumer Reports, beating out other popular models.

• CR’s #1 pick: Subaru Crosstrek

CR's next tier of top models:

• 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 Consumer Reports say about the Subaru Crosstrek?

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

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." 

"The optional 2.5-liter has more power and better acceleration. 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. The EyeSight driver assistance system is now standard and includes AEB with pedestrian detection, although blind spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning are available only on higher trims."

Subaru's excellent EyeSight driver assist safety technology is now standard on all Crosstrek trim levels. Find out more in my report here. 

What is the Crosstrek pricing?

The Crosstrek is available in five trim levels.

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

Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,345).

Who should check out the Crosstrek?

The Subaru Crosstrek is designed for the most active customers. The small SUV has 8.7 inches of ground clearance, Subaru's excellent Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, X-Mode for severe weather performance, and dual-function X-Mode for all-weather and all-terrain capability. 

If that's not enough…

Subaru now offers the rugged outdoor-themed Crosstrek Wilderness trim level. The Wilderness trim took the Crosstrek subcompact SUV to another level of off-road capability for outdoor enthusiasts. The Wilderness trim can go anywhere now with its rugged upgrades. Read my complete report here. 

There are now two Crosstrek engines to choose from. 

The 2024 Crosstrek Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trim levels come with the 2.5-liter Boxer engine and are manufactured in Subaru's U.S. plant at Subaru of Indiana Automotive. It produces 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. 

The standard 2.0-liter Boxer engine comes in the Crosstrek Base and Premium trims manufactured in Japan. It produces 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. 

What is the Crosstrek's fuel mileage?

The Crosstrek Base and Premium trim levels with the 2.0-liter Boxer engine get an EPA-estimated 27/34 city/highway mpg and 29 combined mpg.

The Crosstrek 2.5-liter Sport and Limited trim levels achieve an EPA-estimated 26/33 city/highway mpg and 29 combined mpg. 

The Crosstrek Wilderness trim level with the 2.5-liter Boxer engine gets an EPA-estimated 25/29 city/highway mpg and 27 combined mpg. 

The newly remodeled Subaru Crosstrek is a top performer with an affordable price, has a go-anywhere attitude, gets excellent fuel mileage, and is CR's recommended model for road-test performance, owner satisfaction, predicted reliability, and safety.

The Crosstrek is getting a new hybrid trim level soon. You can read my Crosstrek hybrid report here. 

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: Competition Subaru