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CR’s Most Popular New SUVs, Why Subaru’s 3 Hot Picks, Forester, Crosstrek, Outback Are Hard To Beat

Consumer Reports updated list of the most popular new SUVs includes three of Subaru's top models: the Forester, Crosstrek, and Outback. Check out the top 10 new SUVs and one car most researched by shoppers today. And why is Subaru the hottest?
2024 Subaru Forester

Why are the 2024 Subaru Forester, all-new Crosstrek, and aging Outback so popular with SUV shoppers? That's the question I will answer by looking at Consumer Reports (by subscription) updated list of the most popular new SUVs and cars. The ten vehicles here represent the top car model pages on CR.org. 

I cover the top picks every year, and in 2024, the top Subaru picks are the 2024 Subaru Forester compact SUV, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, and the 2024 Subaru Outback midsize SUV again. 

2024 Subaru Forester side view

Many of these models sit at the top of CR's vehicle rating charts because of their high Overall Score, which means they've scored well in their road tests, have good reliability, come with critical active safety features, and performed well in crash tests. That's what you are looking for in a new SUV.

Here are the ten most popular new cars and SUVs on CR.org. The vehicles are listed in order of popularity, with the most researched model at the top.

  1. Toyota RAV4
  2. Subaru Forester
  3. Honda CR-V
  4. Subaru Crosstrek
  5. Subaru Outback
  6. Mazda CX-5
  7. Toyota Highlander
  8. Lexus RX
  9. Toyota 4Runner
  10. Toyota Camry

The Subaru Forester, Crosstrek, and Outback are in the top five most popular picks today. Why are they so popular?

First, what does CR say about the number two most popular new SUV, the Subaru Forester?

"This popular compact SUV combines a roomy interior, excellent visibility, commendable fuel economy, simple controls, a comfortable ride, and responsive handling. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder combined with the continuously variable automatic transmission yields 28 mpg overall, among the best in class. 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 easy access. The controls are simple to use, including an infotainment system that's compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. While the standard active safety features include AEB with pedestrian detection and highway-speed AEB, BSW and RCTW aren't available on the base trim and are optional on the Premium trim; they're standard on the others."

For shoppers looking at the 2024 Subaru Forester, here is the pricing.

The 2024 Forester comes in six trim levels: The Base Forester starts at $28,190, Premium ($31,390), Sport ($32,960), Limited ($35,070), Wilderness ($36,015), and Touring ($38,490). Pricing includes destination and dealer fees ($1,295).

2024 Subaru Crosstrek front view

photo credit: Competition Subaru

What does CR say about the number four most popular new SUV, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek? 

"The Crosstrek received several important updates for 2024. It's still essentially a raised Impreza hatchback with a very comfortable ride, standard all-wheel drive, and decent cargo room for the class. Responsive handling, mostly simple controls, and a practical—but not fancy—interior round out the package." 

"Acceleration from the standard 2.0-liter engine is tepid, and the engine can get loud, but it returned 29 mpg overall in our tests. The optional 2.5-liter has more oomph. The EyeSight driver assistance system is now standard and includes AEB with pedestrian detection, although BSW and RCTW are available only on higher trims."

For shoppers looking at the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, here is the pricing.

For 2024, the Crosstrek is available in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trim levels and has a starting price of $26,290 (the same MSRP as the 2023 Base model equipped with the Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission).

The 2024 Crosstrek Premium has a starting price of $27,440, Sport ($30,290), and Limited ($32,190). Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,225). 

The Crosstrek Wilderness costs $33,290, including dealer destination and delivery fees ($1,295).

2024 Subaru Outback side view

photo credit: Competition Subaru

What does CR say about the number five most popular new SUV, the Subaru Outback? 

"Subaru's Outback is a smart alternative to an SUV. Although lower than a typical SUV, it can easily haul long items. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder does the job but can feel strained when quicker speed is needed. The optional 260-hp, 2.4-liter turbo engine transforms the wagon with effortless acceleration. The ride is very comfortable, and handling is responsive and secure." 

"Some tasks through the large infotainment screen require more than one step, but the system is slow to respond to inputs. Thoughtful details, such as built-in crossbars and a dual-position cargo cover, are nice touches. The Wilderness model has a higher ground clearance. All versions get the EyeSight safety suite with standard AEB with pedestrian detection and highway-speed AEB, but both BSW and RCTW are optional."

For shoppers looking at the 2024 Subaru Outback, here is the pricing.

For the 2024 model year, the Outback will be available in nine trim levels. The Base is priced at $30,190, Premium ($32,490), Onyx Edition ($37,400), Limited ($37,090), Touring ($41,640), Onyx Edition XT ($40,655), Wilderness ($41,255), Limited XT ($41,490), and Touring XT ($44,090). In addition, destination and delivery fees are included in the price above ($1,295).

MY TAKE

Subaru scores high in the Consumer Reports' most researched new models because they are the best value picks every year. That includes pricing, features, and resale value. But there's more.

All three SUVs come with Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive technology, providing superior all-weather and severe-weather performance. You won't be sitting on the side of the road waiting for a tow when the weather gets scary. 

In addition to getting the highest road test scores, reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety, Subaru Forester, Crosstrek, and Outback have 8.7 inches of ground clearance, they have X-Mode for additional all-terrain performance, and the 2024 Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek now have the rugged Wilderness trim levels for outdoor enthusiasts. There is something for everyone.

Consumer Reports says the 2024 Subaru Forester, remodeled 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, and 2024 Subaru Outback are now three of the nine most popular new SUVs representing CR.org's top car model pages. I'm not surprised.

This is the latest information regarding the Subaru Forester, Crosstrek, and Outback. Stay tuned, and I'll keep you updated with any new information.

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

What about you? Are you researching any new Subaru models? Which ones? Let us know in the comments below.

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed the most popular Subaru 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 2025 Subaru Forester World Premiere First Look

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

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