Ditch Your Minivan, Buy A Subaru Outback Or Forester Instead

Should you buy a minivan? There are better alternatives if you need it for more than a commuter vehicle for hauling the kids to school and sports practice. Check out ten SUVs and two Subaru models that are top picks for the most active families.

Ditch your minivan, buy an SUV

Minivans aren't the only models that are great family haulers. U.S. News says there are plenty of SUVs that will not only meet but also exceed your needs. Consider the Subaru Forester and Outback, versatile vehicles that could be your best family vehicle choice.

This is not a hate on Minivans article, so don't send me any negative comments about how much you love your minivan. Better yet, tell me your comments, why you love your minivan, and which model and brand you drive. I'd like to know. 

So now, let's see why U.S. News says there are great family vehicles that aren't minivans. 

U.S. News says, "You'll find wagons, crossovers, and SUVs on our list, which is no surprise since those vehicles have risen in popularity as minivan alternatives. However, a few other vehicles worth considering may not meet a minivan's seating capacity but can potentially make up for it in other ways."

First, here's the list of the U.S. News' best SUVs to buy if you want something other than a minivan. Then, I'll explain why some families should take a serious look at the Subaru Forester compact SUV and Subaru Outback midsize SUV. 

I've listed the U.S. News Best SUVs to Buy if You Don't Want a Minivan from the bottom to the top pick. 

• 2025 Subaru Outback: Price: $28,895 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.0/10
• 2024 Kia Telluride: Price: $36,190 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.4/10
• 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe: Price: $33,950 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.3/10
• 2024 Mazda CX-90: Price: $37,845 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.1/10
• 2024 Audi A6 Allroad: Price: $69,300 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.3/10
• 2025 Rivian R1S: Price: $75,900 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.1/10
• 2025 Genesis GV80: Price: $57,700 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.0/10
• 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5: Price: $41,800 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.9/10
• 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Price: $36,800 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.8/10
• 2024 Kia EV9: Price: $54,900 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.8/10
• 2025 Subaru Forester: Price: $29,695 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.6/10
• 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L: Price: $40,035 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.9/10

What does U.S. News say about the 2025 Subaru Forester?

"If you don't need a minivan's three rows of seating, the Subaru Forester might be a solid pick for your family. Sure, it's smaller than most of the vehicles on this list, but this compact SUV has a boxy design that maximizes interior space. This Subaru is fully redesigned for the 2025 model year and now comes loaded with more standard safety features than ever before, plus it has standard all-wheel drive for confident commuting."

"The Forester's redesign improved both seating comfort and cargo space without significantly increasing its exterior dimensions. Standard cargo capacity checks in at 29.6 cubic feet, which is less than some competitors, but there's an impressive 74.4 cubes with the second row folded down."

Check out my 2025 Forester pricing and model guide here. 

What does U.S. News say about the 2025 Subaru Outback?

"Though the Subaru Outback lands at the bottom of our wagon rankings, that's mostly because its four classmates are luxury models. To alleviate the Outback's worst shortcomings, budget to upgrade both the infotainment system and the engine, and you'll still get a solid value with comfortable and practical accommodations for five."

"Aside from its affordability and general family-friendly vibe, the Outback earns its spot on the list thanks to its fantastic cargo capacity, which exceeds that of some small SUVs. It's cavernous back there, with 32.6 cubic feet behind the liftgate and a total of 75.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. It's also easy to maximize, thanks to its wide opening and low floor."

Check out my 2025 Outback pricing and model guide here.

Why should you consider buying a 2025 Subaru Forester or 2025 Subaru Outback?

First, Subaru is known for its standard Symmetrical all-wheel-drive tech on every model. The Forester and Outback can handle any severe weather you will encounter. Snow, ice, wet roads, deep sand, and mud are no problem for the SUVs. Your family will get home in a blizzard when other SUVs are stuck on the side of the road. 

Next, your family's safety is a top priority in the Forester and Outback. Both models come with Subaru's EyeSight driver assist safety tech on every trim level. The Forester and Outback are among the safest new models you can buy, and the Outback earned the Top Safety Pick award. The Forester should follow when the IIHS tests it. You can find out more about it in my report here.

The Forester and Outback have all the equipment you need for weekend family fun. Both have 8.7 inches of ground clearance, X-Model for severe weather performance, and dual-function X-Mode on some trims for all-terrain performance.

The Forester and Outback offer the rugged outdoor-themed Wilderness trim level with 9.2 and 9.5 inches of ground clearance and extra off-road upgrades for off-road adventures to get your family further off the grid. Read my Wilderness report here.

U.S. News says, "Minivans are fantastic. If you regularly need three rows of seating and tons of space, by all means, buy a minivan. There aren't many options for minivans these days, but those that have survived are great at what they do."

Conclusion:

The all-new next-generation 2025 Forester and new Outback are not only great family vehicles if you don't want a minivan, but they come with the automaker's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive, EyeSight safety tech and have superior all-weather and all-terrain performance capability. They'll get your family out of the city, further away from civilization.  

Tell me your comments, why you love your minivan, and which model and brand you drive. Please use the red 'Add new comment' link below. 

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