How Subaru Forester Reliability Stacks Up Against The Competition

What are the most reliable new compact SUVs you can buy this winter? I cover the latest Subaru reliability reports, and here's a recent one from U.S. News: The most reliable new small SUVs. The 2024 Subaru Forester gets a high ranking and is considered one of the best. Check out the scores below. 

How does U.S. News Autos determine which are the most reliable new small SUVs?

photo credit: Tucson Subaru

They rely on J.D. Power, which evaluates vehicles for their predicted reliability, using a scale with a top score of 100. A score of 91-100 is considered Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average, and 0-69 is Fair, considered below average.

If you're looking for a small, dependable SUV, these 14 models have the highest predicted reliability scores among compact and subcompact SUVs. Each one has a J.D. Power score in the 80s or above. U.S. News ranked the SUVs based on each model's predicted reliability score, from lowest to highest; in ties, the model with the lower base price ranked higher on the list.

photo credit: Tucson Subaru

The Most Reliable Small SUVs

Small SUVs with a reliability score of 84

• 2024 Subaru Forester - Reliability Score: 84/100 | $27,095
• 2024 Genesis GV70 - Reliability Score: 84/100 | $45,150
• 2023 Porsche Macan - Reliability Score: 84/100 | $57,500
• 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer - Reliability Score: 84/100 | $22,100
• 2024 Jeep Wrangler - Reliability Score: 84/100 | $31,995

Small SUVs with a reliability score of 85

• 2023 Alfa Romeo Stelvio - Reliability Score: 85/100 | $46,575
• 2023 Hyundai Venue - Reliability Score: 85/100 | $19,800
• 2024 BMW X4 - Reliability Score: 85/100 | $55,000
• 2023 Cadillac XT4 - Reliability Score: 85/100 | $37,490

Small SUVs with a reliability score of 87

• 2024 Buick Encore GX - Reliability Score: 87/100 | $25,900
• 2024 Kia Seltos - Reliability Score: 87/100 | $24,390
• 2024 Kia Soul - Reliability Score: 87/100 | $19,990

Small SUV with a reliability score of 88

• 2024 GMC Terrain - Reliability Score: 88/100 | $28,700

Small SUV with a reliability score of 90

• 2024 Chevrolet Equinox - Reliability Score: 90/100 | $26,600

As you can see, all the small SUVs on the list fall in the 81-90 reliability scores, considered "Great," according to J.D. Power. The 2024 Subaru Forester, with 84 points, is among the best small SUVs in reliability. 

Head to Head 2024 Subaru Forester Vs. 2024 Toyota RAV4 And the Winner Is..@SubaruReport @torquenewsauto#subaru #forester #subaruforesterhttps://t.co/6e6jrRBnWZ
— Denis Flierl (@DenisFlierl) November 24, 2023

What does U.S. News Autos say about the 2024 Subaru Forester?

"The Subaru Forester is a small SUV with a relatively affordable price tag and standard all-wheel drive. Considering this SUV's compact footprint, its cabin is surprisingly spacious, with nicely padded front seats and rear seats with enough head- and legroom to make taller passengers feel at ease." 

"The Forester's suspension keeps the ride quality smooth. Also, this SUV returns strong fuel economy, so it's a good choice if you want to save money on gas."

What does Consumer Reports say about the 2024 Subaru Forester?

Consumer Reports 10 Most Reliable Cars - It’s The Subaru Forester Again @DenisFlierl @AllSubaru @torquenewsauto#subaru #forester #subaruforesterhttps://t.co/X57o5JPmiY
— Subaru Report (@SubaruReport) November 29, 2023

I cover the Consumer Reports' reliability scores annually. The updated ranking from Consumer Reports (by subscription) says the Subaru Forester compact SUV scores very high. CR's 10 Most Reliable Cars annual results have the 2024 Forester a top ten pick again.

My Take

The 2024 Subaru Forester is one of the most reliable new small SUVs you can buy now. What sets the Forester apart from the other models on the list is its all-weather, severe weather, and all-terrain capability. 

For the most active customers who live in cold climates and will use their small SUV for more than a commuter vehicle or grocery hauler, the 2024 Subaru Forester is the top choice. Choose the Forester Wilderness trim level to escape civilization and further off the grid. 

Don't Let The New Subaru Forester's Boxy Look Fool You - 4 Secret Changes @SubaruReport @torquenewsauto#subaru #forester #subaruforester #forester2025https://t.co/QmCneOWemf
— Denis Flierl (@DenisFlierl) January 20, 2024

Check out what's coming next for the next-generation 2025 Subaru Forester. 

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this Subaru Forester reliability results 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

• CR’s 13 Most Reliable 3-Year-Old Small SUVs, Says 2 Subarus Hit The Sweet Spot
• To Finish The Year Subaru Now Has 8 Big Winners, And Then There’s One Black Sheep
• The 6 Best Small SUVs For The Money, Subaru’s 2 Picks And One That’s Missing

Watch Subaru Forester Wilderness Off-Road Mud and Rock 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: Tucson Subaru