M/T Says Subaru Outback, Crosstrek, Ascent Are The Best New SUVs You Can Buy

Subaru announced Motor Trend had awarded three of its SUVs the number one rating, and another SUV the number two overall rating in its Best SUVs scores. The 2022 Subaru Outback, 2022 Crosstrek, and 2022 Ascent are picking up more awards. Check out the complete list of the M/T Best SUVs here.

M/T says they rate the SUVs using the same factors you do, including how they drive, interior space, fuel efficiency, technology, design innovation, value, and safety.

The Best Subcompact SUVs

The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek scores number one of twenty-three in subcompact SUVs with an M/T score of 9.3. M/T says the pros are solid off-road capability, top safety scores, and the Crosstrek is comfortable and fun to drive. The cons are the base engine lacks power, unimpressive tech on basic trims, and the manual transmission's efficiency penalty.

What is the price of the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek?

The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek comes in five trim levels for customers. The base trim is priced from $23,570, Premium ($24,720), Sport ($27,920), Limited ($29,420) and Crosstrek Hybrid ($37,895). Prices include destination and delivery fees ($1,125).

What is the fuel mileage of the 2022 Crosstrek?

The Subaru Crosstrek uses direct injection on its new 2.5-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine and gets 27/34 city/highway mpg and 29 combined mpg. The 2.0-liter engine with the 6-speed standard transmission gets an estimated 22/29 city/highway mpg and 25 combined mpg. The 2.0-liter engine gets 28/33 mpg and 30 combined mpg with the CVT automatic, contributing to better mileage. The EPA did not have information on the 2022 Crosstrek Hybrid.

photo credit: Competition Subaru

The Best Compact SUVs

M/T says the 2022 Subaru Forester is the number two best compact SUV among thirteen models. M/T says, "The Forester'sForester's engine and transmission might not inspire awe, but a spacious interior, comfortable ride, excellent fuel efficiency and range, and strong value rating make it a wise pick in a competitive segment."

The 2022 Subaru Forester pros are a spacious interior, comfortable ride, and excellent visibility. The cons are underpowered engine, intrusive DriverFocus system, and numb steering.

What is the price of the 2022 Subaru Forester?

For the 2022 model change Forester comes in six trim levels; The base Forester starts at $26,320, Premium ($29,320), Sport ($30,890), Limited ($33,000), new Wilderness ($33,945), and Touring ($36,420). Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,125).

What is the fuel mileage of the 2022 Forester?

Consumer Reports ranks the Forester as one of the ten most fuel-stingy non-hybrid SUVs. The 2022 Forester gets an EPA estimated 26/33 city/highway mpg and 29 combined mpg. The EPA rated the new Forester Wilderness with an estimated 25/28 city/highway mpg and 26 combined mpg.

The Best Midsize SUVs

The 2022 Subaru Outback scores number one of eleven in midsize SUVs with an M/T score of 8.7. M/T says the pros are a smooth ride, it's more rugged than you think, and it comes with standard all-wheel-drive. The cons are the infotainment system could be more intuitive, and the CVT automatic tuning on XT models.

What is the price of the 2022 Subaru Outback?

The 2022 Outback comes in eight trim levels; the base trim is priced from $27,845, Premium ($30,270), Limited ($34,720), Touring ($38,620), Onyx Edition XT ($36,270), new for 2022, Outback Wilderness ($38,120), Limited XT ($39,120), and Touring XT ($41,070). Pricing includes $1,125 destination and delivery fees.

What is the fuel mileage of the 2022 Outback?

The EPA says the new Outback Wilderness gets an estimated 22/26 city/highway mpg and 24 combined mpg. The 2022 Outback XT with the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine gets an EPA estimated 23/30 city/highway mpg and 26 combined mpg.

The 2022 Subaru Outback with the non-turbocharged 2.5-liter Boxer engine gets an estimated 26/33 city/highway mpg and 29 combined mpg.

The Best 3-Row SUVs

The 2022 Subaru Ascent scores number one of twelve in 3-Row SUVs with an M/T score of 9.0. M/T says the pros are a strong engine, sliding second-row seats, and off-road capability. The cons are bland exterior design, small third row, and the base trims 6.5-inch touchscreen.

M/T says, "The three-row SUV offers plenty of cargo space, seating for seven to eight passengers (depending on the configuration), and a whopping 19 cupholders. The Ascent is a competitive player in its segment keeps more established rivals such as the Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, and Toyota Highlander on their toes."

What is the price of the 2022 Subaru Ascent?

The 2022 Subaru Ascent base starts at $33,420, and Premium trims begin at $35,920. The new Ascent Onyx Edition starts at $39,120. The upper Limited starts at $40,720, and the top-trim Touring has a starting MSRP of $46,570. Pricing includes destination fees.

What is the fuel mileage of the 2022 Ascent?

The 2021 Subaru Ascent base and Premium trim levels get an EPA estimated 21/27 city/highway mpg and 23 combined mpg. Because they are slightly heavier, the Ascent Limited and Touring trim levels get an EPA estimated 20/26 city/highway mpg and 22 combined mpg.

The 2022 Subaru Outback, 2022 Crosstrek, and 2022 Ascent are picking up more Best SUV awards. Subaru announced Motor Trend had awarded the three SUVs the number one rating, and the 2022 Subaru Forester SUV is the number two overall rating in M/T's Best SUVs ratings.

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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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