New Model Scarcity - The Best 5-Year Old Subaru SUVs You Can Buy Now

With the 2022 Subaru Forester and 2022 Crosstrek models scare, which used compact SUVs are the most reliable and fuel-efficient? A recent report by Consumer Reports (by subscription) says the 2017 Forester and 2017 Crosstrek are two of the best five-year-old SUVs you can buy now.

According to AAA, the average gas price at $4.31 in the U.S. as of this writing. Which previously owned compact SUVs are the most reliable and fuel-efficient? Consumer Reports says the 2017 Forester, and 2017 Crosstrek are fuel-efficient, reliable, and they also come with standard safety features with the highest crash scores.

Consumer Reports compiled the list of the most fuel-stingy used compact SUVs that scored well in their road tests, have average-or-better predicted reliability ratings, and get the best fuel mileage.

The top nine Consumer Reports' most reliable and fuel-efficient five-year-old compact SUVs are the Subaru Forester, Subaru Crosstrek, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Honda HR-V, Honda CR-V, Lexus NX, Mazda CX-3, and Nissan Rogue Sport.

How fuel-efficient is the 2017 Subaru Forester?

CR says the owner's predicted fuel mileage is 27 mpg. The EPA estimates for the 2017 Subaru Forester are 26/32 city/highway mpg and 28 combined mpg with the 2.5-liter engine and CVT automatic transmission.

Is the Subaru Forester a reliable vehicle?

The Subaru Forester scored a 2/5 in predicted reliability, a 3/5 in owner satisfaction, and a 4/5 in fuel economy. CR says a used 2017 Forester price range is $18,775 - $24,600. With new 2022 Forester models scarce, prices may be higher as retailers raise the prices of low mileage Forester SUVs.

Forester safety scores

The IIHS has not tested the refreshed 2022 Subaru Forester, but the 2021 models get the highest Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Forester comes standard with EyeSight and receives a "Superior" rating in front crash prevention from the IIHS.

What does Consumer Reports say about the Forester?

Consumer Reports says, "We got an excellent 26 mpg overall from the 2.5-liter four-cylinder and continuously variable transmission. The logical Forester's boxy styling, big windows, and thin roof pillars supply excellent visibility, while large doors deliver easy access. The rear-seat room is spacious and plenty of cargo space."

How fuel-efficient is the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek?

CR says the owner's predicted fuel mileage is 28 mpg. The EPA estimates for the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek are 26/33 city/highway mpg and 29 combined mpg with the CVT automatic transmission.

Is the Subaru Crosstrek a reliable vehicle?

The Subaru Crosstrek scored a 2/5 in predicted reliability, a 3/5 in owner satisfaction, and a 4/5 in fuel economy. CR says a used 2017 Crosstrek price range is $19,750 - $21,800. With new 2022 Crosstrek models scarce, prices may be higher as retailers raise the price of low mileage Crosstrek SUVs.

Crosstrek safety scores

The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek earned Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS. The Crosstrek is rated lower than the Crosstrek Hybrid (Top Safety Pick+) because the Crosstrek still comes standard with a manual transmission, and Subaru's EyeSight driver assist technology is not compatible with the manual gearbox.

What does Consumer Reports say about the Crosstrek?

CR says, "We got 26 mpg overall from the 148 horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, making it among the most fuel-efficient subcompact SUVs. But this compact vehicle doesn't provide as much cargo room as most small SUVs."

With gas prices rising above $4.00 per gallon and new 2022 Subaru Forester and Subaru Crosstrek models hard to find right now, the four-to-five-year-old Subaru Forester and Crosstrek are reliable, fuel-efficient, and should be on your shopping list.

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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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