What are the best new cars and SUVs for first-time new car buyers, commuters, urbanites, and new parents? Subaru has three top picks, and one stands out the most. Why is Subaru missing from one surprising lifestyle area? I'll explore this and more.
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What's your lifestyle?
Are you a first-time new car buyer, commuter, urbanite, or a new parent, wondering which vehicles are best suited for your active lifestyle? Newsweek announced its best lifestyle auto awards in multiple categories.
If you're not into outdoor activities, any model will do. Among the top ten in all four categories, three versatile Subaru models stand out for the most active new car shoppers, offering unique features that cater to your needs.
The Subaru Crosstrek scores best in most categories, and the Subaru Forester and Impreza are also top picks in many categories. But there is one category that might surprise you-Subaru is absent from the outdoor adventurers category. First, let's explore the top picks.
Let's check out the top ten picks for your particular lifestyle. All are 2024 model-year vehicles except for the new 2025 Subaru Forester. Check out my next-gen Forester report here.
Newsweek says, "Most people don't want to buy the best car on the market; they want to buy the best car for them. With this philosophy in mind, Newsweek has changed how we rank vehicles. We've gone away from the typical category divisions, instead rating vehicles across 13 consumer profiles. Each of those profiles has unique priorities and needs."
Check out the first-time new car buyer, commuter, urbanite, or new parent categories, and then I'll explain why the Subaru models are the best for the most active customers.
I'll start with the best new vehicles for first-time new car buyers. Vehicles are ranked with the top scores from Newsweek's auto experts.
- Hyundai Elantra - 7.7
- Chevrolet Trax - 7.6
- Honda Civic - 7.6
- Ford Maverick - 7.5
- Kia Seltos - 7.4
- Subaru Crosstrek - 7.3
- Subaru Impreza - 7.2
- Toyota Camry - 7.2
- Chevrolet Trailblazer - 7.2
- Buick Envista - 7.1
One new first-time buyer says, "I need something practical that doesn't break the bank and connects to my phone. Bonus points if it comes in a cool color."
The best new lifestyle vehicles for commuters
- Kia Sportage -7.7
- Lexus NX - 7.6
- Kia Niro - 7.6
- Toyota Camry - 7.5
- Lexus RX - 7.5
- Volvo EX30 - 7.3
- Lincoln Corsair - 7.1
- Toyota Prius Prime - 7.1
- Subaru Crosstrek - 7.0
- Ford Maverick - 7.0
One commuter says, "I need to get to work efficiently and economically and stay connected and comfortable during the journey."
The best new lifestyle vehicles for urbanites
- Volvo EX30 - 7.6
- Hyundai Elantra - 7.3
- Subaru Impreza - 7.1
- Fiat 500e - 7.1
- Subaru Crosstrek - 7.0
- Toyota Prius Prime - 7.0
- Mini Countryman SE ALL4 - 6.9
- Chevrolet Trax - 6.9
- Kia Seltos - 6.9
- Volvo C40 Recharge - 6.8
- Buick Envista - 6.8
One buyer says, "Living in the city means small parking spaces and lots of sitting in traffic. I need a new car that's efficient and easy to park."
The best new lifestyle vehicles for new parents
- Honda CR-V - 8.5
- Honda HR-V - 7.7
- Toyota Prius Prime - 7.6
- Subaru Crosstrek - 7.5
- Nissan Rogue - 7.5
- Volvo CX40 Recharge - 7.4
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 - 7.3
- Ford Maverick - 7.3
- Subaru Forester - 7.1
- Lincoln Corsair - 7.1
A new parent says, "Our growing family needs space to accommodate people and stuff. Safety is also really important."
I covered the best vehicles for new parents in my detailed report here.
The best new lifestyle vehicles for outdoor adventurers.
This one is a shocker. You would think that the Subaru Outback Wilderness, Crosstrek Wilderness, and Forester Wilderness would be among the best new adventure models. But surprisingly, not one Subaru vehicle makes this Newsweek list.
The absence of Subaru in this category is possibly due to the specific criteria used by Newsweek to evaluate adventure vehicles, which may not align perfectly with Subaru's offerings. However, it's a mystery.
- Mercedes-Benz G-Class - 8.8
- Ford Bronco - 8.7
- Jeep Wrangler - 8.6
- Toyota Land Cruiser - 8.4
- Toyota Tacoma - 8.3
- Lexus GX - 8.2
- Rivian R1T - 8.1
- Ford Ranger - 8.1
- Rivian R1S - 8.0
- Ford Bronco Sport - 7.9
- GMC Canyon - 7.9
One buyer says, "Capability, on- and off-road, is important. I plan to modify my new rig so I can take it camping and am intrigued by models that enhance the outdoors experience."
Where are Subaru's Wilderness models?
Some excellent models in the outdoor adventurers' category get the nod, but I still can't figure out why Newsweek overlooked the Subaru Wilderness models.
Check out my Subaru Outback, Crosstrek, and Forester Wilderness trim level report here for more information on Subaru's rugged outdoor-themed models. These models are specifically designed for outdoor enthusiasts, with features and capabilities that enhance the outdoor experience.
What sets the Subaru Crosstrek, Forester, and Impreza apart from the other best-in-category model rankings above?
The Subaru models all come standard with Subaru's excellent Symmetrical all-wheel-drive technology. It's more than an all-wheel-drive system because the Japanese automaker also couples it with its X-Mode and duel-function X-Mode tech for extreme all-weather performance and all-terrain capability. You won't find it on your average SUV.
With 8.7 inches of ground clearance on Crosstrek and Forester (more on the Wilderness trims), standard roof racks, top safety scores, excellent fuel mileage, and affordability, Subaru models stand out with their unique features, reassuring you of their suitability for your specific lifestyle needs.
There's something for everyone.
A younger demographic of active adults who are mountain bikers, hikers, snowboarders, surfers, kayakers, and campers are drawn to the Subaru brand. They love the new 2024 Subaru Crosstrek the most. The Forester and Impreza aren't far behind.
It's Your Turn.
What draws you to the Subaru Crosstrek, Forester, and Impreza? Which model would you pick? We'd like to hear your thoughts. Click the red 'Add new comment' link below and let us know.
I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News reporter 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 USA
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