Which are the most reliable and fuel-efficient compact SUVs for new model shoppers this fall? Consumer Reports has thirteen new recommended models. Ten are new hybrid models. See who wins the battle, the Subaru Crosstrek or the Hybrids.
Follow us today...
It's the Crosstrek vs. the Hybrids.
How does the Subaru Crosstrek compare now against all the new hybrid model entries? Is the remodeled Crosstrek reliable? What about fuel efficiency? I'll answer both questions.
The next-generation 2024 Subaru Crosstrek hit a home run in both categories. The battle now is between the Crosstrek and hybrid models. According to a new ranking from Consumer Reports (by subscription), the Crosstrek is the second-highest-ranked small SUV in both categories. The Crosstrek wins the battle against nine new hybrid models.
Consumer Reports says, "Compact SUVs are the most popular models on the market, thanks to their attractive combination of small-car efficiency and station wagon utility."
The Subaru Crosstrek offers a unique blend of SUV practicality and rugged off-road warrior.
With any vehicle, reliability, and fuel economy are always top considerations. The list I've included below has hybrid and conventional compact SUVs that scored well in Consumer Reports road tests, have average or better-predicted reliability ratings, and get 28 mpg overall or better.
They're all recommended by Consumer Reports, which means you won't find any with poor reliability, low owner satisfaction, or missing safety features. I've listed them in order of their overall score. Here are the results.
- Toyota RAV4 Prime
- Subaru Crosstrek
- Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
- Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
- Honda CR-V Hybrid
- Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
- Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
- Kia Sportage Hybrid
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
- Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid
- Ford Escape Hybrid
- Toyota Corolla Cross
- Kia Seltos
As you can see, ten of CR's top mainstream (non-luxury) most reliable and fuel-efficient new compact SUVs are hybrid or plug-in hybrid models. The Crosstrek ranks number two overall without a hybrid drivetrain. That's impressive.
Crosstrek features a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter Boxer engine in the Base and Premium trims and a 2.5-liter Boxer engine in the Crosstrek Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trim levels. First, here is what Consumer Reports says about the high-scoring Crosstrek, and then I'll give details on the new Crosstrek Hybrid and when customers will see the new model at U.S. and North American retailers.
Where is the Subaru Forester?
CR says, "Others, like the Subaru Forester, are being redesigned, and we have yet to test them."
What does CR say about the Subaru Crosstrek?
- Price Range: $25,195 - $32,195
- CR MPG: Overall 29 / City 20 / Highway 41 mpg
- #1 of 11 Subcompact SUVs
CR says, "The Crosstrek got an evolutionary redesign for 2024. It's still essentially a raised Impreza hatchback with a very comfortable ride and standard all-wheel drive. Acceleration from the standard 2.0-liter engine is leisurely, and we got 29 mpg overall in our tests. When full power is needed, engine noise is pronounced, but the sound isn't a deal breaker."
"Responsive handling, user-friendly controls, and a practical interior round out the package. The newly optional power driver's seat with adjustable lumbar support is a major upgrade. Blind spot and rear cross-traffic warnings aren't available on the base trim but are optional on the Premium and Sport and standard on the rest of the line."
How reliable is the 2024 Crosstrek?
Here is CR's ranking of the most reliable 2024 model-year Subcompact SUVs under $30,000.
- Subaru Crosstrek
- Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
- Honda HR-V
- Toyota Corolla Cross
- Mazda CX-30
How does the Crosstrek compare to other Subaru models in terms of reliability?
Consumer Reports 2024 Subaru models ranked from best to worst, and the reliability score was 0 to 100.
- 2024 Subaru Crosstrek (99)
- 2024-2025 Subaru Forester (82)
- 2024 Subaru WRX (78)
- 2024 Subaru BRZ (76)
- 2024 Subaru Impreza (69)
- 2024 Subaru Outback (50)
- 2024 Subaru Ascent (49)
- 2023 Subaru Solterra (47)
- 2024 Subaru Legacy (47)
The Crosstrek doesn't have a hybrid trim yet, but an all-new hybrid trim level is coming.
As I reported earlier in my report here, Subaru Corporation is designing an all-new Crosstrek Hybrid. Now, it's been confirmed by Planet Subaru that it will arrive for the 2026 Crosstrek model change.
Planet Subaru says, "However, Subaru has announced that we will get a 2026 Crosstrek with a hybrid powertrain, which has not been offered since the 2023 model year. We assume it will get the same system that Subaru is installing as an option in the 2026 Forester. Subaru is very tight-lipped about its product plans, so we don't have much to go on yet, but we will update this page as announcements are made. Stay tuned."
Crosstrek won't be a plug-in hybrid.
The all-new Subaru Forester Hybrid is coming next (spring or summer of 2025), and an all-newly developed Crosstrek Hybrid will be coming soon after as a 2026 model year. The Forester and Crosstrek are not plug-in hybrids; they will have a standard hybrid powertrain.
Subaru's new hybrid technology is a series-parallel hybrid system similar to the one used in the Toyota Prius. It will feature Subaru's horizontally opposed Boxer engine, which will serve as a generator and a drive unit. This innovative design is expected to enhance the vehicle's performance and fuel efficiency.
This means that the new hybrid system will allow the new Crosstrek Hybrid to travel longer distances on a single tank of gas, reducing the need for frequent refueling and making the subcompact SUV more convenient for long trips.
Why did Subaru go with hybrid technology?
A report from WardsAuto said that Subaru's decision to bypass plug-in hybrid vehicles has to do with the very low usage rate for recharging the battery on Subaru's now-discontinued Crosstrek.
Subaru received valuable feedback from customers who owned the Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid model. Customers said they didn't use the plug-in benefit. So, Subaru will offer its new hybrid models with lower-cost, standard hybrid options that are easy to use and understand.
No external charging is needed.
The conventional hybrid does not require an external charging source. The PHEV does need to be "plugged in" to take advantage of the hybrid fuel efficiency. Get more details in my new Forester Hybrid report here.
With the introduction of the all-new 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, Subaru aims to impact the hybrid SUV market significantly. The new model is expected to offer an extended range, improved fuel efficiency, and a more affordable price tag compared to its predecessor.
Subaru's Crosstrek hybrid upgrades will make it a compelling choice for eco-conscious car buyers, potentially influencing the market dynamics in the coming years.
The Crosstrek is the second highest-ranked reliable and fuel-efficient compact SUV by Consumer Reports. The Crosstrek will become the eco-leader among new compact and subcompact SUVs with a new hybrid powertrain.
Stay tuned, and I will bring you the latest information on all of Subaru's new fuel-efficient Hybrid options. Four are coming; you can read my report here for more details.
Are you waiting to see what the Forester hybrid is like before deciding on a compact SUV? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.
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
Follow us today...