Subaru Forester Seats Take A Giant Leap Forward Says J.D. Power

Which new Subaru models have the best seats? You might be surprised to learn that it's not the most expensive Subaru model, as revealed in the unexpected report from J.D. Power. Subaru now boasts two top models. 

Don't overlook the seats. 

Determining the comfort of seats on a short test drive is often challenging. The J.D. Power annual U.S. Seat Quality and Satisfaction Study is crucial because it identifies the best new vehicles.

Where does Subaru rank among the best?

Which new Subaru all-wheel-drive models have the best seat quality and satisfaction with new owners? It would make sense that it would be the most expensive model, but it's not. 

The Subaru Forester is the best. 

Subaru's Forester is the best mass-market (non-luxury) vehicle for seat quality and owner satisfaction in the compact SUV category. The Impreza's surprise top-pick status this year, as it was in the 2023 J.D. Power study, will pique your interest. Find out more in my report here.

J.D. Power says, "Seat comfort and the headrest are two of the top four problem areas in the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Seat Quality and Satisfaction Study."

Compact SUVs aren't known for having the most comfortable seats, but the 2024 Forester has impressive seats, according to the J.D. Power seat quality and owner satisfaction report. 

Even more impressive, the study is based on responses from 99,144 purchasers and lessees of new 2024 model-year vehicles surveyed after 90 days of ownership. The next-gen 2025 Forester gets more seat improvements. 

The study was fielded from July 2023 through May 2024. This was before the all-new, remodeled 2025 Forester arrived. 

Subaru says the 2025 Forester's front seats feature slimmed-down shoulder areas for better visibility and access to the rear seats. Read my recent report here.

J.D. Power says seat quality is measured by the number of problems and level of satisfaction experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100) during the first 90 days of ownership, with a lower score reflecting higher quality.

"Headrest adjustability needs to be prioritized by seat manufacturers as it does affect overall seat experience," said Ashley Edgar, senior director of automotive benchmarking at J.D. Power. "As much as manufacturers can address many of the other aspects of seat quality, overall comfort is lost without a proper headrest."

The Subaru Forester is above the rest.

The 2024 Subaru Forester wins the mass-market compact SUV category with a score of 5.4, the best in the segment. The Chevrolet Equinox is next, with a score of 6.4; the third best is the Chevrolet Trax, with a score of 6.6. 

The Subaru Impreza is a top-three segment winner.

The 2024 Subaru Impreza is the mass-market small and compact car category's third best, scoring 9.0. The Kia Forte is the best, with a score of 6.5; the second best is the Nissan Versa, with a score of 6.9. 

Customers need to know that the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek subcompact SUV shares the same upgraded seats as the 2024 Impreza compact hatch. Crosstrek does not get a top score in its category, but its seats are significantly improved over the previous generation model. 

The 2024 Crosstrek and Impreza seats are a game-changer for the new models. Check out my report on the new seats here.

The new 2024 Crosstrek and Impreza were designed with a unique front seat that will improve comfort for the driver and passenger. The latest models are redesigned with a more supportive front seat design that increases overall comfort and minimizes fatigue. 

In addition, Subaru says a focused effort on reducing sounds within particular frequency ranges results in a quieter and more comfortable cabin. The same is true for the remodeled 2025 Subaru Forester. 

What about the Subaru Outback?

The Outback midsize SUV was not ranked among the best this year in the J.D. Power study. However, a new ranking by Consumer Reports says the 2025 Subaru Outback is the best, most comfortable midsize 2-Row SUV you can buy. Find out more in my report here. 

Find out more information on the remodeled 2025 Forester with new upgrades. Check out ten new hidden improvements in my report here. 

You'll appreciate having the best seats if you spend significant time in your vehicle for commuting or road trips. 

J.D. Power says the 2024 Subaru Forester seats are the best in class. The 2024 Subaru Impreza models are among the best front seats for compact car shoppers. 

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: Tucson Subaru