Subaru’s Surprise SUV Gets Straight A’s For Best Model To Fit Car Seats

The best Subaru model for new parents is...

If you're a new parent seeking a practical solution for fitting car seats and accommodating your active lifestyle, the all-new 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is your answer. It's not the Subaru two-row models you might have in mind. The Crosstrek, not the Forester or Outback, fits the bill perfectly. 

Cars.com does the heavy lifting, conducting rigorous car seat installations into dozens of new vehicles annually to determine which offers the most room and the best fit. 

Cars says, "Cars.com's Car Seat Checks launched in 2010, and we've installed car seats into more than 800 vehicles over the years. Each year, there are a few cars that ace our Car Seat Checks by earning the top grade of A in all categories."

For 2024, the following two two-row SUVs are on the honor roll and the only two, two-row SUVs to get straight A's in all categories:

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek gets top grades. 

Cars says, "Subaru's tiny Crosstrek SUV got redesigned for 2024 with fresh styling, updated powertrains and technology upgrades. The Crosstrek earned straight A's thanks to its easy-access anchors and plentiful backseat legroom."

I was surprised it wasn't the Forester compact two-row SUV or the Outback midsize two-row SUV. But the best overall is the Crosstrek subcompact two-row SUV, which gets the highest score.

Crosstrek gets A grades across the board.

Latch: 

• The two sets of lower anchors sit under removable fabric covers and are easy to find and use. There's also an extra single anchor for use in the middle position; caregivers should read the owner's manual to ensure they use the anchor correctly. The three top tether anchors on the seatback are clearly marked and also easy to use.

Infant: 

• This seat was easy to install, and our 5-foot-6-inch front passenger had enough legroom when seated in front of it.

Rear-facing convertible: 

• As with the infant seat, the convertible in rear mode went in easily and fit well.

Forward-facing convertible: 

• It fits well after removing the head restraint to situate the convertible flush against the seatback. Installation was easy, thanks to the accessible anchors.

Booster: 

• We again removed the head restraint for a good fit. The Crosstrek's large buckle stalks are relatively stable, so kids should be able to grasp and use them independently. Note that the middle seat's seat belt is attached to the outboard seat's head restraint.

The other two-row SUV to get straight A's is the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. 

Cars says, "Volkswagen's biggest people mover is available in another flavor, the two-row Atlas Cross Sport. Both SUVs were revised for the 2024 model year with more upscale cabins and new infotainment controls. The two-row Cross Sport model seats five and earned straight A's thanks to loads of legroom and easy-access anchors."

I recently reported that the new 2024 Crosstrek is ranked one of the five best new vehicles for new parents by Newsweek. Here are the top five picks. 

• Honda CR-V - 8.5
• Honda HR-V - 7.7
• Toyota Prius Prime - 7.6
• Subaru Crosstrek - 7.5
• Nissan Rogue - 7.5

What does Newsweek say about the 2024 Crosstrek?

"With ample passenger and cargo space and standard all-wheel drive, the Subaru Crosstrek ticks many boxes for New Parents. It also wins points for being able to go a particularly long distance between fill-ups and being easily equipped with a rooftop storage box. Subaru's driver assistance and safety technology suite helps families get from Point A to Point B safely. And, it starts at just a budget-friendly smidge over $25,000."

You don't have to stop doing fun things. 

Just because a new baby is on the way or has just arrived, it doesn't mean you have to give up the fun things you did before. With some adjustment and acclimation to your new baby, you can still buckle them up in a Subaru Crosstrek and continue exploring.

For new parents wanting to get further away from the city and off the grid, check out the all-new Crosstrek Wilderness. The outdoor-themed model is not just for commuting or hauling groceries; it's designed for embarking on exciting adventures and for the most active new parents. 

What is the 2024 Crosstrek pricing?

The Crosstrek is available in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trim levels. The base model starts at $26,540.

The 2024 Crosstrek Premium starts at $28,085, Sport ($30,935), and Limited ($32,440). Wilderness costs $33,540. It's important to note that these prices include destination and delivery fees ($1,345), which are standard across all models. 

What about three-row SUVs?

If you have more money in your budget, the 2024 Subaru Ascent also gets top grades for fitting car seats. The Ascent doesn't get straight "A's" but scores well in Cars tests.

The verdict: Cars says, "The 2024 Subaru Ascent SUV seats seven with captain's chairs or eight with a second-row bench; we tested a version with captain's chairs and found its second row very accommodating for car seats. However, third-row legroom is tight, and buckle issues prevented it from earning straight A grades."

Subaru of America offers the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek SUV for anyone, especially new parents who are outdoor enthusiasts. It's different from every other small SUV and gets straight A's for fitting car seats. If you are looking to keep your active lifestyle, check it out. 

With ample passenger and cargo space, standard all-wheel drive, and a budget-friendly starting price, the Subaru Crosstrek is a practical and reliable choice for new parents.

If you are a new parent, how likely will you be to look at a new small SUV? Will you consider the Crosstrek? If so, 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 via Jonah's Photography