Consumer Reports just updated its Top-10 Picks of 2021 list and removed the Tesla Model 3 because the electric vehicle may lack some key advanced safety features, including forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. But the 2021 Subaru Forester Small SUV and 2021 Outback SUV/Wagon remain on the list because they do offer the safety technology.
CR says both Forester and Outback are picked for exceptional performance in reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety. The new Forester and Outback are considered “best-of-the-best,” scoring highest in the Small SUV and SUV/Wagon categories. CR says they earned their way onto the list through outstanding performance in over 50 tests at CR’s auto test center.
The two Subaru SUVs also scored well in safety tests, accident avoidance maneuvers, and earned the highest scores in crash assessments conducted by the NHTSA and IIHS. They are considered best-in-class by the consumer rating organization. Check out the 10 Top Picks of 2021 below.
CR’s Top-10 Picks of 2021: Best Cars of the Year
Under $25,000 CR gives the nod to the Toyota Corolla in the Small Car category. The Mazda CX-30 is the best subcompact SUV. From $25,000-$35,000, CR says the Toyota Prius is the best Hybrid, and Toyota Camry is the best Midsize Sedan. The 2021 Subaru Forester is the best in the Small SUV category
From $35,000-$45,000, the 2021 Subaru Outback is the best SUV/Wagon. The Kia Telluride is best in the Midsized Three-Row SUV segment. The best Compact Pickup Truck is the Honda Ridgeline.
From $45,000-$55,000, the Lexus RX is the best Midsize SUV, and the Tesla Model 3 no longer qualifies as the best Electric Car. CR did not replace the vehicle with another electric model.
Both the Subaru Forester compact SUV and Outback wagon/crossover are the best picks of 2021 because they offer shoppers high value. They both provide excellent fuel mileage, standard all-wheel-drive, highest safety crash scores, utility, and cargo-carrying ability, and both are affordable.
What is the price of the 2021 Subaru Forester?
The 2021 Forester comes in five trim levels, and the base trim has an MSRP of $25,845, Premium ($28,845), Sport ($30,445), Limited ($32,445), and Touring ($35,945). Pricing includes $1,050 destination. iSeeCars says the average transaction price for the 2021 Forester is $31,673.
What is the price of the 2021 Subaru Outback?
The 2021 Outback comes in seven trim levels, base $27,845, Premium ($30,095), Limited ($34,645), Onyx Edition XT ($36,195), Limited XT ($38,545), Touring ($39,045), and Touring XT ($40,995). Pricing includes $1,050 destination. iSeeCars says the average transaction price for the 2021 Outback is $35,662.
The 2021 Subaru Forester and 2021 Subaru Outback remain Top 10 Picks of 2021: Best Cars of the Year. Consumer Reports says the two models are picked for their exceptional performance in reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety.
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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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