Updated Consumer Reports' 10 Most Popular New Models And Subaru’s 3 Hot Picks

Some car brands are more popular than others with new model shoppers. An updated Consumer Reports (by subscription) ranking says the Subaru brand is among the hottest. Subaru now has three SUVs at the top of the list of the ten most popular new cars and SUVs: the 2024 Subaru Forester, the 2024 Subaru Outback, and the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek. 

I cover this CR report regularly, and the three Subaru SUVs are consistently the most popular new SUV picks for customers looking for affordability and reliability, score well in CR's road tests, and get the top safety scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Here are the ten most popular new 2024 model year cars and SUVs representing CR.org's top car model pages. The vehicles are listed in order of popularity, with the most researched model at the top. See why the three Subaru SUVs should be on your winter shopping list. 

1. Subaru Forester
2. Honda CR-V
3. Toyota RAV4
4. Honda CR-V Hybrid
5. Subaru Outback
6. Toyota Highlander
7. Subaru Crosstrek
8. Mazda CX-5
9. Kia Telluride
10. Toyota Camry

What does CR say about the number one ranked Subaru Forester?

• Price Range:  $27,095 - $37,395
• CR MPG:  Overall 28 / City 20 / Hwy 38 mpg
• #1 of 28  Compact SUVs

"This popular compact SUV combines a roomy interior, excellent visibility, commendable fuel economy, simple controls, a comfortable ride, and responsive handling. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder combined with the continuously variable automatic transmission yields 28 mpg, among the best in class." 

"But acceleration isn't exhilarating, and the engine's noise isn't the most pleasant. The cabin is roomy, with a generous rear seat and easy access. The controls are simple, including an infotainment system compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay." 

Consumer Reports 10 Most Reliable Cars - It’s The Subaru Forester Again @DenisFlierl @AllSubaru @torquenewsauto#subaru #forester #subaruforesterhttps://t.co/X57o5JPmiY
— Subaru Report (@SubaruReport) November 29, 2023

"While the standard active safety features include AEB with pedestrian detection and highway-speed AEB, BSW and RCTW aren't available on the base trim and are optional on the Premium trim; they're standard on the others."

What is the price of the 2024 Subaru Forester?

The 2024 Forester comes in six trim levels: The Base Forester starts at $28,190, Premium ($31,390), Sport ($32,960), Limited ($35,070), Wilderness ($36,015), and Touring ($38,490). Pricing includes destination and dealer fees ($1,295).

photo credit: Tucson Subaru

What does CR say about the number five most popular Subaru Outback?

• Price Range:  $28,895 - $42,795
• CR MPG:  Overall 24 / City 16 / Hwy 32 mpg
• #2 of 16  Midsized SUVs

"Subaru's Outback is a smart alternative to an SUV. Although lower than a typical SUV, it can easily haul long items. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder does the job but can feel strained when quicker speed is needed. The optional 260-hp, 2.4-liter turbo engine transforms the wagon with effortless acceleration." 

"The ride is very comfortable, and handling is responsive and secure. However, some tasks through the large infotainment screen require more than one step, and the system could respond faster to inputs. Thoughtful details, such as built-in crossbars and a dual-position cargo cover, are nice touches." 

The Subaru Outback Is Best In Versatility, Off-Road Ability Says New Global Award @SubaruReport @torquenewsauto photo @TucsonSubaru#subaru #outback #subaruoutback #outbackwildernesshttps://t.co/HO23MJaBU5
— Denis Flierl (@DenisFlierl) January 3, 2024

"The Wilderness model has a higher ground clearance. All versions get the EyeSight safety suite with standard AEB with pedestrian detection and highway-speed AEB, but both BSW and RCTW are optional."

What is the price of the 2024 Subaru Outback?

The 2024 Outback is available in nine trim levels. The Base is priced at $30,190, Premium ($32,490), Onyx Edition ($37,400), Limited ($37,090), Touring ($41,640), Onyx Edition XT ($40,655), Wilderness ($41,255), Limited XT ($41,490), and Touring XT ($44,090). In addition, destination and delivery fees are included in the price above ($1,295).

What does CR say about the number seven most popular Subaru Crosstrek?

• Price Range:  $25,195 - $32,195
• CR MPG:  Overall 29 / City 20 / Hwy 41 mpg
• #1 of 13  Subcompact SUVs

"The Crosstrek received several important updates for 2024. It's essentially a raised Impreza hatchback with a comfortable ride, standard all-wheel drive, and decent cargo room for the class. Responsive handling, mostly simple controls, and a practical—but not fancy—interior round out the package." 

"Acceleration from the standard 2.0-liter engine is tepid, and the engine can get loud, but it returned 29 mpg overall in our tests. The optional 2.5-liter has more oomph. The EyeSight driver assistance system is now standard and includes AEB with pedestrian detection, although BSW and RCTW are available only on higher trims."

The Hot Next-Generation Subaru Crosstrek Sets Two New Records @SubaruReport @torquenewsauto photo @SmithtownSubaru#subaru #crosstrek #subarucrosstrek #crosstrekwildernesshttps://t.co/MZDCVH0pjM
— Denis Flierl (@DenisFlierl) January 5, 2024

What is the price of the 2024 Crosstrek?

For 2024, the Crosstrek is available in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trim levels and has a starting price of $26,290 (the same MSRP as the 2023 Base model equipped with the Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission).

The 2024 Crosstrek Premium has a starting price of $27,440, Sport ($30,290), and Limited ($32,190). Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,225). The Crosstrek Wilderness costs $33,290, including dealer destination and delivery fees ($1,295).

My Take 

There are several reasons why the Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek SUVs are the most popular new models with new model shoppers now. All three models come with Subaru Symmetrical all-wheel-drive for all-weather performance, X-Mode for severe weather, and dual-function X-Mode for all-terrain capability. 

As I mentioned above, the 2024 Subaru Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek are affordable, reliable, score well in CR's road tests, and come with active safety features that get them the highest Top Safety Pick+ scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The three Subaru SUVs should be on the list of the most active and adventurous new model shoppers this winter. 

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this Subaru Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek story. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

For additional articles related to new Subaru models, here are a few of my top stories you may enjoy. 

My Must-Read Top Picks

• How Subaru Forester Reliability Stacks Up Against The Competition
• Don't Pay Extra For This Subaru Feature
• Don't Let The New Subaru Forester's Boxy Look Fool You - 4 Secret Design Changes

Watch 2024 Subaru Forester / Buy Now or Wait for 2025?

I am Denis Flierl, a 12-year Torque News senior writer with 20+ years of Subaru and automotive journalism experience. I enjoy bringing you, the Subaru fans and customers, the most up-to-date Subaru news, reviews, and new model information. You'll find the latest Subaru stories on the Subaru page. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

I’ve got you covered! - I cover all Subaru all the time - It’s called the “Subaru Report.” Check back daily for my expert Subaru analysis!

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photo credit: Subaru USA