KBB’S 16 Best SUVs For Families: Parents Chime In On Subaru Forester, Crosstrek

Kelley Blue Book recently released its new list of the Best SUVs for Families in 2024, and sixteen SUVs make the list. Read what the Kelley Blue Book experts say about the 2024 Subaru Forester and 2024 Subaru Crosstrek. 

I've covered the Subaru brand for over twenty years, and I will give shoppers my expert advice on the two Subaru SUVs and why you should put them on your list.

First, KBB's 16 Best SUVs For Families are in alphabetical order.

• Chevrolet Traverse
• Chevrolet Trax
• GMC Yukon
• Honda CR-V Hybrid
• Honda Pilot TrailSport
• Hyundai Tucson
• Kia Sorento
• Kia Sportage
• Kia Telluride
• Mazda CX-90
• Subaru Crosstrek
• Subaru Forester
• Toyota 4Runner
• Toyota Highlander
• Toyota Sienna
• Volkswagen Atlas

What does KBB say about the #11 Crosstrek?  

Related Content: The New Crosstrek Is Now Subaru’s Only KBB Best Resale Value Award Winner

"The Subaru Crosstrek is an absolute mountain goat of a compact SUV. It has excellent off-road features and many safety features, and it's super easy for the dog to get in and out of. Plus, the smaller size makes it easy to park” — Rob Nestora, senior editor.

What does KBB say about the #12 Forester?  

“According to a 2020 National Highway Transportation (NHTSA) study, almost every parent thinks they have installed their child's safety seat properly, and 46% are wrong. "Installing a car seat seems self-explanatory, but nearly half of us assume we have it right and don't," says KBB.

“The Forester is one of my favorite SUVs for parents of young kids for a straightforward reason. The rear doors open really wide, so it's easy to get your whole self in there to jam that safety seat down as hard as possible and yank up hard on those LATCH straps.” 

Related Story: CR Says Subaru Forester Is Now The Best Fuel-Efficient Compact SUV Selling Under MSRP

“The Forester is also affordable, holds a lot of gear for its size, and holds its value well for when it's time to trade it in. And a parenting plea. Once you have that safety seat installed, please have a pro check it.” 

“Most local sheriff's or fire departments have someone on staff certified as a Child Passenger Safety Technician by Safe Kids Worldwide. They'll check your work for free and walk you through tightening it up if it needs that. It takes ten minutes and might save your child's life.”—Sean Tucker, senior editor.

Here's My Take on the 2024 Crosstrek and 2024 Forester

New SUV shoppers should take a look at the 2024 Crosstrek and 2024 Forester if you want:

• Extra ground clearance
• Subaru's excellent Symmetrical all-wheel-drive
• X-Mode and dual-function X-Mode for all-weather and severe-weather performance
• Rugged Wilderness trims for an extreme off-pavement experience
• Subaru has a low center of gravity for improved driving dynamics.
• Subaru EyeSight and Top Safety scores

What is the 2024 Forester pricing?

The Forester has six trim levels: Base ($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).

What is the 2024 Crosstrek pricing?

The 2024 Crosstrek comes in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trim levels, and Base trim starts at $26,290. The 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 all-new Crosstrek Wilderness costs $33,290, including dealer destination and delivery fees ($1,295).

One Last Thing

It's an excellent time to buy right now. Here's why. Subaru's new model inventory has not been this high since 2020. Subaru retailers are ready to negotiate on price, and you could get under the sticker price on some models. 

Check Out This Related Story: Startling New Subaru Developments Customers Need To Know About

I am Denis Flierl, a Torque News senior writer since 2012. I’ve invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand, and I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my 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.

photo credit: Subaru USA