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What are the best compact SUVs for shoppers this summer? An updated Consumer Reports (by subscription) ranking of new compact SUVs says you should avoid buying the 2023 Toyota RAV4 and buy the 2023 Subaru Forester instead. CR now ranks the Forester as the #1 of twenty-eight new compact SUVs.
The Forester performed well in CR's road tests, has good reliability, has crucial advanced safety equipment, and performs well in crash tests from the IIHS.
Why should you avoid the 2023 Toyota RAV4?
photo credit: Toyota Motor
Consumer Reports says, "The RAV4 is one of the most popular models on the market. The red-hot small SUV segment draws buyers by being reliable and fuel-efficient. But the recent move to a lower, wider appearance has compromised interior space. Plus, its bland cabin, droning engine noise, and ride comfort that trails the competition would have us shopping elsewhere. The hybrid version is quieter and more efficient."
Why Consumer Reports says, the 2023 Subaru Forester is better for compact SUV shoppers than the 2023 Toyota RAV4. What does CR say about the Forester compact SUV?
Consumer Reports says, "Subaru nailed the ideal small SUV configuration, with compact exterior dimensions, a tall roof, and a surprisingly roomy interior. Throw in a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, essential safety features, and a standard all-wheel-drive system that out-claws rivals, and the Forester is a true gem. Subaru has honed this package for years, perfecting a model that's easy to recommend."
Our take on the 2023 Subaru Forester
The Forester is the best pick for active customers using the SUV for more than a commuter vehicle or grocery hauler. The Forester comes with all-wheel-drive on all trim levels, and it's not an expensive option.
Forester has 8.7 inches of ground clearance and X-Mode for improved severe weather traction. Forester also offers a new Wilderness trim level, and the Sport and Wilderness trims offer a dual-function X-Mode with Deep Snow and Deep Mud settings. The Forester is the top pick for customers who live in a cold weather state and will use their vehicle to get further off the grid.
What is the fuel mileage of the Forester?
The 2023 Subaru Forester compact SUV has standard all-wheel drive and an EPA-estimated 29 combined mpg and 26/33 city/highway mpg. The Forester comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine.
What is the price of the 2023 Subaru Forester?
All 2023 Forester trim levels increased by $550 in price, including destination and delivery. The 2023 Forester comes in six trim levels; The Base Forester starts at $27,620, Premium ($30,620), Sport ($32,190), Limited ($34,300), Wilderness ($35,245), and Touring ($37,720). Pricing includes dealer fees ($1,225).
Should you wait for the 2024 Forester?
If everything goes as expected, the compact SUV will be redesigned in the second half of 2023 and be available as a 2024 model. The anticipated 2024 Forester release date in the U.S. is about four to six months away, in the fall or winter of 2023. However, for customers who do not want to wait, the 2023 Subaru Forester is the top pick by Consumer Reports this summer.
Consumer Reports says to avoid the 2023 Toyota RAV4 and buy the 2023 Subaru Forester instead. Forester is rated CR's best compact SUV because it performed well in CR's road tests, has good reliability, comes with crucial advanced safety equipment, and gets the highest crash scores.
You Might Also Like: Consumer Reports Says Avoid The 2023 Ford Escape And Buy The 2023 Subaru Forester Instead
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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Comments
If shopping base levels I
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If shopping base levels I think you are right. The Hybrid and Prime though! 39mpg for the hybrid saves you about $10,000 in gas over 10 years (driving 15k at $3.80 a gallon). Let's say you wanted an extra 40% savings and no emissions for short trips or if you already power your house and car with a solar array, the Prime all the way. Toyota has the reliability and the wealth of experience in hybrid. Subaru needs a breakthrough partnership that majorly changes the game here.
That's fine, if the Subaru
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In reply to If shopping base levels I by Seth Ellis (not verified)
That's fine, if the Subaru starts! Not in my case!
This is an advertisement and
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This is an advertisement and a false claiming one at that. Consumer reports ( which I belong to) has not said to avoid the toyota rav 4. They also would not recommend to wait and purchase a redesign of a vehicle coming out in 6 months.
The Subaru Forester is the
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The Subaru Forester is the slowest vehicle on the road. I would never buy one. What a ridiculous article.
Was this article was paid and
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Was this article was paid and sponsored by Subaru? RAV4s are the hottest thing on the market and that is the regular non hybrid low end trims, the hybrids and plug in hybrids have got a 2-5 year wait time because they are in high demand. This article should say avoid driving the most popular, most fuel efficient SUV with a long wait time and drive our Subaru today cause nobody wants them
Lol. Who pay for this article
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Lol. Who pay for this article?. Due to my job, I travel cross country. I travel cross country working with my RAV4 AWD 2021. 52k miles so far without any trouble and just basic maintenance. Drove in 6 inch of snow and all other bad weather conditions. The ride is smooth and acceleration is great. I average 36mpg on the hwy at 75mph with 800 pounds of cargo. Ride is smooth and safety features awesome. Why should I consider a Forester?