Would You Pick Subaru Forester Over a Full-Size Minivan or Luxury SUV for Utility Vehicle of the Year?

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The 2017 Subaru Forester is a finalist for the Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year. It’s up against a minivan and a luxury SUV for top honors. Who wins this contest?

Why is the 2017 Subaru Forester going up against the Chrysler Pacifica minivan and the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC luxury SUV? They are the three finalists for Canada’s 2017 Utility Vehicle of the Year award. The Forester won the Best Small Utility Vehicle award from the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). All three vehicles were category winners and will compete against each other for the top spot. The GLC 300 4MATIC was Best Premium Utility Vehicle, the Pacifica was the Best Large Utility Vehicle.

The 2017 Subaru Forester along with the other vehicles are on display at the Salon International de l'Auto de Montreal/Montreal International Auto Show. It’s a good thing the overall winner has nothing to do with price, size, or luxury, because the Forester isn't even close to the other two finalists when it comes to these dynamics.

It’s not about price, size or luxury

The 2017 Forester SUV starts at $22,595 (US), the Chrysler Pacifica is around $30,495 for the Touring model, and the luxury Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC starts at $41,150 in the US. AJAC will determine the winner by criteria like value price, occupant environment, performance, vehicle dynamics, safety, market significance and consumer appeal. The vehicles receive an overall score and the winner is determined.

The 2017 Subaru Forester has a good chance when it comes to many of the judging criteria used by AJAC. Last year, the Mazda CX-3 beat the Kia Sorento and Volvo XC90 to win Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year. The 2017 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year will be announced on February 16, 2017. Can the Forester take the prize? Stay tuned.

Photo credit: Subaru

I would always choose a mainstream vehicle over a niche vehicle like a luxury SUV for any Vehicle of the Year contest. Minivans are a viable choice, and they seem to be making a comeback in both sales and popularity overall.

Submitted by john (not verified) on January 30, 2017 - 5:46PM

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I'm looking for a SUV to replace my Passat. I didn't like the Tiguan. I'm interested in the Subaru Forester or Outback. I need to see the results.

For doubters, I switch to a Forester from my best vehicle the Chevy Venture (no longer made). I loved my Venture, however around 200k miles the frame rusted out and I made my sad depart. The Forester has been even more mechanically reliable than my beloved Chevy. I don't regret it for a second. Mine now has 119k miles on it and still going like it was new. I highly recommend this vehicle.
Signed
Former GM, Hyundai, and KIA Employee ( I know a little about vehicles)

Thanks for sharing your experiences. I'm more interested now to test drive the Forestor and decide what I need in add-ons. I don't need fast speed or elaborate gimmicks. Basically just a reliable vehicle.

Submitted by M (not verified) on January 30, 2017 - 8:04PM

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I have always said I will never own a minivan. As a young female, my first car was a coupe, and I was in college. My logic went with my car, "if I can't fit a car seat in the back, I am not having kids." Now I have a hatchback impreza, room for kids, but would still want a bigger car. I would go for a Forester way before I would go with a minivan or an expensive full size SUV. Better on gas, safe, and a brand I trust and love.