Consumer Reports is a non-profit organization that specializes in product testing and research. Many consumers use Consumer Reports as a guide for choosing the best products. Posting can be a harsh critique, and once a product falls out of favor, it loses its recommendation. Consumer Reports provides overall ratings for the most popular small cars, including the and Honda CR-V. Just One Small SUV made it to Consumer Reports’ list of top car picks between $25,000 and $35,000.
Consumer Reports recommends this small SUV for 2023
did a story on Consumer Reports’ top car picks. The Toyota Corolla and Corolla Cross (subcompact) are his picks under $25,000. As for the $25,000-$35,000 price point, he recommends the Toyota Camry Hybrid, the Nissan Leaf and, drum roll please, the Subaru Forester.
starts at $26,395. It uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to produce 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The small SUV gets 26 miles per gallon in the city and 33 miles per gallon on the highway.
The Forester comes standard with all-wheel drive, brake assist and a tire pressure monitoring system. In terms of value, the 2023 Forester is hard to beat due to its generous list of standard features. Kelley Blue Book praises its safety scores and spacious cabin. Car and Driver compliments its ride quality and practicality.
If you’re looking for a family SUV that’s tough and durable, the Subaru Forester is a good choice. A new Subaru Forester should last at least 14 years for the average driver. The average new vehicle ownership period is only about 8.4 years, according to iSeeCars.com.
What are the downsides of a Subaru Forester?
The Subaru Forester doesn’t make as much horsepower as rivals like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. It can’t even tow as much as some competitors.
The Forester’s ride quality isn’t as smooth as more upscale models. The and CX-50 are more elegant small SUVs within the same price range. The Subaru Forester may be practical and affordable, but this small SUV is the polar opposite of sleeker, more modern SUVs like the Tucson and CX-50.
Consumer Reports’ decision to include the Forester in its list of top cars picked for 2023 is likely due to the Forester’s reliability. Subaru’s SUV is great for long term ownership. That said, there are other SUVs that offer a more exciting and fulfilling short-term ownership experience.
The Toyota RAV4 is currently the most popular small SUV in America because it is nearly perfectly balanced and offers a wide range of trim levels ranging from capable to luxurious. Models like the Nissan Rogue and Honda CR-V compete in sales due to their value proposition. The Forester is ideal for the outdoorsy, but doesn’t do much for consumers who don’t fit that niche.
Let us know what you think of the Subaru Forester in the comments section below.
