11 Quietest Midsize SUVs - Subaru Outback, Ascent Now Rank 3rd In Class

For customers who are checking out new midsize SUVs and looking for a comfortable, quiet cabin, you don't have to buy a luxury model. Which mainstream (non-luxury) automaker makes the quietest new SUVs? I cover Subaru’s quietest new models annually, so you’ll have the latest information. 

A recently updated study from Consumer Reports (by subscription) identifies the eleven quietest mainstream midsize SUVs you can buy today. The 2024 Subaru Outback and Ascent scores the third-highest in class.

Because it's hard for SUV shoppers to determine how quiet a vehicle is in a short test drive, Consumer Reports tests all models to determine the best new cars with the most hushed cabin. 

CR's interior noise tests show that the mainstream midsize models listed below are the quietest. All eleven models scored well in road tests, have good reliability, have active safety features, and scored the best in crash tests.

For long road trips this summer, midsize SUV buyers want a quiet ride. CR identified the eleven best models you can buy today.

The quietest 2024 model year 2-Row Midsize SUVS ranked in order of their results in CR's interior noise tests.

1. Ford Edge 
2. Honda Passport
3. Subaru Outback
4. Toyota Venza

Why Subaru Outback makes the top three

• Price Range:  $28,895 - $42,795
• CR MPG:  Overall 24 / City 16 / Hwy 32 mpg
• #2 of 17  Midsized SUVs

Consumer Reports says, "Subaru's Outback is a smart alternative to an SUV. Although its roofline is lower than a typical SUV's, it can easily haul long items. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder works fine during regular driving around town 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 touchscreen require more than one step, and the system is slow to respond to inputs. Thoughtful details, such as built-in roof crossbars and a dual-position cargo cover, are nice touches. The Wilderness model has higher ground clearance. BSW and RCTW are optional."

What is the price of the 2024 Outback?

For the 2024 model year, the 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).

The Subaru Outback Can’t Keep Pace Before It Gets A Remodel @SubaruReport @torquenewsautohttps://t.co/6GCFeBgfVI#subaru #outback #subaruoutback #outbackwilderness pic.twitter.com/WRJsCSEdl2
— Denis Flierl (@DenisFlierl) March 4, 2024

What is the Outback's fuel mileage?

The EPA fuel mileage rating of the 2024 Outback XT 2.4-liter turbo is 22/29 city/highway mpg and 25 combined mpg. The estimated fuel economy of the standard 2.5-liter engine is 26/32 mpg city/highway and 28 combined mpg.

The EPA says the new 2024 Outback Wilderness gets an estimated 21/26 city/highway mpg and 23 combined mpg.

What's next for the 2025 Subaru Outback?

The Outback is scheduled for a complete remodel for the 2025 model year. Significant upgrades are coming, and the next-generation Outback will be Subaru of America's most significant new model launch this year.

Subaru of America will announce the remodeled 2025 Subaru Outback next, which could be coming soon. It's the most anticipated redesign of the year. The Outback is the Camden, N.J. automaker's best-selling model, and they want to get it right.

The quietest 2024 model year 3-Row Midsize SUVS ranked in order of their results in CR's interior noise tests.

1. Kia Telluride
2. Hyundai Palisade
3. Subaru Ascent
4. Mazda CX-90
5. Honda Pilot
6. Toyota Highlander
7. Toyota Grand Highlander

The 2024 Subaru Ascent scores the third-quietest in its class and gets recognition from Consumer Reports for the second time.

What does CR say about the 2024 Ascent?

• Price Range:  $34,395 - $48,695
• CR MPG:  Overall 22 / City 14 / Hwy 32 mpg
• #8 of 21 Midsized SUVs 3-row

"The Ascent uses a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers ample power in daily driving and gets 22 mpg overall. It does have a jumpy initial takeoff, which takes some getting used to. We like the SUV's steady and controlled ride and found that the suspension does an excellent job of mopping up bumps."

"The cabin is quiet, and the second-row captain's seats are roomy and comfortable. Even the third row is usable for shorter trips. Controls are very straightforward. BSW and RCTW aren't available on the base trim; they're standard on all the other trim levels."

The 12 SUVs With the Best 3rd Row Seats And Subaru Ascent’s Rising Stock @SubaruReport @torquenewsauto#subaru #ascent #subaruascent #ascent3rowhttps://t.co/FFYf8aaswz pic.twitter.com/zNoh49dZr6
— Denis Flierl (@DenisFlierl) February 29, 2024

What is the price of the 2024 Ascent?

The 2024 Subaru Ascent comes in six trim levels. The Base trim starts at $35,490, and Premium trims begin at $38,090. The Ascent Onyx Edition starts at $42,890, the upper Limited starts at $43,190, the Ascent Onyx Edition Limited is priced at $47,890, and the top-trim Touring has a starting MSRP of $49,790. Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,295).

What is the Ascent fuel mileage?

The 2023 Subaru Ascent base and Premium trim levels get an EPA-estimated 20/26 city/highway mpg and 22 combined mpg. Because they are slightly heavier, the Ascent Limited, Touring, and Onyx trim levels get an EPA-estimated 19/25 city/highway mpg and 21 combined mpg.

What's next for the 2025 Ascent?

According to a new report from Automotive News (by subscription), the Subaru Ascent is expected to be redesigned in the second half of 2024. As I have said in previous stories on the 3-Row SUV, the Ascent needs something to excite customers. 

MY TAKE

I think it's important for customers to know several things about the 2024 Outback and Ascent. 

1. Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel drive is standard on the Outback and Ascent, so you won't find yourself stuck on the side of the road in inclement weather. 

2. They come with 8.7 inches of ground clearance. It's easier to get in and out of the SUVs than other models that sit lower to the ground.

3. They come standard with X-Mode for improved off-pavement, snow/mud, and dirt road capability. For active families, they are the best among the eleven top CR picks.

What sets the Ascent apart from other 3-Row SUVs?

In a surprising new development, Ascent is now the only Subaru model to achieve the highest Top Safety Pick+ crash score from the IIHS. For more information, you can read my full report here.

Subaru Has Only One IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Winner, Forester, Crosstrek Drop Off The List @SubaruReport @torquenewsauto#subaru #subarusafety #outback #forester #crosstrek #ascenthttps://t.co/5LUsLeZExG
— Denis Flierl (@DenisFlierl) February 28, 2024

Before the refreshed 2025 Outback and Ascent arrive, Consumer Reports now ranks the 2024 Outback and Ascent among the ten best midsize SUVs with the quietest cabins. They are the third best in class, recommended, and among the best at keeping the noise out.

This is the latest information regarding the Subaru Outback and Ascent. I'll keep you updated with any new information.

Until then, visit torquenews.com/subaru regularly and bookmark the page for my latest updates.

Your Turn

What about you? Are you looking for the quietest cabin, and what's the most important thing when buying a new car? Let us know in the comments below.

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed the Subaru Outback and Ascent story. I'll 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

• New Subaru Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, And Other Models Reliability Rating For 2024 Ranked From Best To Worst
• A New Subaru Forester EV Next Year? A New Report Says Yes
• 5 Settings That Will Make a Huge Difference On How Your Newer Subaru AWD Vehicle Drives

Watch Subaru Outback Wilderness; Vehicles That May Help Survive a Storm | Talking Cars

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