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Which crossover is most loved and which is least loved?
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By John Goreham Nov 5 2019 - 9:47am

Which Crossovers Do Owners Love Most & Least - CR-V, RAV4, Forester, Rogue, Equinox, Escape, Tiguan Ranked

Sales volume is a hint at which crossovers owners love most, but you may be surprised which is the most loved by owners and which the love least.
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The two-row crossover segment is now the largest in the automotive kingdom. But which model do owners say deserves to stand atop Pride Rock and which would they like to see banished? We looked at the owner satisfaction ratings for the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, Mazda CX-5, Ford Escape, Chevy Equinox, and VW Tiguan to see which owners say is best and which they say worst. As you will see the sales volume is not a direct correlation to owner satisfaction.

We scoured Consumer Reports' owner satisfaction ratings for the models above and looked at not just the past model year, but also prior years back to about 2013. We wanted to get a feel for how owners rate these vehicles not just new, but also after they have lived with them for a while.

CR-V, RAV4, Rogue - Tops In Sales - But What About Satisfaction?
Depending upon when you look and how you segment sales, the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, and Toyota RAV4 are the top-selling models in the largest vehicle segment. Honda lays claim to having the most private-party family sales. Toyota has more overall many months due to its commercial and fleet sales. The Rogue has snuck in some winning months here and there topping both the Honda and Toyota. One would assume all three have the top owner satisfaction ratings in this group, but one would be mistaken.

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CR-V - The Biggest Surprise
We love the CR-V in our own testing. It is a hugely popular model for Honda and its top-selling crossover model by far. We expected before we did the research that the CR-V would be the most loved crossover. Yet, owners rank the CR-V just 4/5 in the past couple of years and as low as 3/5 in years 2013 - 2016. Comfort only earned a 56% score from owners in the 2016 model year and only 66% say they would buy it again. That is lower than both the RAV4 and Forester.

rogue

Nissan Rogue - Surprise Low Scores
Based on Rogue's very strong sales, we predicted it would be close to the RAV4 and CR-V, but it wasn't. It earns a very low 1/5 score from owners in years 2013-2016, a 2/5 in 2017, and a 3/5 in 2018. Only 48% of 2016 Rogue owners say they would buy another one.

Toyota RAV4 - Predictable?
RAV4 owners give it a 3/5 owner satisfaction score in every year from 2018 (most recent data available) all the way back to 2006. A relatively high 68% of 2016 Model Year RAV4s say they would buy a new RAV4, and based on its solid sales that rings true.

forester is most loved

Most Loved - Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester earns a 4/5 score for model years 2018 back to 2015, a 3/5 for 2014 and a 4/5 for model year 2013. For 2016, an impressive 77% of owners say they would buy another Forester, tops for the segment that year. Owners give the Forester good scores for both value and driving experience. As the owner of a 2016 Forester, your author can relate to these opinions personally. It is very fun to drive and has proven an excellent value in that single example (which is meaningless unless supported by the Consumer Reports data). What impresses us most is that the Forester has a very troubling quality record with problems resulting in class action settlements for both the engine and CVT transmission during the period we looked at. Owners appear so happy overall they would chance another Subaru despite these issues.

Related Story: 2 Things Subaru Customers Love About Their Vehicles, 2 Things They Abhor

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What About Equinox, Escape, Tiguan and CX-5?
The Mazda CX-5 also earns good scores of 4/5 and 3/5 all the way back to 2013. A respectable 62% of owners of 2016 MY CX-5s say they would buy another. Rather than offer an opinion on the Escape, Equinox, and Tiguan we suggest those interested check out Consumer Reports ratings on the vehicles. They do not qualify for discussion as the most loved. All three have scores as low as 1/5 and 2/5.

See you in my next story where I am discussing the safest used car purchase comparing Toyota Camry, honda Accord, nissan Altima and Hyundai Sonata.

Consumer Reports is a non-profit, subscriber-only, advocacy publication. You can learn how to subscribe at the group's website.

In addition to covering green vehicle topics, John Goreham covers safety, technology, and new vehicle news at Torque News. You can follow John on Twitter at @johngoreham.

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Comments

Billie Pistocco wrote on November 6, 2019 - 3:56am
Nissan's have horrendous quality issues,
Dena wrote on November 6, 2019 - 11:07am
I've had no issue at all with my Nissan rogue. I love mine so much that I was surprised to read others are not so happy. Had a Toyota 4runner before this car.
LB wrote on November 6, 2019 - 9:59pm
Same! I love my Rogue!
Mark wrote on November 6, 2019 - 5:54pm
I'm going on three years with my Rogue. No problems at all. It's been a very good vehicle from a reliability and liveability perspective. Incidentally, I'm quite picky about my vehicles and would have no problem voicing a complaint or criticism, but there are none to report.
Rebecca Scales wrote on November 7, 2019 - 9:57am
What kind of quality issues are you talking about? I've owned three Nissan's and have loved them all.
Marina wrote on November 7, 2019 - 5:46pm
Our Rogue is almost 3 years old and while we did not have any mechanical issues, I hate it. It looks awesome in and out but driving quality is very low. The steering wheel is very stiff similar to the car I owned 30 years ago. It is lightweight and does not stay is line, trying to depart all the time or take away with every gasp of wind. Forget driving with one hand. Bose sound system is horrible. Sounds like $10 speekers from Walmart. It has lots of features that I like -heated seats, heated steering wheel, ets. but they are not really helping when I drive. The only good thing for me is gas mileage. If my husband would not agree to switch with me, I would get rid of it asap.
Johnny Gallegos wrote on November 6, 2019 - 6:01am
VW, came w/ 7 year, 120K, platinum warranty. & I Luv this car. Was looking at the others, & read for months reviews on these SUVs. After owning a Toyota Camry 2006 & pouring $8K over the years to maintain. Going to Luv my VW, knowing I dont have to pour money into in to drive.!! Sweet.
John Goreham wrote on November 6, 2019 - 10:40am
That warranty has me seriously considering a VW as my next vehicle.
Todd wrote on November 7, 2019 - 7:26am
You need to buy a Volkswagen before the end of 2019. In 2020 they are going to change the warranty to 4 years 50,000 miles with 2 years of scheduled service included.
Jeff wrote on November 6, 2019 - 7:57am
There was no mention of the Forester in the engine class action settlement. Did I miss something or did you? Yes, certain model years of the Forester are covered in the CVT settlement. This likely means the "very troubling quality record", as you describe it, is not widespread amongst the Forester owners. Did you overstate these issues?
John Goreham wrote on November 6, 2019 - 10:39am
I think you did miss it. Here is a link you can cut and paste: http://www.oilconsumption.settlementclass.com/settlement.html
Robert Hoos wrote on November 6, 2019 - 6:05pm
Never ever buy a car with cvt . just plain bad.
MickeyTheRat wrote on November 6, 2019 - 9:31am
Wife loves her Forester. 2019 model, now 20k miles, and no problems whatsoever.
Marina wrote on November 6, 2019 - 10:35am
I would prefer the analysis related to 2019models only. Who cared about 2016now?
John Goreham wrote on November 6, 2019 - 10:38am
Thanks, Marina, we will consider it. The trouble is, everyone loves a new car. It is only after living with them a while that their true nature is revealed.
Steve Farnsworth wrote on November 6, 2019 - 12:10pm
Why no Hyundai Tucson?
John Goreham wrote on November 6, 2019 - 1:41pm
We had to draw the line someplace. The Hyundai Tucson receives a score no higher than a 3/5 from 2013-2018. It has a combination of 1/5, 2/5 and 3/5 ratings from owners. 51% of 2013 model yar owners say they would buy another.
Jim wrote on November 6, 2019 - 2:12pm
Because it’s a piece of junk. They use cheap paint and plastic everywhere in and out of their cars. The cars have proven to start falling apart after 3 years, unlike Toyota, Zhongshan and Mazda. Subaru has some significant issues with oil consumption, front end and CVT issues
mickeyTheRat wrote on November 6, 2019 - 10:20pm
Rented a new Tuscon last year, just a month before bought a new Forester and there is no comparison between the 2, the Subaru is that far ahead of the Hyundai.
Marina wrote on November 6, 2019 - 8:47pm
Understand, but the models have changed so much. Someone may love 2016 model but hate 2019. Like RAV4 does not have V6 anymore. I got 2017 Nissan Rogue and I hate it a lot while I adore my 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara. A friend of mine just ended 3 year lease on RAV4 and went to get a new one but was so disappointed with a new design that she got Camry instead. Go figure.
Richard Melloh wrote on November 6, 2019 - 12:31pm
We own a 2013 XV Crosstrek since new. The wife wanted a new Forester, based on a recent rental experience she had, traveling on her own. We took a 2019 Forester for a test drive at the local dealer where we got the XV and discovered the Forester's passenger seat has few adjustments. Her feet can't even come close to touching the floor when she is the passenger. Feet not touching the floor is an impossible condition on a long trip, hard on the knees. No upgrades are available at any trim level to solve the problem. That ended that consideration. We consider the Forester passenger seat design to be inconsiderate of people of modest stature. One would think the Japanese would get that one right. Personally, I did not care for the bolt upright seating position for the driver. I like the XV's driver position just fine and the XV passenger seat fits both of us, so it is possible for Subaru to get this right.
John Goreham wrote on November 6, 2019 - 1:44pm
The Crosstrek is a very nice vehicle. We've tested it on and off-road and it shines in all scenarios. Surprisingly, owners only rate it a 2/5 in 2013 and 2014. Newer years do better in ratings.
BARRY wrote on November 6, 2019 - 4:30pm
It seems a bit odd that 66% of CRV owners will buy again and 68% of Rav owners will buy again but the article indicates that is very good for Toyota and not so for Honda. I wonder if there is a way to measure which company truly has repeat buyers?
Rick wrote on November 6, 2019 - 7:18pm
We bought a 2018 Honda CRV. Had a 2004 that finally went caput. Read about "oil dilution" issues the ex model was having but bought anyway because of our previous reliability in the 2004. Soon after we discovered their CMBS (collision mitigation breaking system) has a flipping mind of it's own. Several times in DRY CONDITIONS it has taken it upon itself to slam our brakes on while traveling at 55+ mph!! Nothing was in front of the car! I hate this vehicle. I had to RESEARCH how to disable it. Except you have to do it EVERY. TIME. YOU. START. THE. DAMN. CAR! Oh, and we have the oil dilution issue, even AFTER they "fixed" it. Get an oil change and 1-2 months later it suddenly has gained 1.5 quarts of oil!? No, we will never buy this vehicle again. Also we will never buy a vehicle with any type of collision avoidance system again. Nor will we buy any vehicle with Honda's turbo "dream engine" again. They don't burn hot enough to cook off typical interior engine condensate! The 2018+ CRV is crap!
smith wrote on November 7, 2019 - 4:47pm
You should consider RAV4. I have 2019 RAV4 XLE Hybrid AWD. Apart from Break hold switch replacement, now 6.5 K driven. No single issue so far with Dynamic cruise control. You will know when to turn on and turn off. It mainly depends on conditions. 2021 will have Plugin version with more rebates.
Rick wrote on November 6, 2019 - 7:20pm
We bought a 2018 Honda CRV. Had a 2004 that finally went caput. Read about "oil dilution" issues the ex model was having but bought anyway because of our previous reliability in the 2004. Soon after we discovered their CMBS (collision mitigation breaking system) has a flipping mind if it's own. Several times in DRY CONDITIONS it has taken it upon itself to slam our brakes on while traveling at 55+ mph!! Nothing was in front of the car! I hate this vehicle. I had to RESEARCH how to disable it. Except you have to do it EVERY. TIME. YOU. START. THE. DAMN. CAR! Oh, and we have the oil dilution issue, even AFTER they "fixed" it. Get an oil change and 1-2 months later it suddenly has gained 1.5 quarts of oil!? No, we will never buy this vehicle again. Also we will never buy a vehicle with any type of collision avoidance system again. Nor will we buy any vehicle with Honda's turbo "dream engine" again. They don't burn hot enough to cook off typical interior engine condensate! The 2018+ Honda CRV is crap!
Leigh wrote on November 6, 2019 - 7:35pm
I own a 2007 Honda CR-V EX-L with 126,000 miles. I have only perform routine maintenance all these many years. Everything works inside and out. Not one issue. She has been a great car.
Jim wrote on November 14, 2019 - 8:59pm
I agree with you on the older CR-V, BUT only the ones manufactured in Japan NOT GB. My son had a 2004 made in GB and had numerous A/C issues costing thousands of $ and still failed. Sold the car with less ten 90k and no A/C. I gave him my 2005 made in Japan and is still running great with over 180k and a working A/C and no major issues. I gave a 2015 Outback with 60k and had the CVT transmission replaced, both front axles replaced, both rear struts on the hatch and the motor 2x plus oil consumption and a few other issues, piece of junk.
Sean wrote on November 6, 2019 - 8:32pm
Still love my base model 2016 Forester. Occasionally regret not getting the XT but that goes away when I buy gas and pay insurance. Would probably buy another but I hate the back end on the latest model. I expect Subaru will have changed the design again at least once before I'm ready for another.
Dmow wrote on November 6, 2019 - 11:45pm
I own a 2012 Forester but it has the standard automatic transmission all new foresters have a CVT transmission that I would not have if somebody gave it to me. when you need to pay $6,000 at 60,000 miles to have it replaced what a joke.....

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