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10 Best SUVs Now - CR Says Subaru Forester, Outback, Crosstrek Are Top Picks

The 2021 Subaru Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek are now among the ten best SUVs you can buy right now. See why Consumer Reports ranks them high.

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Are the 2021 Subaru Forester, 2021 Outback, and 2021 Crosstrek the very best SUVs? According to Consumer Reports (by subscription), the three Subaru SUVs are now among the top-ten best SUVs you can buy right now. The three models score high in performance, reliability, safety, and owner satisfaction.

What are the very best SUVs of any size you can buy today? Consumer Reports’ new study ranks the ten best SUVs from first to tenth.

2021 Subaru Forester, 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, 2021 Subaru Outback
photo credit: Budds Subaru

The 2021 Kia Telluride is first on the list. The 2021 Subaru Forester is the number two best SUV, and the 2021 Subaru Outback takes third-best for all 2021 models. The Hyundai Palisade is fourth, followed by the Toyota Highlander, and the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek takes sixth place. The following four best SUVs are the Mazda CX-5, Ford Edge, Honda CR-V, and Kia Sportage.

The 2021 Subaru Forester gets high marks for its roomy interior, excellent fuel economy, and plenty of standard equipment. Forester also gets praised for its standard EyeSight safety technology and top crash scores.

2021 Subaru Forester, 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, 2021 Subaru Outback

The 2021 Subaru Outback wagon/SUV gets ranked with the best for its solid feel and “very comfortable ride that outshines even some luxury SUVs.” The Outback also has an elevated ride (8.7-inches of ground clearance) and standard all-wheel-drive. CR says they were impressed with its handling agility and accident avoidance maneuvers.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek gets high marks for its versatility, fuel economy (29 mpg overall), impressive ride comfort, and competent and enjoyable handling on curvy roads. The Crosstrek Sport and Limited now come with a 2.5-liter engine with 30 additional horsepower over the standard 2.0-liter engine.

2021 Subaru Forester, 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, 2021 Subaru Outback
photo credit: Subaru of Gallatin

What is the price of the 2021 Subaru Forester?

The 2021 Forester comes in five trim levels, and the base trim has an MSRP of $25,845, Premium ($28,845), Sport ($30,445), Limited ($32,445), and Touring ($35,945). Pricing includes $1,050 destination.

What is the price of the 2021 Subaru Outback?

The 2021 Outback comes in seven trim levels, base $27,845, Premium ($30,095), Limited ($34,645), Onyx Edition XT ($36,195), Limited XT ($38,545), Touring ($39,045), and Touring XT ($40,995). Pricing includes $1,050 destination.

What is the price of the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek?

The 2021 Crosstrek subcompact SUV comes in five trim levels for customers and gets a small price increase. The base trim is priced from $23,295, Premium ($24,345), all-new Sport ($27,545), Limited ($29,045). Prices include destination and delivery ($1,050).

Are the 2021 Subaru Forester, 2021 Outback, and 2021 Crosstrek the very best SUVs? According to Consumer Reports, the three Subaru SUVs are now among the top-ten best SUVs you can buy right now.

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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

Raymond Turner (not verified)    April 11, 2021 - 2:59PM

our 2020 Forester is a good SUV but lacks fro t cabin room, tight seating to wheel space, and lack of road visibility. I will go to the Crosstex for my next car.

Adventurefores… (not verified)    April 14, 2021 - 7:57AM

Love the Forester! So good drive and comfort. Of course there is some downsides as well. E.g. the Euro spec model (e-Boxer) fuel tank capacity is way too small currently. But at least North American version has a bigger fuel tank.

Devon (not verified)    April 26, 2021 - 2:58PM

Good day i am looking at 4 compact suv forrester rav 4 cx5 crv 2019 models which would you pick in order 1-4 and why please explain thanks

ANTONIOS (not verified)    June 26, 2021 - 8:15AM

In reply to by Devon (not verified)

RAV4 GET THE HYBRID
CX5 VERY GOOD VALUE FOR THE MONEY GET THE TURBO ONE
FORESTER IT IS GREAT FOR EVERYTHING OFF ROAD AND SNOW SYMETRICAL AWD
CRV PLENTY OF INTERIOR ROOM AND GREAT BUILD QUALITY BUT TURBO ( OIL DILUTION PROBLEMS)
OVERALL I would go for either toyota or mazda . Mazda is a better deal in terms of price and equipment. Rav4 has great resale value but more expensive and less equipment.