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5 Best Compact SUVs And Why New Subaru Forester Should Be On Your Shortlist

What are the best compact SUVs? See why Consumer Reports ranks the 2022 Subaru Forester best overall.

What are the highest-ranked compact SUVs? According to Consumer Reports' new compact SUV rankings for 2022 (by subscription), the refreshed 2022 Subaru Forester gets the best overall scores of any new compact SUV. CR puts vehicles through a battery of tests, including reliability, owner satisfaction, road tests, fuel mileage, acceleration, braking, handling, ride quality, and cabin noise.

In the 2021 model year, Forester scored number one overall in CR's tests. The 2022 Subaru Forester gets better with a refresh, a new look with a redesigned front facia, new grille, headlights, fog light covers, new safety technology, and convenience features. Check out the complete report here.

2022 Subaru Forester features, specs, pricing, fuel mileage

CR gives the new Forester an overall highest compact SUV score of 89 points. The Mazda CX-5 scores (83), Honda CR-V (82), Kia Sportage (81), and Hyundai Tucson (80).

The 2022 Forester gets the highest marks for its road-test score, the best of any compact SUV with 90 points. The refreshed Forester also scores high in predicted reliability (4/5), owner satisfaction (4/5), handling, and ride quality (90/100).

2022 Subaru Forester features, specs, pricing, fuel mileage

Where does the 2022 Forester need to improve?

Consumer Reports likes the Forester's 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine's best-in-class fuel economy. But they say, "acceleration isn't exhilarating, and the engine's noise isn't the most pleasant." CR gives the Forester a 3/5 for the vehicle's interior noise level in everyday driving.

What are the 2022 Subaru Forester safety features?

The refreshed Forester comes with the new-generation Subaru EyeSight safety technology that includes stereo cameras with a wider angle (extended visibility) and improved software for an increased view of the road in front and behind the compact SUV.

The new Forester also comes standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking (city and highway), lane departure warning, lane keep assist, a rearview camera, and daytime running lights. Rear cross-traffic warning and blind-spot warning are optional features.

What are the Forester safety scores?

The 2022 Forester gets the highest Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Learn about the latest safety information here: Why The 2022 Subaru Forester Is Not The Best Small SUV In New IIHS Side Crash Test

What is the fuel mileage of the 2022 Subaru Forester?

The 2021 Subaru Forester compact SUV comes with the automaker’s Symmetrical all-wheel drive as standard equipment on all trim levels. It gets an EPA estimated 29 combined mpg and 26/33 city/highway mpg. The Forester comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine. The 2022 Forester Wilderness receives an estimated 26 combined mpg and 25/28 city/highway mpg.

What is the price of the 2022 Subaru Forester?

For the 2022 model change Forester comes in six trim levels; The base Forester starts at $26,320, Premium ($29,320), Sport ($30,890), Limited ($33,000), new Wilderness ($33,945), and Touring ($36,420). Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,125). The 2022 Forester base trim price increases +$475, Premium +$475, Sport +$445, Limited +$555, and Touring +$475.

Consumer Reports ranks the 2022 Subaru Forester the number one compact SUV of twenty-four new models and should be on your shortlist.

You Might Also Like: The Complete 2022 Subaru Forester Model Guide - Which Trim Is Best

Also Check Out: The 2022 Subaru Forester Configurator is Now Live - Start Your New Build Here

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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