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8 Midsize SUVs Best In Owner Satisfaction - Subaru's Wagon Scores Number One

What are the best midsize SUVs? Check out the top eight Two-Row SUVs in owner satisfaction. See why a wagon, the 2021 Subaru Outback, is the best overall in keeping owners happy.

What are eight new midsize SUVs that satisfy owners the most? It's a surprise that it's not an SUV that scores number one with owners; it's a wagon. Consumer Reports (by subscription) asked owners how happy they are with the vehicles they own. Surprisingly, the 2021 Subaru Outback outscores all Two-Row SUV models and is number one in owner satisfaction.

In CR's latest annual auto surveys, they ask owners a simple question: "Would you get this car if you had to do it all over again?" They look at the percentage of owners who tell them they would buy their vehicle again to determine the top performers. The top new models below are ranked in order of their satisfaction rating.

2021 Subaru Outback, features, specs, pricing
photo credit: Competition Subaru

What are the best Two-Row SUVs in owner satisfaction?

Among Two-Row SUVs, the 2021 Subaru Outback wagon is better than some luxury models' scores. It's followed by the BMW X5, Lexus RX, Audi e-tron, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Porsche Cayenne, Lincoln Nautilus, and Jeep Wrangler.

What are the best Three-Row SUVs in owner satisfaction?

In the Three-Row SUV category, the Kia Telluride is number one in owner satisfaction. It's followed by the Lincoln Aviator, Tesla Model X, Hyundai Palisade, Toyota Highlander, Toyota 4Runner, Subaru Ascent, Mazda CX-9, and Chevrolet Traverse.

2021 Subaru Outback, features, specs, pricing
photo credit: Adventure Subaru

Why does the Subaru Outback score number one with owners?

The Outback is technically a wagon, but the SUV-alternative model competes with vehicles in the midsize Two-Row SUV class because of its cargo space and utility. Outback rides and handles like a car but comes with standard all-wheel-drive and has 8.7-inches of ground clearance.

The Outback is known for its all-weather "go-anywhere" capability. The standard Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system doesn't disappoint in deep snow, ice, mud, or slick road conditions.

The Outback also scored high in a recent iSeeCars top-10 cars, and SUVs owners keep the longest study. The Subaru Outback (6.8 percent) takes the number ten spot on the top-10 SUVs list for 2021. The average for all SUV owners who keep their vehicle 15 years or longer is 5.9 percent.

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.

The SUV-alternative 2021 Subaru Outback scores highest with owners in the Two-Row SUV category beating some luxury models and the top-selling Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Wrangler in owner satisfaction.

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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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Photo credit: main image Adventure Subaru