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How do the 2022 Crosstrek, Forester, and Outback rank among new SUVs best for commuters? Not everyone thinks of how well you can see from the driver's seat, how easy it is to use the controls, rear-seat comfort, and cabin quietness when testing a new vehicle. But outward visibility, easy-to-use controls, rear-seat comfort, and a quiet cabin are important for SUV buyers.
A new report from Consumer Reports (by subscription) ranks the new SUVs that are the best for new-car shoppers and says their top picks are SUVs "you'll love driving and owning, and don't have deal-breaking flaws." The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek, Forester, and Outback score highest in driving comfort and reducing stress on the commute.
Best Usability and Controls
The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek is ranked the best in the subcompact SUV category. The other top picks are the Kia Sportage and Nissan Murano.
Check out the 2022 Crosstrek pricing, features, and model guide here
CR says, "The Crosstrek's controls are mostly logical and well-placed. The center control area has two screens; the lower one is for the infotainment system, and the one mounted on the top of the dash displays vehicle data. The standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are appreciated and make the already easy-to-use infotainment system even better."
Where can the Crosstrek improve?
CR says, "It's annoying that the climate control's temperature display disappears a few seconds after the driver adjusts it. There's also a multifunction display in the center of the instrument cluster. It displays fuel economy, vehicle trip information, and more, but it's a bit fussy to toggle through."
Best Visibility
The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek scores best subcompact SUV again in outward visibility, the 2022 Forester in the compact SUV segment, and the 2022 Outback in the midsize SUV category.
CR says, "The Crosstrek's view, front, side, and rear, is generally good. Slender front roof pillars, tall front side windows, and a reasonably large rear window contribute to its good visibility."
Where can the Crosstrek improve?
"But the rising beltline, tapering rear side windows, and chunky rear roof pillars create some big blind spots when you turn your head. The third rear triangular window and blind-spot warning (BSW) help compensate for the compromised view directly back when backing out of a parking space into traffic," says CR.
Check out the 2022 Forester pricing, features, and model guide here
The 2022 Subaru Forester ranks the best compact SUV in outward visibility. CR says, "The Forester may look like a box on wheels, but that shape gives it several advantages: good headroom, plenty of cargo room, and incredible visibility. It has one of the best outward views of any vehicle we've tested. Every roof pillar is slim, and the windshield and side glass are large."
Check out the 2022 Outback pricing, features, and model guide here
The 2022 Subaru Outback scores the best midsize SUV in outward visibility. CR says, "The Outback delivers one of the airiest outward views of any vehicle on the market. It starts with the SUV-like raised ride height and slightly elevated seating position, contributing to the great view out over the hood. But it's the slim pillars all-around combined with long and tall side windows that grant the Outback excellent outward visibility."
Best Rear-Seat Comfort
The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek scores best subcompact SUV again in rear-seat comfort, along with the 2022 Forester in the compact SUV category and Ford Edge in the midsize SUV category.
The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek is the best in the subcompact SUV segment. CR says, "The Crosstrek is a well-rounded SUV that treats rear-seat passengers very well. It's reliable and quiet and has easy-to-use controls and doors that swing open wide, making it incredibly easy to get into. The back seat offers plenty of room, even for long-legged passengers, ample headroom, a nicely shaped seat, and good thigh support. There's more than enough space for two adults to travel comfortably on extended trips."
Compact SUV category
The Subaru Forester ranks in the best compact SUV category. CR says, "As is the case with most vehicles in this class, the Forester is very easy to get into. The rear doors open wide, leaving a large opening and an easy-to-reach seat. The space in the back is generous, with impressive headroom, legroom, and foot room. There's plenty of underleg support, and the seat's contour facilitates a good posture. There's more than enough space for two adults to travel comfortably on extended trips, and three across for short drives isn't out of the question."
Cabin Quietness
And Consumer Reports says the 2022 Crosstrek is rated one of the best subcompact SUVs in cabin quietness. The Hyundai Tucson is the best Compact SUV, and Kia Telluride is the best midsize SUV.
The 2022 Subaru Forester Compact SUV, 2022 Subaru Crosstrek subcompact SUV, and 2022 Subaru Outback midsize SUV score highest in Consumer Reports' latest quietness evaluations, driver visibility, easy-to-use controls, and rear-seat comfort. CR says they are SUVs that will keep owners stress-free; you'll love driving and owning them, and they don't have deal-breaking flaws.
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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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