Best SUVs Under $40K - U.S. News Picks 2 Subaru Models But Not The Ones You Think

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What are the best SUVs under $40,000? According to an updated U.S. News scoring, the 2023 Subaru Forester and 2023 Subaru Ascent are now two of the best SUVs in their latest ratings.

Are the two top-selling Subaru models, the 2023 Crosstrek and 2023 Outback, ranked the best SUV under $40,000? U.S. News says it's not the Crosstrek or Outback; they pick the 2023 Subaru Forester compact SUV and 2023 Ascent 3-Row SUV that are among the top choices under $40,000. It's because they are priced well below the national average new car price and score high in their recent model reviews. You can check out the complete list from U.S. News here.

Why Subaru Forester is a U.S. News best SUVs under $40,000 pick. U.S. News Score: 8.2/10

U.S. News says, "Though it has become sleeker through the years, the 2023 Subaru Forester is still a crossover that favors the "utility" role of a sport utility vehicle. The Forester, which earns a spot near the top of our compact SUV ranking, comes standard with all-wheel drive."

"The upright four-door compact crossover seats five comfortably and has fantastic cargo space easily accessed due to the vehicle's low load floor. A 6.5-inch touch-screen infotainment system comes standard, with an 8-inch screen for upper trim models. Both support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A lackluster engine is holding back the otherwise excellent Forester from a higher ranking."

What is the price of the 2023 Forester?

All 2023 Forester trim levels increased by $550 in price, including destination and delivery. The 2023 Forester comes in six trim levels; The Base Forester starts at $27,620, Premium ($30,620), Sport ($32,190), Limited ($34,300), Wilderness ($35,245), and Touring ($37,720). Pricing includes dealer fees ($1,225).

What is the 2023 Forester fuel mileage?

All Forester compact SUV trim levels come with standard all-wheel drive and an EPA-estimated 29 combined mpg and 26/33 city/highway mpg. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine powers the Forester.

Why Subaru Ascent is a U.S. News best SUVs under $40,000 pick. U.S. News Score: 8.0/10

U.S. News says, "The largest member of the Subaru family is the three-row 2023 Subaru Ascent crossover. There's seating for as many as seven or eight, depending on your second-row setup. Like most Subarus, the Ascent has a four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive."

"A $40,000 budget is enough to buy a base or Premium trim-level Ascent. All Ascent models include EyeSight, Subaru's camera-based suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance technologies. It includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-centering, and automatic high-beam headlights. Its rear-seat reminder helps prevent drivers from leaving people, pets, or packages behind when they walk away from the car." The Ascent claims a mid-pack spot in its ranking of midsize SUVs.

What is the price of the 2023 Ascent?

The 2023 Subaru Ascent base starts at $35,120, and Premium trims begin at $39,180. The Ascent Onyx Edition starts at $42,520, the upper Limited starts at $42,820, the new Ascent Onyx Edition Limited is priced at $47,520, and the top-trim Touring has a starting MSRP of $49,420. Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,225).

What is 2023 Ascent's fuel mileage?

The 2023 Subaru Ascent base and Premium trim levels get an EPA-estimated 20/26 city/highway mpg and 22 combined mpg. The 2023 Ascent Limited, Touring, Onyx Edition, and new Onyx Edition Limited trim levels get an EPA-estimated 19/25 city/highway mpg and 21 combined mpg.

What are the Forester and Ascents safety scores?

The 2023 Subaru Forester and 2023 Subaru Ascent earned the Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

What sets the Forester and Ascent apart from other SUVs?

What sets the Forester and Ascent apart from other SUVs under $40,000 is they come standard with Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system that provides the all-weather capability. In addition, they come with X-Mode for severe weather and dual-function X-Mode on some trim levels for all-terrain ability. As with all Subaru SUVs, they are designed for active families needing extra off-pavement capability.

What are the best SUVs under $40,000? According to an updated U.S. News scoring, the 2023 Subaru Forester compact and 2023 Subaru Ascent 3-Row are now two of the best SUVs in their latest ratings.

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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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