Consumer Guide Says Two Subaru Models Are Now Your Best Buy Picks

Which new car models are the best buys of 2024? According to Consumer Guide Automotive’s award-winning editorial team, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek and 2024 Subaru Outback are the best in their category and are your top picks now. Here is why. 

Consumer Guide says they used a rigorous and comprehensive evaluation process to identify the vehicles worthy of serious consideration by consumers. To assess each vehicle, the editors utilize objective criteria, such as price, features, performance, accommodations, fuel economy, reliability records, and resale value.

photo credit: Tucson Subaru

Consumer Guide says its annual Best Buy Awards is “The careful evaluation of every aspect of each vehicle related to consumers’ real-world driving experience. This thoroughness leads consumers to check Consumer Guide Automotive reviews before buying a new vehicle.”

I cover Consumer Guide’s Best Buy picks annually, and it’s not the first time Subaru models get the nod as the best buys for new model shoppers. Last year, The Outback and Forester were top picks for new model shoppers. 

How does the Consumer Guide make the picks?

CG says their editorial team drives more than 100,000 miles annually, evaluating what these vehicles do well—and what they don’t. “Whether driving through the city, on highways, in rural areas, on long trips or simply picking up the kids at school, these vehicles are tested the same way typical car buyers would use them.”

photo credit: Tucson Subaru

What are the Best Buy Subcompact Crossovers? 

• Subaru Crosstrek
• Nissan Kicks
• Hyundai Venue
• Kia Soul

Why the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is a Best Buy: CG picks Crosstrek for its outstanding snow performance, sporty handling, and comfortable cabin. 

I have reported on the 2024 Crosstrek’s impressive snow-driving performance. Check out the report here for more information. 

The 12 Best New Cars For Snow This Winter Includes One Surprise Subaru Model. Check out the best picks here via @AllSubaru @torquenewsauto #subaru #forester #outback #crosstrek #ascent #wrx https://t.co/nizQnb4BSJ pic.twitter.com/xhi1ksEjqA
— Subaru Report (@SubaruReport) September 19, 2023

But, they say it has limited rear-seat space and could be quieter at highway speed. 

My take on the 2024 Crosstrek

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek outperforms the other top subcompact crossovers because of its excellent Symmetrical all-wheel-drive and X-Mode system. Crosstrek also has 8.7 inches of ground clearance, more than any competitor. Crosstrek Wilderness has 9.3 inches of rock clearing ground clearance for outdoor enthusiasts. 

What are the Best Buy Midsize Cars?

• Subaru Outback
• Honda Accord
• Toyota Camry
• Toyota Crown

Why the 2024 Subaru Outback is a Best Buy: CG says the Outback has a roomy cabin and outstanding snow performance. 

But CG says the Outback has a crude engine stop/start operation. 

The New Subaru Outback Feature Owners Dislike The Most And How To Turn It Off via @SubaruReport @torquenewsauto#subaru #outback #subaruoutback #outbackwildernesshttps://t.co/PvUbBJXY43 pic.twitter.com/eTsE2lIFfx
— Denis Flierl (@DenisFlierl) November 11, 2023

I have covered the 2024 Outback’s stop/start system extensively, and it’s the Outback’s worst fuel-saving feature. Check out the complete report here. 

My Take on the 2024 Outback

The 2024 Subaru Outback is set apart from other midsize SUVs because it is a one-of-a-kind vehicle. Car Guide puts the Outback in the midsize car category because it has the ride quality and driving dynamics of a car. But the Outback has the utility and versatility of an SUV. It comes with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, standard all-wheel-drive, X-Mode for severe weather, and dual function X-Mode on some trim levels for all-terrain capability. 

The Outback comes in a new Wilderness trim level for customers who want to get out of the city, further off the grid, and away from civilization. The Outback offers customers what no other Crossover/SUV can. 

Subcompact Crossover and Midsize Car shoppers should check out the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek and 2024 Subaru Outback. Consumer Guide says they are your best buy picks for 2024. 

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this Subaru Crosstrek and Outback story. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

For additional articles related to new Subaru models, here are a few of my top stories you may enjoy. 

My Must-Read Top Picks

• Why Subaru Forester Sales Are Blowing Up
• Don’t Take Consumer Reports’ Advice For Your Subaru’s Oil
• CR’s 14 Best SUVs Under $40K And Subaru’s 3 Top Picks

Watch 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Off-Road Mountain Course Review

I am Denis Flierl, a 12-year Torque News senior writer with 20+ years of Subaru and automotive journalism experience. I enjoy bringing you, the Subaru fans and customers, the most up-to-date Subaru news, reviews, and new model information. You'll find the latest Subaru stories on the Subaru page. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

I’ve got you covered! - I cover all Subaru all the time - It’s called the “Subaru Report.” Check back daily for my expert Subaru analysis!

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photo credit: Tucson Subaru