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Consumer Reports 10 Best New SUVs For 2023 And Subaru’s 3 Top Picks

What are the ten best SUVs you can buy now? Consumer Reports says the 2023 Subaru Forester, 2023 Crosstrek Hybrid, and 2023 Outback are three of the best. Check out the complete list here.

What are the very best SUVs of any size you can buy today? The Consumer Reports (by subscription) updated ranking of the top SUVs for 2023 says the 2023 Subaru Forester compact SUV, 2023 Crosstrek Hybrid subcompact SUV, and 2023 Outback midsize SUV make up 30 percent of the ten best SUVs you can buy today. The high-scoring models ranked well in performance, reliability, safety, and owner satisfaction.

Consumer Reports 10 Best SUVs You Can Buy Right Now

CR’s ten best SUVs are ranked from first to 10th. The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid scores number one with a score of 88. The Kia Telluride is number two (87 points), followed by the 2023 Subaru Forester (87), Toyota Highlander Hybrid (86), Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid (85), Hyundai Tucson Hybrid (83), Toyota RAV4 Prime (81), Nissan Rogue (81), Hyundai Palisade (80), and Subaru Outback (80).

2023 Subaru Forester

The 2023 Forester is ranked #1 of twenty-nine new compact SUVs

CR says the Forester “This popular compact SUV delivers the combination of a roomy interior, excellent visibility, commendable fuel economy, simple controls, a comfortable ride, and responsive handling. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder combined with the continuously variable automatic transmission yields 28 mpg, among the best in class.”

Where does the Forester need improvement?

“Acceleration isn’t exhilarating, and the engine’s noise isn’t the most pleasant,” said the new report.

What is the price of the 2023 Subaru 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).

2023 Subaru Crosstrek

The 2023 Crosstrek is ranked #1 of sixteen new subcompact SUVs

CR says, “The Crosstrek is an appealing option for buyers who want a small, versatile SUV. The plug-in hybrid version gets an excellent 33 mpg overall fuel economy, but its high purchase price hurts its value. The regular Crosstrek’s Overall Score is just one point below the Crosstrek Hybrid and is also an excellent compact SUV. It delivers good fuel economy, 29 mpg overall, from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable transmission.”

Where does the Crosstrek need improvement?

“The Crosstrek isn’t very quick, though, and when drivers mash the throttle to accelerate, the engine gets loud. A more powerful 2.5-liter is a newly available option,” the report says.

What is the price of the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek?

All 2023 Subaru Crosstrek trim levels get a $600 price increase, including destination and delivery fees.

The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek now comes in six trim levels for U.S. customers. The base trim is priced from $24,870, Premium ($26,020), Special Edition ($27,970), Sport ($29,220), Limited ($30,720), and Crosstrek Hybrid ($38.070). Prices include destination and delivery fees ($1,225).

2023 Subaru Outback

The 2023 Outback is ranked #2 of fourteen new midsize SUVs

CR says, “The Outback has a reputation as a smart alternative to an SUV, and the addition of comfort and convenience features with the 2020 redesign made this wagon even better. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder does the job but can feel strained under stress. The turbocharged 260-hp, 2.4-liter engine transforms the Outback, giving it effortless acceleration. The ride is very comfortable, and handling is responsive and secure.”

Where does the Outback need improvement?

“Some tasks through the large infotainment screen require more than one step,” the report says.

What is the price of the 2023 Subaru Outback?

The 2023 Outback now comes in nine trim levels for U.S. customers; the base trim is priced from $29,620, Premium ($31,920), new Onyx Edition with a 2.5-liter engine ($34,720), Limited ($36,520), Touring ($41,070), Outback Wilderness ($39,670), Onyx Edition XT ($39,820), Limited XT ($40,920), and Touring XT ($43,520). Pricing includes $1,225 destination and delivery fees.

What sets the Forester, Crosstrek, and Outback apart?

All trim levels come standard with Subaru’s Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system for all-weather performance and have 8.7 inches of ground clearance. The three models come with X-Mode for all-terrain performance, and some trim levels have dual-function X-Mode for extreme winter driving (Deep Snow/Deep Mud mode). The three SUVs earned the Top Safety Pick+ crash scores from the IIHS.

Are the Subaru SUVs fuel efficient?

The EPA says the entire Subaru lineup is now the most fuel-efficient model that is not electric. Check out the report below.

The updated Consumer Reports ranking of the best SUVs you can buy for 2023 says the 2023 Subaru Forester, 2023 Crosstrek Hybrid, and 2023 Outback are ranked number one in their category. CR says they are three of the top 10 new SUVs you can buy now and should be on your shopping list.

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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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