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Consumer Reports 10 Most Reliable Cars - It’s The Subaru Forester Again

What are the ten most reliable cars you can buy now? Consumer Reports' massive annual surveys reveal one Subaru SUV continues to shine for reliability.
2024 Subaru Forester

What is the most reliable Subaru model you can buy? A new survey from Consumer Reports (by subscription) says it's the Subaru Forester compact SUV again. CR released its 10 Most Reliable Cars annual results, and the Forester is a top pick.

The Subaru Forester makes the CR list again in models with the best reliability. Here is the top ten list, and I will explain why the Forester is a top pick.

2024 Subaru Forester in the woods

photo credit: Subaru World of Newton

Consumer Reports says, "We predict that (the models below) will give owners fewer problems than their competitors based on data collected on more than 330,000 vehicles as reported by their owners, covering the 2000 through 2023 model years, including some early 2024 models."

How does CR determine which cars are the most reliable?

CR gathers auto-reliability data through online questionnaires sent to its members. "We ask about any problems members may have had in the previous 12 months with 20 aspects of their vehicles, including the engine, transmission, EV battery, and EV charging, as well as issues with body hardware, and paint and trim." 

2024 Subaru Forester driving in the city

Consumer Reports 10 Most Reliable Cars and Their Score

  1. 2024 Toyota 4Runner (87)
  2. 2024 Toyota Camry Hybrid (87)
  3. 2024 Toyota Camry (86)
  4. 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime (84)
  5. 2024 BMW X5 (82)
  6. 2024 Subaru Forester (82)
  7. 2024 Toyota RAV4 (80)
  8. 2024 Acura RDX (80)
  9. 2024 Toyota Corolla (77)
  10. 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid (75)

What does Consumer Reports say about the 2024 Subaru Forester?

The Forester is ranked the #1 of 27 Compact SUVs by CR. The Forester's strengths are its fuel economy, roomy interior, excellent outward visibility, and easy-to-use controls.

What is the 2024 Forester fuel mileage?

The 2024 Subaru Forester comes with standard all-wheel drive and gets an EPA-estimated 26/33 city/highway mpg and 29 combined mpg. The EPA rated the 2024 Forester Wilderness with an estimated 25/28 city/highway mpg and 26 combined mpg.

All 2024 Forester trims come standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque.

What is the price of the 2024 Subaru Forester?

All 2024 Forester trim levels increased by $770 in price, including dealer fees. The Forester comes in six trim levels: The Base Forester starts at $28,190,Premium ($31,390), Sport ($32,960), Limited ($35,070), Wilderness ($36,015), and Touring ($38,490). Pricing includes destination and dealer fees ($1,295).

What sets the Forester apart from CR's other reliable models?

All Forester compact SUV trims come with Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive, X-Mode with hill-descent control, 8.7 inches of ground clearance (9.2 inches for Wilderness), and the next-generation EyeSight driver-assist safety technology. 

The Forester's dual-function X-Mode offers the added Deep Snow/Deep Mud setting. If you are going deeper off-road, the Sport and Wilderness trim levels are the best model. You can opt for the rugged 2024 Forester Wilderness if you are a serious off-roader. 

My take.

The Forester is in its last year of the fifth-generation life cycle, which means it will have fewer problems than a newly remodeled vehicle. Subaru has already worked out any issues with the compact SUV. 

The Subaru Forester is an annual top pick by Consumer Reports based on the latest yearly auto surveys for reliability. CR says they predict Forester will give owners fewer problems than its competitors. Compact SUV shoppers should check out the Forester. 

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this Subaru Forester 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

Watch 7 Subaru Winter Driving Features And One That's Still Missing On Many Models YouTube video. 

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: Subaru World of Newton

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Comments

Jedi Thunder (not verified)    November 30, 2023 - 12:39PM

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So, not one 'Honda' made this top 10. This list is such a farse and totally Toyoda biased. The Civic has been a stellar car in both quality and reliability. No subcompact car can touch the Civic overall.

Garry Kruger (not verified)    December 1, 2023 - 10:17PM

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I don't have a problem with a reliability list based on data from consumers. What isn't clear is they list Suburu Forester number six in top ten, but this article then goes on to state it was number one of twenty seven. How can it be number one if it is number six?

Chris Lansdown (not verified)    December 10, 2023 - 10:09AM

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Forester worse car ever. How much cash were paid to write this article.
My 2016 Forester needs a new engine at 120K
So many repairs. This car is like an airplane for every hour on the road it requires 2 hours of maintenance.

Todd Ralp (not verified)    December 1, 2023 - 4:27PM

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The only comment worth making regardless of how biased you think this article is, is the totally misleading headline.
No, it "IS NOT" Subaru that is most reliable or the best resale or the best reliability, it is as always the Toyota 4runner.
Having owned 3 of them I too am biased as everyone in my family is Toyota/Honda centric but my sister broke the mold and bought a Subaru in 2018 and regretted it every day after, it was in the shop constantly and the dealer service was abysmal.
She got rid of it and has loved her CRV everyday since.
There really are only 3 Japanese makes worth owning #1 Lexus #2 Toyota #3 Honda
Subaru like VW has a very loyal customer base but like with VW that doesn't directly translate into them being good cars.