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CR’s 6 Best SUVs Under $30K - Subaru Forester, Crosstrek Rise To The Top

The 2022 Subaru Forester and 2022 Crosstrek are now ranked among the six best SUVs under $30,000 by Consumer Reports. Check out why they both now score number one best in their category.

What are the best SUVs under $30,000? According to Consumer Reports (by subscription), the 2022 Subaru Forester and 2022 Subaru Crosstrek are number two and third-best overall, respectively, in recent tests and surveys.

Why are the Subaru Forester and Crosstrek ranked so high by Consumer Reports? They are CR's top choices because they offer good performance and are safe, reliable, fuel-efficient, and satisfying. Both Forester and Crosstrek come standard with all-wheel-drive, 8.7-inches of ground clearance, and X-Mode for improved severe weather traction.

2022 Subaru Forester, Crosstrek best $30,000

In order of ranking from best to last, CR says the Hyundai Tucson is the best under $30,000 with a score of 93 points. The 2022 Forester is next with a score of 90, followed by the 2022 Crosstrek (86), Ford Bronco Sport (82), Honda CR-V (84), and Mazda CX-5 (82).

Consumer Reports ranks Forester the best compact SUV for its "roomy interior, excellent visibility, commendable fuel economy, simple controls, a comfortable ride, and responsive handling." CR achieved 28 mpg overall, which is among the best in class.

2022 Subaru Forester, 2022 Subaru Crosstrek

The 2022 Forester is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. A CVT automatic is the only transmission offered. Is there a downside to the Forester? CR says, "acceleration isn't exhilarating, and the engine's noise isn't the most pleasant."

What is the price of the 2022 Forester?

The 2022 Subaru Forester gets a modest price increase and comes in six trim levels; The base Forester starts at $26,320, Premium ($29,320), Sport ($30,890), Limited ($33,000), new Wilderness ($33,945), and Touring ($36,420). Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,125).

The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek scores number one of fifteen subcompact SUVs with a top score of 86. Consumer Reports ranks Crosstrek third-best overall because it's an "appealing option for buyers who want a small, versatile, fuel-efficient SUV. All Crosstreks deliver impressive ride comfort along with competent and enjoyable handling on curvy roads."

Is there a downside to the Crosstrek? CR says, "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. There's also a plug-in hybrid version, but while its 33 mpg overall fuel economy is quite good, the high purchase price hurts its value."

What is the price of the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek?

The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek comes in five trim levels for customers. The base trim is priced from $23,570, Premium ($24,720), Sport ($27,920), Limited ($29,420) and Crosstrek Hybrid ($37,895). Prices include destination and delivery fees ($1,125).

The 2022 Subaru Forester is number one of twenty-five compact SUVs in the latest Consumer Reports rankings. The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek is number one of fifteen subcompact SUVs. CR says they move up and are now among the six best 2022 model year SUVs under $30,000.

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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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