CR’s 10 Best SUVs Without Deal-Breaking Flaws - 3 New Subaru Models Stand Tall

How do the 2023 Forester, Outback, and Ascent rank among new SUVs best for commuters? Many new SUV shoppers don't think of how well you can see from the driver's seat, how easy it is to use the controls, rear-seat comfort, and cabin quietness when testing a new vehicle. But outward visibility, easy-to-use controls, rear-seat comfort, and a quiet cabin are important for SUV buyers.

An updated report from Consumer Reports (by subscription) ranks the new SUVs that are the best for new-car shoppers and says their top picks are SUVs "you'll love driving and owning, and don't have deal-breaking flaws." The 2023 Subaru Forester compact SUV, 2023 Subaru Outback midsize SUV, and 2023 Subaru Ascent score highest in driving comfort and reducing stress on the commute.

The Best Usability and Controls

The 2023 Honda HR-V and Honda CR-V are ranked the best in the subcompact and compact SUV category, respectively. The Subaru Forester is another recommended top pick by Consumer Reports in the compact SUV category. The Subaru Ascent is another recommended top pick in the midsize SUV category.

The Best Compact SUV in Visibility

The 2023 Subaru Forester scores the best compact SUV again in outward visibility, and the 2023 Outback is the best in outward visibility in the midsize SUV category.

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CR says, "The Forester may look like a box on wheels, but that shape gives it several advantages: good headroom, plenty of cargo room, and incredible visibility. It has one of the best outward views of any vehicle we've tested. Every roof pillar is slim, and the windshield and side glass are large. The side mirrors sit low, so it's easy to see pedestrians and cars at traffic intersections. The rear window is also large, but head restraints can block the view somewhat."

Best Midsized SUV in Visibility

CR says, "The Outback delivers one of the airiest outward views of any vehicle on the market. It starts with the SUV-like raised ride height and slightly elevated seating position, contributing to the generous view out over the hood. But the slim pillars all around combined with long and tall side windows give the Outback excellent outward visibility. Other helpful elements include the front triangle windows, which make it easier for the driver to see around the side mirrors to spot vehicles or pedestrians at intersections, along with a huge third side window to alleviate rear three-quarter blind spots. And last, the rear window is quite large."

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Best Rear-Seat Comfort

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan scores the best SUV in rear-seat comfort. Consumer Reports says the 2023 Subaru Forester is among the best for rear seat comfort in the compact SUV category. The 2023 Subaru Outback is among the best in the midsized 2-Row SUV category. The 2023 Subaru Ascent ranks among the best in the midsized 3-Row SUV category. 

Compact SUV category

CR says, "In the compact SUV class, the Forester is very easy to get into. The rear doors open wide, leaving a large opening and an easy-to-reach seat. The space in the back is generous, with impressive headroom, legroom, and footroom. There's plenty of underleg support, and the seat's contour facilitates a good posture. There's more than enough space for two adults to travel comfortably on extended trips, and three across for short drives isn't out of the question."

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Cabin Quietness

Consumer Reports says the Hyundai Tucson is the best Compact SUV, and Kia Telluride is the best midsize SUV in cabin quietness.

The 2023 Subaru Forester Compact SUV, 2023 Subaru Outback 2-Row SUV, and 2023 Subaru Ascent 3-Row SUV score highest in Consumer Reports' updated tests. The evaluations cover driver visibility, easy-to-use controls, and rear-seat comfort. CR says they are SUVs that will keep owners stress-free; you'll love driving and owning them, and they don't have deal-breaking flaws.

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Denis Flierl brings over thirty years of combined auto industry and automotive journalism experience to Torque News readers. He is an accredited Rocky Mountain Automotive Press (RMAP) member. The last twelve years have been spent with Torque News, covering Subaru vehicles and the latest news. Check back daily for his expert Subaru analysis. You'll find the latest stories on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

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