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iSeeCars Says Subaru Outback, Forester Are The Best SUVs Under $30K In 2 Categories

What are the best SUVs under $30,000? What are the safest SUVs under $30,000? iSeeCars says the 2023 Subaru Outback and 2023 Subaru Forester rank the best in both categories.

Why should you put the 2023 Subaru Outback midsize SUV or 2023 Subaru Forester compact SUV on your shopping list? According to a new report from iSeeCars, both Subaru SUVs are the top picks as the best small SUVs under $30,000 in two important categories.

The 2023 Subaru Outback midsize SUV scores the best small and crossover SUV under $30,000 with an iSeeCars score of 8.8/10 with a reliability score of 8.4/10, a value retention score of 8.0/10, and 10/10 for safety. iSeeCars says the Outback is the #2 of 28 best new SUVs for the money you can buy this summer.

2023 Subaru Outback

What is the price of the 2023 Subaru Outback?

The 2023 Outback 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.

According to the 2023 Vincentric Best Fleet Value In America awards, the Outback Base trim level is now the lowest cost to own in the Midsize SUV category. The Outback also won the award in 2022.

In Kelley Blue Book's (KBB) 2023 5-Year Cost to Own cars, trucks, and SUV awards, KBB says the 2023 Subaru Outback is the best in their category of new vehicles, with the lowest 5-year cost you can buy this year. Read the report here.

2023 Subaru Forester

The 2023 Subaru Forester compact SUV scores the second best small and crossover SUV under $30,000 with an iSeeCars score of 8.7/10 with a reliability score of 8.1/10, a value retention score of 8.1/10, and 10/10 for safety. iSeeCars says the Forester is the #4 of 28 best new SUVs for the money you can buy this summer.

What is the price of the 2023 Subaru Forester?

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).

In Kelley Blue Book's (KBB) 2023 5-Year Cost to Own cars, trucks, and SUV awards, KBB says the 2023 Subaru Forester is among the best in their category of new vehicles, with the lowest 5-year cost you can buy this year.

Consumer Reports ranks the Forester as the best compact SUV for 2023 and is named a top ten pick among all new vehicles this year.

What are the Outback and Forester safety scores?

In the latest IIHS crash tests, Forester and Outback earn the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating. Both models come standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist safety technology, including the new DriverFocus anti-distraction and convenience system.

iSeeCars ranks the Honda CR-V as the third best small and crossover SUV under $30,000 with an iSeeCars score of 8.6/10 with a reliability score of 8.5/10, a value retention score of 8.3/10, and 9.0/10 for safety.

What sets the Outback and Forester apart from the Honda CR-V?

Apart from 8.7 inches of ground clearance and standard all-wheel-drive, the Outback and Forester come with X-Mode for added all-weather performance. Outback XT and Wilderness and Forester Sport and Wilderness come with dual-function X-Mode for additional all-terrain performance.

What are the best small and crossover SUVs under $30,000? iSeeCars says the 2023 Subaru Outback and 2023 Subaru Forester rank the best in value and safety.

You Might Also Like: 12 Easy Tips To Improve Your New Subaru Or Any Car’s Fuel Mileage This Summer

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 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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