New Subaru Forester And Crosstrek Ranked Number One For Unlikely Reasons

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The 2020 Subaru Forester and Crosstrek are ranked #1 by Consumer Reports in two key areas for consumers. See where the 2020 Forester and Crosstrek are best.

The 2020 Subaru Forester and new Crosstrek come with some features consumers may not be aware of. Most car shoppers don’t think of outward visibility when they are looking for a new small SUV, but it’s an important feature. You also aren’t looking for backseat space when shopping for a compact crossover, but that’s what you get with a number of Subaru vehicles.

According to Consumer Reports, they say Subaru vehicles are tops in their class in these important areas. The 2020 Subaru Forester is the best when it comes to outward visibility. Forester is rated tops in exterior design because the driver’s view is “unobstructed by roof pillars, head restraints, or small windows,” says CR. This was also the case when they evaluated the previous-generation Forester for visibility.

2020 Subaru Forester 

The all-new fifth-generation Forester’s boxy design has been criticized that it’s plain and boring and isn’t as stylish as other small SUVs, but the Japanese automaker is proud of its big windows, square greenhouse, and thin roof pillars that offer outstanding visibility for the driver. Visibility is a core value for the brand and Subaru has kept its conservative exterior design for this reason.

Raked rooflines in the competitor’s SUVs look cool, but they also don’t allow the driver to see their surroundings. Subaru Legacy and Subaru WRX were also ranked the best in their categories.

Subaru Crosstrek rear-seat comfort

The second-generation 2019 Subaru Crosstrek is the brand’s third best-selling vehicle in the all-wheel-drive stable and it also gets recognition from Consumer Reports. Crosstrek was praised for its large back seat in its subcompact SUV standings. This is another interior feature many consumers are not aware of and CR says the all-new Crosstrek comes with a roomy rear seat and they ranked the all-wheel-drive vehicle at the top.

2019 Subaru Crosstrek

CR says they have both male and female testers of various ages and sizes who evaluate the roominess of the cabin (front and back), the level of seat support, and ease of entry and exit for every car they rate. The new Crosstrek competes against Japanese competitors like the Toyota C-HR and Honda HR-V where they dominate in sales.

The 2020 Subaru Forester small SUV and new Subaru Crosstrek subcompact SUV have unique designs that allow for good visibility and extra room in the rear seat. They are important values consumers don’t always think about when shopping for an SUV.

You Might Also Like: What Makes New Subaru Forester The Brand's Most Popular Model Around The Globe

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Photo credit: Subaru

Submitted by Kurt (not verified) on October 7, 2019 - 1:54PM

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Good outward visibility has been one of the main reasons why our family has been driving Foresters since 2001.

Submitted by Cajun Moses (not verified) on October 7, 2019 - 3:34PM

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The high visibility is largely a direct results of the low center of gravity and primarily horizontal profile of the boxer engine.

Submitted by MTB (not verified) on October 7, 2019 - 10:20PM

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One of the main reasons I chose my 2019 Forester was because of the visibility. It was the best of the models I test drove. I didnt take one model for a test drive because as soon as I sat on it I knew the pillars/posts were going to affect my ability to see.

Submitted by Allison RS (not verified) on October 7, 2019 - 10:26PM

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Yes, I sat in a Lexus NX and felt like my view was extremely limited and I didnt like that. When I sat in the Forester I felt like I was in a globe, I felt like I could see everything. I 100% agree that visibility is important.

Submitted by JGinNJ (not verified) on October 8, 2019 - 7:20AM

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I wish other cars put more stress on visibility too, and that manufacturers' ignored comments about the "fishbowl look" These "sleek" SUVs all look the same and one has the feeling of being in a dungeon when one is in them. Having a dozen or more cameras doesn't make up for that, although I suppose if windows are done away with entirely and replaced by many more cameras and screens the cars would be stronger and lighter, and thus safer and more fuel efficient. Of course not getting into a car at all is safe and fuel efficient as well. Bring back more convertibles.

Submitted by Leon Taylor (not verified) on October 8, 2019 - 12:45PM

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Outward visibility was one of the reasons I chose my 2017 Forester over the 2017 CrossTrek. Definitely a big plus for Subaru over competitors