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In the latest U.S. News 2023 Best Cars for Families, no 2023 Subaru models can be found. Subaru last had a winner in 2019 when the Forester won the best compact SUV for Families award. So why are the popular 2023 Subaru Outback midsize SUV, Forester compact SUV, Ascent 3-Row family hauler, Solterra EV, and Subaru Legacy midsize sedan missing?
U.S. News says, "These awards highlight the cars, SUVs, and minivans that offer the best combination of safety, reliability, space, convenience, and connectivity.
While other automakers are coming out with new and completely remodeled vehicles, Subaru has only one all-new model, the 2023 Solterra compact EV. The next-generation Crosstrek, Forester, and Impreza will arrive later this year, and the 2023 Outback and Ascent received only minor upgrades.
How do the 2023 Subaru models compare with KBB's winners?
In the Compact SUV category, where the Subaru Forester competes, U.S. News gives the award to the 2023 Hyundai Tucson. In the Two-Row SUV segment where the 2023 Outback resides, U.S. News says the Hyundai Santa Fe is the best.
In the 3-Row SUV category, where the Subaru Ascent competes, U.S. News gives the award to the Kia Telluride. In the electric vehicle category, where the Subaru Solterra resides, U.S. News picks the Kia EV6. Finally, in the best midsize car segment, where the Subaru Legacy competes, U.S. News gives the award to the Kia K5.
Can you see a pattern here? U.S. News loves the Hyundai and Kia brands. But for some reason, Subaru was shut out again. Subaru also had no models that were runner-up picks this year.
Also, the Subaru brand is left out in the cold in the recent U.S. News Best Cars for the Money awards. In these awards, they assembled a list of standout vehicles from twelve segments offering the best quality and value combination. Subaru should have a better opportunity to make this list, but no Subaru subcompact SUV, compact SUV, or midsize SUV can be found.
Our take
The 2023 Subaru Forester is a carry-over model with no upgrades, and U.S. News shows its love for Hyundai and Kia models. The 2023 Subaru Outback, Ascent, and Legacy all received a mild refresh, but the partial remodel did not create new excitement. The 2023 Solterra is all-new but seems lost again as U.S. News picks a Kia EV.
Subaru Corporation has never brought flashy new models every year that get the attention of the automotive media as the Japanese automaker does not follow the crowd. Instead, they stick with a formula that works. Subaru's recipe for its success is safety, fun-to-drive, all-wheel-drive, and affordability.
What's next for Subaru?
The all-new redesigned 2024 Subaru Impreza hatchback arrives this spring. The next-generation 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Base and Premium trims also come this spring; the Sport and Limited trim levels arrive this summer. Both models are not considered family vehicles, so look for Subaru to be shut out to Kia and Hyundai by U.S. News again next year.
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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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Photo credit: Subaru
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