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Why Subaru Forester And Crosstrek Are CR’s Most-Recommended Again

Are the 2022 Subaru Forester and 2022 Crosstrek reliable vehicles? How fuel-efficient are they? A report by Consumers Reports says they are still the best in class.

With all the compact SUVs available, which ones are the most reliable and most fuel-efficient? Consumer Reports says two Subaru models, the 2022 Forester and 2022 Crosstrek, are still the most reliable fuel-stingy models you can buy. The 2022 Subaru Forester gets a refresh, and the 2022 Crosstrek remains unchanged.

Consumer Reports (by subscription) compiled the list of compact SUVs that scored well in their road tests, have average-or-better predicted reliability ratings, and get 28 mpg overall or better. CR says the refreshed 2022 Forester is one of the best in the compact SUV category and the hot 2022 Crosstrek scores highest in its class.

2022 Subaru Forester, 2022 Subaru Crosstrek
photo credit: Crosscreek Subaru via Autoblog

Consumer Reports' most reliable and fuel-efficient compact SUVs

The Consumer Reports' seven most reliable and fuel-efficient compact SUVs are the Hyundai Tucson with a score of 93, followed by the Subaru Forester (score of 90), Toyota RAV4 Prime (88), Subaru Crosstrek (86), Honda CR-V (84), Lexus UX (71), and Toyota RAV4 (68).

The 2022 Subaru Forester is ranked the number one of twenty-five compact SUVs in CR's scoring, and the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek scores number one of fifteen subcompact SUVs.

2022 Subaru Forester, 2022 Subaru Crosstrek
photo credit: Crosscreek Subaru

The Forester and Crosstrek score high in essential areas

The 2022 Forester and The 2022 Crosstrek score high in five areas; reliability, fuel mileage, performance, safety, and owner satisfaction. How fuel-efficient are the Crosstrek and Forester?

What is the fuel mileage of the 2022 Subaru Forester?

The 2021 Subaru Forester, also with standard all-wheel-drive, is the number two small SUV in fuel mileage with 28 combined mpg and 20/38 city/highway mpg.

CR says, "The popular Forester delivers a satisfying combination of a roomy interior, excellent visibility, commendable fuel economy, simple controls, a comfortable ride, and responsive handling. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder CVT returned 28 mpg overall in our tests, among the best in class."

What is the fuel mileage of the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek?

You can have an all-wheel-drive SUV and still get good fuel efficiency. The Subaru Crosstrek uses direct injection on its new 2.5-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine and gets 27/34 city/highway mpg and 29 combined mpg. The 2.0-liter engine gets 28/33 mpg and 30 combined mpg with the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) automatic, contributing to better mileage.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek hybrid gets even better fuel mileage. In Consumer Reports testing, the plug-in hybrid gets 38/45 city/highway MPGe and 42 combined MPGe. Note that the Crosstrek Hybrid is not available in all states.

CR says, "The Crosstrek delivers excellent fuel economy and impressive ride comfort. Its handling is competent and enjoyable. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is mated to a continuously variable transmission. This combination works fine and gets 29 mpg overall, which is among the best for small SUVs."

Are the Subaru Forester and Crosstrek reliable vehicles?

The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek scored a perfect 5/5 in predicted reliability; the 2022 Subaru Forester scored 4/5.

The Forester and Crosstrek should be on your shopping list

Consumer Reports scores the 2022 Subaru Forester and 2022 Subaru Crosstrek the best in class; both are reliable, fuel-stingy, and a good value for small SUV shoppers. Check out the most recent fuel-mileage tests by the EPA below.

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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: main image Crosscreek Subaru