5 top small SUVs | Consumer Reports

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[jtquick]

We own a 2013 Forester, Bought it in March 2013. 1 1/2 years later. NOT ONE PROBLEM ! Change 0w20 synthetic oil with Subaru Filter every 5K  Metal Oil filter with bypass valve on top and no need to jack up car to get access at oil plug. I am 6'4" and  250 lbs and I fit in this vehicle. I test drove the others and this one was the best.  AWD handles great in rain and snow.Last forester lasted 200K and sold it running. Safest car ratings that I know of. This is actually made in Japan. One of the few.

[siowkiat]

The Forester design probably looks "out of norm" to some people because Subaru don't bother to follow and copy fashion trends. They have their own thoughts on their design and put functionality like visibility above looking fasionable. Car design fashion is about companies copying from each other and all ended up with the current fashion norm. However, couple of years down the road, you might find the rest of the vehicles looking old except for the subie which has its own character. Just looking at the old 2nd generation Forester which still look cool and full of character even today.

[drdani]

This is the best unbiased short review so far on youtube for small sized crossovers

[jtafoya]

People please read the description it clearly says the Subaru forester tops the ratings for consumer reports. FYI the Subaru forester won Motortrends SUV of the year! Love it's what makes a Subaru.

[thedeepdive]

I would go with the rav4, crv and subaru forester

[TimJoseph]

For the 2014 Forester, get the Limited or Touring models for the 2.5, or any 2.0XT version, because the X-MODE is the best feature for snow traction or mud traction. I got the 2.5 Touring with EyeSight, and it's the best SUV to own especially for snow storms. Subaru should make the X-MODE standard on automatic transmission models from XV Crosstreks, base Foresters, and Outbacks.

[MemphisMojos]

My wife owns a 2013 4WD RAV4, and I have to admit that it rides so good! It isn't as stiff as my 2010 because it's a Sport model, hers is not. It is easy to drive, corners well, and easy to park. We get about 26-27 mpg combined and for a 3700lb 4 cylinder that's an AWD/4WD, I am not complaining in the least. Those mpg numbers are with three people and luggage. I foresee this RAV4 being the overall high mileage champ in 10 years. I have a V6 in my car, and its a shame Toyota couldn't keep their 15% Category that prefers the power of the V6 RAV4, happy. I've had two of the V6 models, and man I really like the power they put down. It makes towing my camper a dream. Red light sleeper, rolling punch at 50 is awesome, and I still get 22 combined and that's driving it however. The Subaru wins in the AWD category so don't give us the Jeep 4WD king story. The Toyota Venza 2013 model has an equal AWD system in comparison to the 2013 Outback on ice. Check that video out if you can..AMCI certified testing.

[rickray]

I own a 2002 Forester S, built in 2001, best vehicle I've ever owned and I've owned a lot of them.  Chrysler, Ford & GM are getting better, but still rated below Subaru, Toyota & Honda.

[kerriestemniski]

0:11 that shot looks so creepy and I am absolutely nuts but I think that the RAV4 top rated small Shuv

[TimJoseph]

I got the 2014 Forester 2.5i Touring with EyeSight Package in Ice Silver exterior color. Overall I'm impressed with the driving experience, especially with the CVT. When it starts to accelerate, it sometimes make tire screeches, but it doesn't feel underpowered unlike the CR-V 185hp rating. Most 4 cylinder engines and 3 cylinder engines are better with CVTs than with a conventional automatic, that's my most automakers are going to or have done so in the past.

[jackjagt]

We bot the Subaru Forester with all options and are very pleased so far. Soon we will take it on an Ontario to Arizona trip. Then we will take it into desert and mountainous terrain during the winter. We are looking forward to a new adventure (no more Diesel pusher Motor Home....)

[tompaull]

Hi Consumer Reports.  Long time reader and supporter.  I very much enjoy your "Talking Cars with Consumer Reports" series.  

I'm wondering if Consumer Reports has ever performed any all wheel drive (AWD) comparison testing on small to medium sized SUVs?  I've seen a few videos tests -- I'm concerned if they are legitimate tests (example:  2014 Subaru Forester Vs Honda CRV, Ford Escape, Mazda CX-5, and Toyota RAV4).  

If you have never performed similar tests would you consider it?  
Thanks!

[redhorse]

Forester might be a good pick to CR but don't tell that to the many owners who have had oil consumption and head gasket failure issues with this vehicle.

[carmel]

This is a comparison for a compact SUV -- your Acura MDX would classify as a luxury crossover, still quite good.

[EastA]

i agree with you on Ford reliability one thing i heard about the Ford Escape under the hood everything so close to the point make future repair expensive and difficult ..

[ShadewHawk]

although I think it needs a refresh (and believe it should get one soon as their other vehicles have all been getting them), the Nissan Rogue should have been included. Everyone I know who has had one has loved it, and picked it over some of these other vehicles. I also know people extremely happy with their Rav4s. The only person I've known to buy a Forrester, only had it for about a year before getting rid of it.

[theoldman]

For short drivers, the Forester can pose a significant problem. On both sides the top of the front doors angle a lot to the rear. Combine that with the strong detents when the door is partially open and you have a case where a short driver (5' 4" for my daughter) can get whacked on the side of the head unexpectedly when entering or leaving the car. She ended up with a concussion and was hospitalized. Tall drivers whose heads are higher that the top of the door will never notice the problem. Consumer Reports completely missed this problem. My daughter now drives a different car.

[guyproulx]

why would you even put a pos ford in this comparison, you said you don't know what the reliability is going to be with the ford, just look at the previous models and that will answer your question not to mention the rust issues

[darvelbidenisapuppet]

The CX5 GT with the 2.5ltr was verry nice. I didnt notice it being too loud.

[EChid]

The RAV4 has been exceptionally reliable and doesn't use any particularly unusual or new engineering (i.e. the 2.5 cylinder remains, the same used in so many of their cars). Same with the CR-V and, to an extent, the Forester. They have good reason to not be concerned. The 1.6 Ecoboost is new and has already demonstrated issues.