The Subaru Crosstrek was named the top pick in the subcompact SUV category. It continues to appeal to drivers who want a versatile, easy-to-own SUV with standard all-wheel drive, strong safety performance, and dependable reliability. Its compact size makes it well-suited for city driving, while still offering confidence in poor weather and varied road conditions.
In the compact SUV category, Consumer Reports selected the Subaru Forester as its top choice for 2026. The Forester is recognized for its excellent visibility, spacious interior, standard all-wheel drive, and consistently strong safety and reliability scores. It remains a practical option for families and daily commuters alike.
All Consumer Reports 2026 top picks come standard with key safety technologies such as automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, an area where Subaru continues to perform well. While hybrid and electric options are becoming more common across the industry, Consumer Reports notes that reliability, resale value, and overall ownership experience remain critical factors - areas where both the Crosstrek and Forester continue to score highly.
For buyers considering a compact or subcompact SUV in 2026, the Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru Forester stand out as smart, well-rounded choices backed by extensive testing and real-world owner data.
Consumer Reports 2026 Top 10 vehicles:
Subcompact SUV: Subaru Crosstrek
Compact SUV: Subaru Forester
Small Car: Honda Civic
Midsize Car: Toyota Camry
Midsize SUV: Toyota Grand Highlander
