August 2008
Subaru Forester leaps ahead
Redesigned, it tops our small SUV Ratings
The redesigned Subaru Forester not only bested the other small SUVs in this month's small SUV Ratings (both available to subscribers), its turbocharged and nonturbocharged versions also leapfrogged over the six- and four-cylinder
versions of the Toyota RAV4. It's now our top-rated small SUV.
Subaru gave the second-generation Forester a more modern SUV look, but its real changes are found beneath its skin. Drawbacks with the original Forester, itself a capable and well-rounded vehicle, have been rectified. The rear seat is much roomier, the cabin is quieter, and standard safety gear now includes electronic stability control and curtain air bags.
In addition to the Foresters, we tested the new Nissan Rogue, as well as the four-cylinder Mitsubishi Outlander (we tested the V6 in May 2007) for our small SUV Ratings. We also included two old-school SUVs. We pitted the Kia Sorento against the redesigned Jeep Liberty (all available to subscribers).
Only the Foresters and Outlander earn recommendations in our small SUV Ratings (available to subscribers). For the Foresters, we predict above-average reliability based on the performance of past Subarus. The Outlander had outstanding reliability in its first year of redesign. The Rogue is too new for us to have reliability data, and the Sorento's below-average reliability keeps us from recommending it.
The Jeep Liberty scored badly in our testing, even lower than its predecessor. It scores far too low to be recommended; we also don't have reliability data for the redesign yet.
Prices for the vehicles in our group range from $22,040 for the Forester 2.5X to $28,860 for the Forester 2.5XT Limited. Each vehicle in our small SUV Ratings (available to subscribers) has standard ESC and curtain air bags. ESC has been shown to reduce the chances of crashes and potential rollovers in SUVs, and curtain air bags reduce the potential for injury.
In our Auto Test Extra, we've also tested the new, larger entry the Dodge Journey (available to subscribers).
Other small-SUV models deserving consideration include the RAV4, the Hyundai Santa Fe and Tucson, and the Honda CR-V.
The Small-SUV ADVANTAGE
As sales of large, gas-guzzling full-sized SUVs have dropped like a stone, purchases of smaller SUVs have remained relatively
steady. Car-based SUVs tend to be very well-rounded and practical vehicles. Cabin access is often better than in larger SUVs
and sedans, and the availability of a third-row seat in some models gives owners extra seating capacity in a pinch. Their
combination of better fuel economy, improved refinement, and better interior room and performance make small SUVs a sensible
choice for families.
COMING SOON
Automakers are poised to introduce more small SUVs as they try to capture a part of this growing automotive niche. Even luxury automakers are moving into this segment: The Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLK, and Volvo XC60 are all small, higher-end SUVs that will go on sale early next year as 2009 models. Those new vehicles will compete with the Acura RDX, BMW X3, and Infiniti EX35. Volkswagen's new Tiguan is available now, and it competes with the turbocharged Forester 2.5XT and the RAV4 V6, among others.
Subaru gave the second-generation Forester a more modern SUV look, but its real changes are found beneath its skin. Drawbacks with the original Forester, itself a capable and well-rounded vehicle, have been rectified. The rear seat is much roomier, the cabin is quieter, and standard safety gear now includes electronic stability control and curtain air bags.
In addition to the Foresters, we tested the new Nissan Rogue, as well as the four-cylinder Mitsubishi Outlander (we tested the V6 in May 2007) for our small SUV Ratings. We also included two old-school SUVs. We pitted the Kia Sorento against the redesigned Jeep Liberty (all available to subscribers).
Only the Foresters and Outlander earn recommendations in our small SUV Ratings (available to subscribers). For the Foresters, we predict above-average reliability based on the performance of past Subarus. The Outlander had outstanding reliability in its first year of redesign. The Rogue is too new for us to have reliability data, and the Sorento's below-average reliability keeps us from recommending it.
The Jeep Liberty scored badly in our testing, even lower than its predecessor. It scores far too low to be recommended; we also don't have reliability data for the redesign yet.
Prices for the vehicles in our group range from $22,040 for the Forester 2.5X to $28,860 for the Forester 2.5XT Limited. Each vehicle in our small SUV Ratings (available to subscribers) has standard ESC and curtain air bags. ESC has been shown to reduce the chances of crashes and potential rollovers in SUVs, and curtain air bags reduce the potential for injury.
In our Auto Test Extra, we've also tested the new, larger entry the Dodge Journey (available to subscribers).
Other small-SUV models deserving consideration include the RAV4, the Hyundai Santa Fe and Tucson, and the Honda CR-V.
The Small-SUV ADVANTAGE
COMING SOON
Automakers are poised to introduce more small SUVs as they try to capture a part of this growing automotive niche. Even luxury automakers are moving into this segment: The Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLK, and Volvo XC60 are all small, higher-end SUVs that will go on sale early next year as 2009 models. Those new vehicles will compete with the Acura RDX, BMW X3, and Infiniti EX35. Volkswagen's new Tiguan is available now, and it competes with the turbocharged Forester 2.5XT and the RAV4 V6, among others.
