Here’s Why Subaru Is Always at the Top of Consumer Reports’ Rankings
Choosing a new vehicle is a major decision. You want something safe, dependable, and capable of keeping up with your lifestyle. But with so many options on the market, filtering out the marketing hype from real-world performance can be exhausting.
That’s where Consumer Reports comes in. As an independent, non-profit organization that accepts no advertising, their rigorous testing and owner-satisfaction surveys are the gold standard for car shoppers.
Year after year, Subaru dominates their rankings. Below, we break down exactly how Subaru performed against the competition, which models took home the highest honors, and why a Subaru is the smartest investment you can make for your driveway.
1. The Big Picture: Subaru Ranks Among the Best Car Brands
When Consumer Reports evaluates auto manufacturers, they don’t just look at styling. They rank brands based on a comprehensive “Overall Score” that combines road-test performance, predicted reliability, owner satisfaction, and crucial safety features.
- How Subaru Performed: Subaru consistently lands in the top tier of all automotive brands, frequently beating out high-end luxury labels and legacy manufacturers alike.
- The Secret to Success: Subaru’s entire lineup offers standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (except the track-tuned BRZ), standard EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, and a reputation for retaining its value over time.
Looking for the full standings?
Click here to view the latest Consumer Reports Brand Rankings
2. The Elite “Top Picks”: Crosstrek and Forester Lead the Pack
Every year, Consumer Reports highlights just 10 Top Picks—the absolute best-of-the-best vehicles that excel in performance, safety, and reliability. Subaru regularly claims multiple spots on this highly competitive list.
- Subaru Crosstrek: Celebrated for its impressive fuel economy, smooth ride, and rugged versatility. It’s the ultimate compact SUV for drivers who want city-friendly dimensions with weekend-warrior capability.
- Subaru Forester: A perennial favorite thanks to its class-leading visibility, spacious cabin, and intuitive infotainment system. It sets the benchmark for what a family compact crossover should be.
Want to see who else made the cut?
3. Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars? (Spoiler: Subaru is Leading)
A car is only as good as its ability to start every morning and get you home safely. Consumer Reports gathers data from hundreds of thousands of real vehicle owners to determine which brands build cars that actually last.
Subaru routinely scores at the very top for brand reliability. Because Subaru focuses on refining its core engineering—like the legendary BOXER® engine—rather than chasing passing trends, their vehicles are built to go the distance. In fact, 96% of Subaru vehicles sold in the last 10 years are still on the road today.
See the reliability data:
Explore the Consumer Reports Ratings by Model
Curious about how your favorite Subaru model stacks up? Every vehicle in the lineup undergoes hundreds of hours of testing. Click below to see individual model breakdowns, standard features, and available inventory right here at Five Star Subaru:
The adventurous compact crossover.
Subaru Forester / Forester Hybrid
The spacious, safety-first family champion.
The legendary, capability-focused wagon.
The 3-row SUV built for big family adventures.
The versatile, standard AWD hatchback.
The all-electric SUV with true Subaru DNA.
Track-tested performance built for enthusiast drivers.
Experience an Award-Winning Drive at Five Star Subaru
Consumer Reports can tell you how great these vehicles are on paper, but nothing beats experiencing it from the driver’s seat.
Whether you are looking for the efficient commuter-friendly Crosstrek, the family-ready Ascent, or the trailblazing Outback Wilderness, our team is here to help you find the perfect match.
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