Consumer_Reports_-_April_2020

Subaru Forester
!

Over its various iterations,

the Subaru Forester has

had a winning formula.

This popular small SUV

delivers a combination of

a roomy interior, excellent visibility,

commendable fuel economy, simple

controls, a comfortable ride, and

responsive handling. The 2.5-liter

four-cylinder combined with the

continuously variable automatic transmission yields 28 mpg overall, which is

among the best in class. But acceleration isn't exhilarating, and the engine's

noise isn't the most pleasant. The cabin is roomy, with a particularly generous

rear seat and very easy access. The controls are simple to use, including the

infotainment system that is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The EyeSight suite of forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking,

lane departure warning, and lane keeping assistance is standard.



OVERALL

SCORE

84

$24,495-$34,595

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

5

ROAD-TEST SCORE 90 MPG 28

Subaru Impreza
!

The Impreza is a roomy

compact that is available

in sedan and five-door

hatchback body styles. It

has a very comfortable

ride, agile and secure handling, and

a relatively quiet cabin. The 2.0-liter

four-cylinder engine is mated to a

continuously variable transmission

that mimics a conventional automatic

transmission and is not overly intrusive. The Impreza is satisfying to drive.

Steering is responsive, and the body remains sure-footed in corners, no matter

how bumpy the road. We got 30 mpg overall with our sedan, commendable

given the standard all-wheel drive. The infotainment screen is easy to use, and

the rear seat is roomy for a compact car. We recommend getting Subaru's

comprehensive EyeSight suite of advanced safety gear, which includes forward

collision warning and automatic emergency braking.



OVERALL

SCORE

79

$18,695-$26,295

RELIABILITY

4

SATISFACTION

3

ROAD-TEST SCORE 85 MPG 30

Subaru Legacy!

The Legacy provides a

supercomfortable ride that

outshines some luxury cars.

Handling is responsive but

not sporty. This all-wheel-

drive sedan is fitted with a choice of

two four-cylinder engines: a 182-hp

2.5-liter or a 260-hp turbocharged

2.4-liter. The standard engine is

adequate but makes an unpleasant

roar when pushed. It provides a decent 28 mpg overall. The turbo version

delivers strong acceleration and is quieter. We like that the well-tuned CVT

mimics the shift patterns of conventional automatics. Unfortunately, the

large infotainment screen requires users to wade into menus to perform

some common tasks. Standard equipment includes forward collision warning,

automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise

control, but blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning are optional.



OVERALL

SCORE

87

$22,745-$35,895

RELIABILITY

4

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 89 MPG 28

Subaru Outback
!

The Outback wagon has a

long-running reputation as

a smart alternative to an

SUV, and the redesigned

2020 model doesn't

stray from its proven formula. This

next-generation Outback adds

comfort and convenience features.

The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine

does the job but can feel strained

under stress. The turbocharged 260-hp, 2.4-liter engine transforms the wagon

with effortless acceleration. The ride is very comfortable, and handling is

responsive and secure. Some tasks through the large infotainment screen

require more than one step, however. Thoughtful details like built-in cross bars

and a dual-position cargo cover are nice touches. All versions get the EyeSight

suite of advanced safety and driver assistance systems. Blind spot warning and

rear cross traffic warning are optional.



OVERALL

SCORE

87

$26,645-$39,695

RELIABILITY

4

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 91 MPG 24

Subaru WRX

With its blistering

acceleration and

tenacious cornering grip,

the WRX is built for the

enthusiast driver. A manual

is standard, and the optional CVT

has eight predetermined ratios that

the driver controls via steering-wheel

paddles. Power is abundant, handling

is nimble, and the WRX is very

capable on a track. But the ride is very stiff and choppy, and the clunky shifter

and abrupt clutch engagement make the WRX frustrating as a daily driver.

The higher-performance WRX STI has a different transmission and suspension,

and a more powerful 310-hp engine. Subaru's EyeSight safety system, including

automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning, is optional. Recent

updates include enhanced suspension tuning, interior refinements, and some

new features.



OVERALL

SCORE

61

$27,495-$41,695

RELIABILITY

2

SATISFACTION

3

ROAD-TEST SCORE 75 MPG 26

Tesla Model 3

!

The Model 3 Long Range

is rated at 330 miles of

driving range. It takes

12 hours to charge on

a 32-amp 240-volt

connector. Acceleration is swift,

and its handling is remarkably agile.

The interior is uncluttered and nicely

finished, and the front seats are

comfortable. However, the ride is

very stiff and choppy, and the rear seat is too low and uncomfortable. The

controls are very distracting, because even simple tasks, such as adjusting

the mirrors, must be performed using the large touch screen in the center

of the dashboard. The Autopilot suite of driver assistance systems can

maintain the car's speed and keep it in its lane, but it isn't designed to react

to all driving conditions, so drivers must remain constantly engaged. All-wheel-

drive and performance versions are also available.



OVERALL

SCORE

80

$35,000-$56,990

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

5

ROAD-TEST SCORE 82 MPGe 130

Tesla Model S!

This sleek, fully electric

four-door luxury car covers

an estimated 373 miles

on a charge in the Long

Range trim and 287 in

standard form. Either way, it has one

of the longest ranges among all EVs.

The car can be charged conveniently

on a dedicated Tesla connector or

faster on a public Tesla Supercharger.

Performance is exceptional, with quiet and thrilling acceleration, pinpoint

handling, and a firm yet comfortable ride—particularly with the standard

19-inch tires and air suspension. The hatchback design aids versatility, and

the front trunk is a bonus. A huge center touch screen interfaces with most

functions but proves to be distracting. Other drawbacks include restricted

visibility and range limitations, especially in cold weather. All-wheel drive

is standard, as well as driving assistance features.



OVERALL

SCORE

83

$75,000-$133,000

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

5

ROAD-TEST SCORE 97 MPGe 102

Tesla Model X

The electric-powered

Model X is more showy

than practical. It features

rear "falcon wing" doors

that open up and out

of the way, giving easy access to the

second-row seats. But these massive,

powered doors take their time to

open and close. Buyers can opt

for a five-, six-, or seven-passenger

seating configuration, but unlike in every other SUV, the second row doesn't

fold if buyers opt for the two captain's chairs, which compromises utility.

The X is very quick and handles nimbly in corners. However, the overly stiff

ride and pronounced wind noise are not befitting the high price. The standard

version is rated at 258 miles on a charge, and the Long Range version can

cover an estimated 328 miles.



OVERALL

SCORE

57

$81,000-$138,000

RELIABILITY

1

SATISFACTION

5

ROAD-TEST SCORE 77 MPGe 87

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!

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