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
0
!
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APRIL 2020 CR.ORG 77