One Of Consumer Reports' Most Reliable Cars Outsells Its Competitors

Although some people believe you should think twice before buying a new car (often because it can be tough to find one that retains its resale value) others recommend new cars because they tend to have the latest safety features and technologies to help you avoid crashes. New cars also tend to give you the highest reliability ratings, too. According to Consumer Reports' member surveys, new cars are more reliable than used cars — even after the new vehicle's warranty period expires.

In Consumer Reports' 2026 ranking of the most reliable cars, the Subaru Crosstrek ranked high –with solid ratings for both predicted reliability and owner satisfaction. The Crosstrek also ranked as Subaru's top-selling model during 2025, setting a record with 191,726 vehicles sold. While Subaru's total sales for 2025 were down 3.6% compared to 2024, the Crosstrek's sales increased 5.5% in 2025 compared to the year before. In fact, among all vehicles sold in the United States in 2025, the Subaru Crosstrek had the 18th highest sales, while CarBuzz places it at No. 9 among all SUV sales.

Consumer Reports ranks the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek in the top spot among the 13 subcompact SUVs it tested and rated for reliability. The Crosstrek underwent a significant design change with the 2024 model year, creating a sleeker look while reducing noise. After the redesign, the Crosstrek's reliability ratings from Consumer Reports for the 2024 and 2025 model years slightly increased compared to older model years. Focusing on the 2024 and 2025 models, the areas that the Crosstrek had the highest reliability ratings were the engine, power train, transmission, fuel system, suspension and steering, climate system, and overall build quality. Based on Consumer Reports' member surveys, 74% of Crosstrek owners reported they would purchase it again.

Consumer Reports also gives the overall Subaru brand high reliability ratings across its entire vehicle lineup, ranking it No. 2among the 26 vehicle brands it ranked. Only Toyota ranked higher in predicted reliability. Subaru's strong brand reliability is one of the reasons Consumer Reports says the Crosstrek is one of the cheapest new cars to insure. Consumer Reports also lists Subaru as one of the top 10 favorite car brands among consumers.

The Subaru Crosstrek model has experienced a steady increase in total sales in recent years. For instance, in 2021, the Crosstrek ranked third among all Subaru models, with 127,466 vehicles sold. However, it jumped to 155,142 models sold in 2022, which led all Subaru models before eventually setting its record for sales in 2025 with 191,724 vehicles sold.

It's increased popularity is based on a lot of factors. For some, the compact SUV design found with the Crosstrek can make it easier to park and drive in more urban settings. Additionally, the Crosstrek offers one of the best gas mileage ratings among SUVs, offering 27-28 miles per gallon (MPG) in the city and 33-34 MPG on the highway. For comparison, good performance for a small SUV is usually between 25 and 32 MPG.

The Crosstrek's low price compared to other new vehicles also helps it remain popular among consumers. It has a starting MSRP of only $26,995, while an average new car, in January 2026, sold for $49,191, according to Kelley Blue Book. Meanwhile the average transaction price for a compact SUV in February 2026 was $36,807, according to Kelley Blue Book.