Consumer Reports annually puts new vehicles through their paces, assessing their strengths and weaknesses. They recently released the results in the “2026 Annual 10 Top Picks in New Cars, Trucks, and SUVs.” Does it surprise you (it didn’t surprise us!)that the Subaru Crosstrek was named the Best Subcompact SUV, and the Subaru Forester was dubbed the Best Compact SUV. 

And it’s not the first time, either. The venerable and respected nonprofit consumer testing organization really, really, likes these two Subaru models. The Forester is a winner for the 13th consecutive year, while the Crosstrek has made the list three times in a row. 

But wait! (as they say on TV) There’s more! 

The 2026 Subaru BRZ was named a Best Affordable Sports Car in Car and Driver’s “2026 Editor’s Choice: The Best Cars, Trucks, SUVs, and Minivans.” 

Consumer Reports

Winners of the “10 Top Picks” were selected for having the highest Overall Scores in their respective segments. CR’s reviewers collect data from road tests, reliability and owner satisfaction ratings, and how well they performed in government and insurance industry crash tests. 

“A car is one of the most important purchases Americans make, but not one of the easiest. We have to juggle so many priorities, like safety, reliability, and fuel-efficiency – not to mention whether it’s affordable,” said Phil Radford, president and CEO of Consumer Reports. 

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek earned kudos for its power in both gas and hybrid versions, handling and ride quality. “It absorbs road imperfections better than many cars, so it’s comfortable even during off-pavement excursions. Its added ground clearance makes getting into and out of a cinch.”

CR’s reviewers revisited the previous Forester’s performance and reliability scores, as well as “easy access in and out, great visibility, a comfortable ride, good safety credentials, and a spacious interior.” And the 2026 Subaru Forester also comes as a fuel-efficient hybrid with full-time all-wheel drive!

Car and Driver

The  automotive reviewers called the 2026 Subaru BRZ, “A blast on twisty roads,” with a “thrills-to-dollar ratio” that “keeps the fun, affordable sports car alive." 

The BRZ already made Car and Driver’s “2026 10 Best Cars” list, earning kudos for “steering fidelity, the eagerness of responses and a veracity to the driving experience that shames plenty of cars that cost far more and generate better performance stats.” Does it get any better than that?