The 2018 Subaru Forester ranked #5 in Compact SUVs. Currently the Subaru Forester has a score of 8.5 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 36 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Excellent cargo capacity Spacious rear seats Good mpg ratings, even with standard all-wheel drive Many available safety features
Cons Interior design and build quality trail some rivals' Fewer tech features than rivals
The 2018 Subaru Forester continues to offer top safety scores, remarkable space inside, and all-round versatility; it’s still one of the best small SUVs, and a good value for money.
Pros Fun to drive, good ride Excellent safety ratings and systems Good outward visibility Standard all-wheel drive Peppy Turbo option, CVT among the best
Cons Front seats small for some Priciest trims still not that premium No manual gearbox for turbo engine Paddle shifters only on turbo
For 2018, the Subaru Forester offers a new Black Edition trim package that adds black-finished wheels, body trim and grille. The interior also receives black cloth upholstery and black gloss dashboard trim. Limited trim levels also get a new cargo area cover, while Touring trims now include Subaru's EyeSight safety package as standard along with automatic high beams and reverse automatic braking.
PROS All-wheel drive comes standard and doesn't sink fuel economy High ground clearance offers better than average off-road ability Airy interior with plenty of room for adults both front and rear Optional turbocharged engine makes Forester very quick
CONS Modest tow rating limits overall utility Cabin design and materials are just average Handling isn't as sporty as some rivals CVT feels less responsive and refined than a traditional automatic
Buying or leasing a subcompact premium crossover is a great way for you to own a top-tier luxury-branded vehicle without paying much money. But while these vehicles feature attractive starting prices, the price adds up quickly once you start tacking on expected luxury-oriented features such as leather seating or a sunroof. Luckily, somebody must have forgotten to tell Audi because the 2018 Q3 is feature-rich and much less expensive than its rivals.
Pros Lots of features at a price lower than rivals Interior is lined with high-quality materials Rides comfortably on rough roads Cabin is hushed at highway speeds
Cons Handling and acceleration lag behind class rivals Backseat is a tight fit for adults Ranks at the back of the pack for fuel economy Infotainment controller is awkwardly placed, and no USB interface
The 2018 Audi Q3 ranked #6 in Luxury Subcompact SUVs. Currently the Audi Q3 has a score of 7.7 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 25 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Comfortable ride quality Upscale cabin
Cons Underpowered on the highway Few standard features
The 2018 Audi Q3 offers a fun-to-drive alternative to the entry compact luxury car, but with more utility. Versus its rivals, it delivers more ride comfort and interior refinement, but less fuel efficiency.
Pros Smart packaging for tight spaces Frisky turbocharged engine Great control interface, maps Excellent ride quality Pert handling
Cons Tight rear seat More a hatchback than an SUV Lackluster gas mileage No manual here No forward crash prevention system
