When it comes to SUVs, most people have a specific type of vehicle that they want. Sometimes, a spacious interior can be the most important factor. Other times, it can be power or luxury features that consumers find to be the most important. With so many different options to choose from, there is sure to be an SUV on the market today that will fit everyone’s needs.

Recently, Consumer Reports wrote about an SUV that looks as if it would also be able to fit a variety of needs. However, for some reason, it has remained under the radar since it first came out. Keep reading to find out which small SUV fell under the radar despite having several desirable features.

The most underrated small SUV

Recently, Consumer Reports published an article about some of the worst vehicles on the market right now. They had several different categories of vehicles, including small cars, small SUV, and third-row SUVs.

The article illustrated how popularity does not necessarily mean that you are getting a better vehicle. The automotive publication listed a popular vehicle in each category then gave a few unbiased reasons as to why that particular vehicle is not as good as it seems.

Under the category for “Small SUV,” Consumer Reports listed the 2020 Jeep Compass as the worst vehicle to buy. They then listed a few other vehicles that had good reliability and safety features. One of the small SUVs that had the best ratings was the 2019 Subaru Forester.

The Forester is packed-full of several comfort, style, and safety features that make it one of the most impressive small SUVs. However, even though the Forester has desirable features, they said that the SUV was not very popular and was considered to be an “under-the-radar” vehicle.

What features does the new Subaru Forester offer?

The new Subaru Forester uses the latest technology to provide its drivers and passengers with state-of-the-art comfort and safety features. The Forester offers a distraction mitigation system on the Touring trims.

This system works with the EyeSight Driver Assist system to recognize when a driver is feeling distracted or drowsy. If the high-tech sensors detect that the driver is not paying attention to the road, it will sound a subtle alarm to get the driver’s attention, and hopefully, avoid a potential crash.

Even though the Forester is classified as a “small SUV,” it still has plenty of interior space. The new Forester offers plenty of legroom and head space for all occupants. The rear cargo area is also very spacious, but if you do need a little extra room, the rear seats fold down in a 60/40 split, which offers 76.1 cubic feet of cargo space.

Not only is the Forester safe and luxurious on the inside, but it is also versatile and agile. This impressive SUV features 8.7 inches of ground clearance to help ensure that it is capable of crossing over various types of terrain. It also features a symmetrical all-wheel driving system and multiple driving modes. The available X-Mode optimizes the vehicle’s driving systems which allows it to have better traction on muddy trails and slippery roads.

Consumer Reports loves the Subaru Forester

Consumer Reports loved almost everything about the Subaru Forester. When reviewing the SUV, they had said: that the Forester “is a smart, well-executed small SUV that boast a roomy interior, great fuel economy, and plenty of standard safety features.” They also rated the overall quality of the vehicle as a five out of five.

Out of 100 possible points, Consumer Reports gave the Forester an overall rating of 85, which is a better rating than most other vehicles in its class received.