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What is your lifestyle?
Are you a first-time car buyer, commuter, city dweller, or new parent wondering which car is best for your active lifestyle? Newsweek has announced its Best Lifestyle Car awards in several categories.
If outdoor activities aren't your thing, any model will do: Subaru's three utility models, which made the top 10 in all four categories, stand out for the most active new car buyers and offer unique features to meet their needs.
The Subaru Crosstrek received the highest scores in most categories, with the Subaru Forester and Impreza also taking the top spots in many categories. But there's one category that might surprise you: Subaru's absence in the Outdoor Adventure category. Let's start by looking at our top picks.
Let's take a look at the top 10 choices to fit your lifestyle, all of which are 2024 model year vehicles except for the new 2025 Subaru Forester. Check out my next-gen Forester report here.
Newsweek states, “Most people don't want to buy the best car on the market, they want to buy the best car for them. With this philosophy in mind, Newsweek has changed the way we rate cars. We've done away with typical categorizations and instead rate cars for 13 consumer profiles, each with their own priorities and needs.”
We'll look at the categories of first-time car buyer, commuter, city dweller, or new parent, then explain why Subaru models are best for the most active customers.
Let's start with the best new cars for first-time new-car buyers, as ranked by the highest scores given by Newsweek's automotive experts.
Hyundai Elantra – 7.7 Chevrolet Trax – 7.6 Honda Civic – 7.6 Ford Maverick – 7.5 Kia Seltos – 7.4 Subaru Crosstrek – 7.3 Subaru Impreza – 7.2 Toyota Camry – 7.2 Chevrolet Trailblazer – 7.2 Buick Envista – 7.1
“I need something practical that doesn't cost too much and connects to my phone, and preferably in a cool color,” said one first-time buyer.
The best new lifestyle vehicles for commuters
Kia Sportage -7.7 Lexus NX – 7.6 Kia Niro – 7.6 Toyota Camry – 7.5 Lexus RX – 7.5 Volvo EX30 – 7.3 Lincoln Corsair – 7.1 Toyota Prius Prime – 7.1 Subaru Crosstrek – 7.0 Ford Maverick – 7.0
“We need to get to work efficiently and economically, and stay connected and comfortable while on the road,” said one commuter.
The best new lifestyle vehicles for city dwellers
Volvo EX30 – 7.6 Hyundai Elantra – 7.3 Subaru Impreza – 7.1 Fiat 500e – 7.1 Subaru Crosstrek – 7.0 Toyota Prius Prime – 7.0 Mini Countryman SE ALL4 – 6.9 Chevrolet Trax – 6.9 Kia Seltos – 6.9 Volvo C40 Recharge – 6.8 Buick Envista – 6.8
One buyer said, “Living in an urban area means parking spaces are limited and I often find myself stuck in traffic. I need a new car that I can park efficiently.”
Best New Lifestyle Vehicles for New Parents
Honda CR-V – 8.5 Honda HR-V – 7.7 Toyota Prius Prime – 7.6 Subaru Crosstrek – 7.5 Nissan Rogue – 7.5 Volvo CX40 Recharge – 7.4 Hyundai Ioniq 5 – 7.3 Ford Maverick – 7.3 Subaru Forester – 7.1 Lincoln Corsair – 7.1
New parents say: “As your family grows, you need more space to accommodate people and things. Safety is also very important.”
I've reported extensively here on the best vehicles for new parents.
The best new lifestyle vehicle for the outdoor adventurer.
This is shocking: The Subaru Outback Wilderness, Crosstrek Wilderness, and Forester Wilderness would likely be among the best new adventure models. But surprisingly, not a single Subaru made Newsweek's list.
The absence of Subaru in this category may be due to the specific criteria Newsweek uses to rate adventure cars, which may not be a perfect match for Subaru's products, but that's a mystery.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class – 8.8 Ford Bronco – 8.7 Jeep Wrangler – 8.6 Toyota Land Cruiser – 8.4 Toyota Tacoma – 8.3 Lexus GX – 8.2 Rivian R1T – 8.1 Ford Ranger – 8.1 Rivian R1S – 8.0 Ford Bronco Sport – 7.9 GMC Canyon – 7.9
“Performance is important both on and off road,” said one buyer. “I plan to modify my new vehicle to take it camping and am interested in a model that will enhance my outdoor experience.”
Where are the Subaru Wilderness models?
There are some great models selected in the outdoor adventurer category, but I still don't understand why Newsweek overlooked the Subaru Wilderness model.
For more information on Subaru's rugged, outdoor-themed models, check out our Subaru Outback , Crosstrek and Forester Wilderness trim level report here These models are designed specifically for outdoor enthusiasts, with features and performance that enhance the outdoor experience.
What sets the Subaru Crosstrek, Forester and Impreza apart from the other category best models listed above?
All Subaru models come standard with Subaru's outstanding Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive technology, which is more than just an all-wheel drive system – the Japanese automaker has combined X-Mode and Dual Function X-Mode technologies to deliver the ultimate in all-weather performance and all-terrain capability that's not available on a typical SUV.
The Crosstrek and Forester offer 8.7 inches of ground clearance (more on the Wilderness trim), standard roof racks, top-ranked safety scores, excellent fuel economy and affordable pricing. Subaru models stand out with unique features to ensure they fit your specific lifestyle needs.
There's something for everyone.
Young, active adults who love mountain biking, hiking, snowboarding, surfing, kayaking, and camping are drawn to the Subaru brand, and they love the new 2024 Subaru Crosstrek the most, with the Forester and Impreza not far behind.
It's your turn.
What's the appeal of the Subaru Crosstrek, Forester, and Impreza? Which model would you choose? Let us know what you think! Click the red “Add new comment” link below to let us know.
I'm Dennis Friel, and I've been Torque News' lead reporter since 2012. I've been a consultant in the auto industry for over 13 years, working with every major automotive brand. I'm an experienced member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. You can find my expert analysis of Subarus here. Follow me on X. Subaru Report, All Subaru vehicles, WRXSTI, Dennis FrielFacebook and Instagram.
Photo credit: Subaru USA
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