Ditch your minivan and buy a Subaru Outback or Forester instead

Ditch your minivan and buy an SUV

Minivans aren’t the only models that are great for families. US News says there are plenty of SUVs that will not only meet your needs, but also exceed them. Consider the Subaru Forester and Outback, versatile vehicles that might be your best choice for a family vehicle.

This is not a minivan hate post, so please don’t send me negative comments about how much you love your minivan. Better yet, tell me what you think, why you love your minivan, and what model and make you drive. I’d love to know.

Now let’s look at why US News says there are great family vehicles that aren’t minivans.

According to US News, “You’ll find station wagons, crossovers, and SUVs on our list, which isn’t surprising since these vehicles are increasingly popular as alternatives to minivans. However, a few other vehicles worth considering may not have the cargo capacity of a minivan, but can potentially make up for it in other ways.”

First, here’s U.S. News’ list of the best SUVs to buy if you want something other than a minivan. Then, I’ll explain why some families should seriously consider the Subaru Forester compact SUV and the Subaru Outback midsize SUV.

I’ve listed the best SUVs to buy according to US News if you don’t want a minivan, from bottom to top.

• Subaru Outback 2025: price: $28,895 | US News Overall rating: 9.0/10
• Kia Telluride 2024: price: $36,190 | US News Overall rating: 9.4/10
• Hyundai Santa Fe 2024: price: $33,950 | US News Overall rating: 9.3/10
• 2024 Mazda CX-90: price: $37,845 | US News Overall rating: 9.1/10
• Audi A6 Allroad 2024: price: $69,300 | US News Overall rating: 9.3/10
• Rivian R1S 2025: Price: $75,900 | US News Overall rating: 9.1/10
• Genesis GV80 2025: price: $57,700 | US News Overall rating: 9.0/10
• Hyundai Ioniq 5 2024: price: $41,800 | US News Overall rating: 8.9/10
• 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: price: $36,800 | US News Overall rating: 8.8/10
• 2024 Kia ​​EV9: Price: $54,900 | US News Overall Rating: 8.8/10
• Subaru Forester 2025: price: $29,695 | US News Overall rating: 8.6/10
• 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L: Price: $40,035 | US News Overall Rating: 8.9/10

What does US News say about the 2025 Subaru Forester?

“If you don’t need the three rows of seating of a minivan, the Subaru Forester could be a smart choice for your family. Sure, it’s smaller than most vehicles on this list, but this compact SUV has a boxy design that maximizes interior space. This Subaru was completely redesigned for the 2025 model year and now comes with more standard safety features than ever before, plus it comes with standard all-wheel drive for confident cruising.”

“The Forester’s redesign improved both seating comfort and cargo space without significantly increasing its exterior dimensions. Standard cargo capacity is 29.6 cubic feet, which is less than some competitors, but it’s an impressive 74.4 cubes with the second row folded down.”

Check out my 2025 Forester pricing and model guide here.

What does US News say about the 2025 Subaru Outback?

“While the Subaru Outback lands at the bottom of our wagon rankings, that’s largely because all four of its classmates are luxury models. To address the Outback’s worst flaws, budget for an upgrade to both the infotainment system and the engine, and you’ll still get good value with a comfortable and practical layout for five.”

“Besides its affordability and family-friendly nature, the Outback earns its spot on the list thanks to its fantastic cargo capacity, which surpasses that of some small SUVs. The rear is cavernous, with 32.6 cubic feet behind the tailgate and a total of 75.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. It’s also easy to maximize, thanks to its wide opening and low floor.”

Check out my 2025 Outback pricing and model guide here.

Why should you consider buying a 2025 Subaru Forester or 2025 Subaru Outback?

First of all, Subaru is known for its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive technology that is standard on all of its models. The Forester and Outback can handle any harsh weather conditions you encounter. Snow, ice, wet roads, deep sand, and mud are no problem for the SUVs. Your family will be driving home in the middle of a snowstorm while other SUVs are stuck on the side of the road.

Next, your family’s safety is a top priority in the Forester and Outback. Both models come with Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology on every trim level. The Forester and Outback are among the safest new models you can buy, and the Outback earned a Top Safety Pick award. The Forester should follow when the IIHS tests it. You can read more about that in my report here.

The Forester and Outback have all the equipment you need for a family weekend. Both feature 8.7 inches of ground clearance, X-Mode for extreme weather conditions and dual-function X-Mode on select trims for off-road performance.

The Forester and Outback offer the Wilderness trim level, a rugged, outdoor-themed model with 9.2 and 9.5 inches of ground clearance and additional off-road enhancements for off-road adventures that take your family further off the grid. Read my Wilderness review here.

US News says: “Minivans are fantastic. If you regularly need three rows of seats and lots of space, don’t hesitate to buy a minivan. There aren’t many options for minivans these days, but the ones that have survived are excellent at what they do.”

Conclusion:

The all-new, next-generation 2025 Forester and new Outback are not only great family vehicles if you don’t want a minivan, but they also feature the automaker’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, EyeSight safety technology, and superior all-weather, all-terrain performance. They’ll get your family out of the city, further away from civilization.

Let me know what you think, why you like your minivan, and what model and brand you drive. Please use the red “Add new comment” link below.

I’m Denis Flierl, Senior Editor of Torque News since 2012. I spent over 13 years in the automotive industry as a consultant, working with all the major automotive brands. I’m a senior member of Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. You can find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X Subaru Report, All Subarus, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierlFacebook and Instagram.

Photo credit: Subaru