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Do you value quietness in your new SUV?
Below is the latest report from Consumer Reports (by subscription) on the quietest new midsize SUVs. These include the best two- and three-row SUVs with the most serene cabins.
The 2024 Subaru Outback and 2024 Ascent remain the third most expensive cars in their class, according to Consumer Reports. We bring you the latest information on the 2025 Subaru Outback and 2025 Ascent. These two models have arrived at Subaru dealerships. Additionally, this report includes what’s next for the 2026 Outback and Ascent models.
“The boxy shape of a midsize SUV may be great for hauling people and cargo, but it doesn’t always mean it’s quiet inside the cabin,” says CR. Even though the basic shape of an SUV can produce a lot of wind noise, some SUVs use smaller four-cylinder engines that can be particularly taxing on the highway. ”
Consumer Reports’ automotive experts conduct more than 50 objective and subjective tests, including an evaluation of interior noise. It listens to wind, road, engine and tire noises that often permeate the interior of a car, ensuring a comprehensive rating.
We’ve listed the 12 best CR 2- and 3-row midsize SUVs you can buy today. Ranked in order of performance in CR’s indoor noise test.
Ford Edge Honda Passport Subaru Outback Toyota Venza
What does CR say about the Subaru Outback?
Price Range: $28,895 – $42,795 CR MPG: 24 overall / 16 city / 32 highway mpg CR ranks Outback #1 among 18 midsize SUVs overall.
Why the Subaru Outback is one of the top three quietest two-row models.
Consumer Reports says, “Subaru’s Outback is a smart SUV alternative. The roofline is lower than the typical SUV, but it can easily carry long items. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder makes it easy to get around town. It works fine for normal driving, and it doesn’t feel bad.” If you need more speed, the optional 260-horsepower 2.4-liter turbo engine helps the wagon accelerate effortlessly. ”
“The ride is very comfortable and the handling is responsive and safe. However, some tasks through the large infotainment touchscreen require multiple steps and the system’s response to inputs is slow. Built-in roof crossbars and a dual-position cargo cover give Wilderness models higher ground clearance and optional blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning.
For customers looking for an Outback, here are the prices for the newly updated 2025 Outback.
Prices are $30,315 for Base, Premium ($32,615), Onyx Edition ($37,525), Limited ($39,275), Touring ($41,765), Onyx Edition XT ($40,780), Wilderness ($41,380), Limited XT ($41,615), and Touring XT ( $44,215). Additionally, destination and shipping charges are included in the price above ($1,420).
How much fuel does the Outback get?
The 2024 Outback XT 2.4-liter Turbo has EPA fuel economy ratings of 22/29 mpg City/Highway and 25 mpg Combined. Estimated fuel economy for the standard 2.5-liter engine is 26/32 mpg City/Highway, 28 mpg Combined.
According to the EPA, the new 2024 Outback Wilderness has an estimated fuel economy of 21/26 mpg city/highway, 23 mpg combined.
What’s next for the 2026 Subaru Outback?
In the 2026 model change, the Outback will be redesigned with new improvements. Subaru of America has yet to announce any 2026 model changes or upgrades, but one thing is for sure: the automaker is committed to maintaining the Outback’s success. Read my report here to learn more about the next-generation Outback and why Subaru won’t mess with its success.
Here, we’ve ranked the quietest 2024 3-row midsize SUVs in order of CR’s interior noise test results.
Kia Telluride Hyundai Palisade Subaru Ascent Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Mazda CX-90 Honda Pilot Toyota Highlander Toyota Grand Highlander
What does CR say about the 2024 Ascent?
Price Range: $34,395 – $48,695 CR MPG: 22 overall / 14 city / 32 highway mpg / #12 of 20 3-row midsize SUV
“The Ascent uses a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that provides plenty of power for everyday driving and achieves an overall fuel economy of 22 mpg. The first start is a little hoppy, so it takes a while to get used to it. We like the stable, controlled ride of this SUV, and the suspension does a good job of soaking up bumps.”
“The cabin is quiet, and the second-row captain’s chairs are spacious and comfortable. You can also use the third row for short trips. Controls are very easy. Blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alerts are not available on the base trim. Not standard on all other trim levels.
Here are the newly updated Ascent prices for the 2025 model year for customers looking for an Ascent.
It’s important to note that the 2025 facelift adds two new trim levels to the Subaru Ascent: Bronze and Onyx Edition Touring. For the 2025 model guide, read my report here.
Ascent Premium costs $40,215, Onyx Edition ($43,615), Limited ($47,415), Bronze Edition ($48,415), Touring ($50,415), and Onyx Edition Touring ($51,415). Price includes destination and shipping ($1,420).
How much fuel does the Ascent get?
The 2025 Subaru Ascent base and Premium trim levels have EPA estimates of 20/26 mpg City/Highway and 22 mpg Combined. The Ascent Limited, Touring, and Onyx trim levels are slightly heavier, resulting in an EPA-estimated 19/25 mpg City/Highway and 21 mpg Combined.
What’s next for the Ascent in 2026?
Subaru hasn’t announced any details, but the 2026 Subaru Ascent may receive significant updates. In a previous article, we reported that Subaru was currently considering two scenarios for the Ascent three-row SUV, and each could shape the future of the three-row SUV.
An all-new Ascent EV could be on the way.
Subaru may be saying goodbye to its current Ascent family of truckers, but the future is promising. A new electric three-row SUV is now available for North American customers and is expected to debut in late 2026. Read my latest report here.
If Subaru discontinues the Ascent’s 2.4-liter turbocharged gas boxer engine and becomes an all-new electric vehicle, or redesigns the current model, it will get a new fuel-efficient hybrid trim level starting with the 2026 model year. Become.
Whether it’s the all-new Ascent EV or the more fuel-efficient Ascent Hybrid, Subaru is paving the way for a more exciting and sustainable three-row SUV lineup. The question is not if these new models will be released, but when. stay tuned.
Currently, Consumer Reports ranks the 2025 Outback and 2025 Ascent among the 12 best midsize SUVs with the quietest cabins. It is recommended as the third best product in its class and one of the best for noise isolation.
what about you?
Are you looking for the quietest cabin? What is the most important thing when buying a new car? Are you waiting for a new next-generation model? Let us know in the comments section below.
I’m Denis Flierl, and I’ve been a senior torque news writer since 2012. I have invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role and have worked with every major automotive brand. I am a member of the experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. My Subaru expert analysis can be found here. X Follow Subaru Report, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.
Photo Credit: Denis Flierl via Tucson Subaru
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