Subaru Forester (MPG: 21/27; MSRP: $20,595)

Manufactured and marketed by Subaru since 1997, the Subaru Forester is a compact crossover SUV that continues to be one of the most popular vehicles available in market today. Powered by a 2.5 L four-cylinder base engine and a fairly spirited 170 hp that comes with a choice of four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission, the Forester delivers good overall utility — lively acceleration and excellent wet-road performance with its all-wheel-drive standard. Its roomy interior offers passenger comfort, amenable rear baby-seat, as well as generous cargo room.