The redesigned Subaru Forester emerged as Consumer Reports' new top-rated small sport utility vehicle, following recent testing of seven SUVs. The Toyota RAV4 had previously been top-ranked by CR in that category.

The Forester 2.5XT Limited achieved an Excellent overall score in CR's battery of more than 50 tests. It outscored the previously tested RAV4 Limited, which had been named a CR Top Pick in its annual April auto issue. The base Forester 2.5X also received an Excellent overall score and ranks closely behind the RAV4 Limited in CR's ratings.

The Forester was tested as part of a group of six small SUVs that also included the less-expensive Forester 2.5X, the Mitsubishi Outlander LS, Nissan Rogue SL, Kia Sorento LX and Jeep Liberty Sport. Prices for the vehicles in the test group ranged from $22,040 for the Forester 2.5X to $28,860 for the Forester 2.5XT Limited. Each vehicle has standard ESC and curtain air bags.

The Outlander and Rogue also scored near the top of CR's small SUV ratings, with Very Good overall scores. The Sorento earned a Good score, while the Jeep Liberty was last in the ratings with a Fair score. It's routine for vehicles to achieve a better score following a redesign. But in the case of the Jeep Liberty, the redesigned vehicle actually scored lower than its predecessor.

Of the vehicles in this report, CR is recommending only the Forester and Outlander. CR only recommends vehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at least average predicted reliability based on CR's annual car-reliability survey of its more than 7 million print and Web subscribers, and performed at least adequately if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test.

For the Forester, CR predicts above-average reliability based on the performance of past Subarus. The Outlander had outstanding reliability in its first year of redesign. CR doesn't have reliability data yet on the Rogue, and the Sorento's below-average reliability prevents CR from recommending it. The Jeep Liberty scores too low in road tests to be recommended.

What CR found

Subaru Forester: Subaru gave the second-generation Forester a more modern SUV look, but its real changes are found beneath its skin. The Forester 2.5X gets 22 mpg overall with regular fuel. The rear seat is much roomier, the cabin is quieter and standard safety gear now includes electronic stability control and standard curtain air bags.

Mitsubishi Outlander: Agile handling contributes to the Outlander's sporty demeanor, and it has generous rear-seat and cargo room. With a four-cylinder engine, it delivered 22 mpg overall and rode better than the six-cylinder version CR tested last year. But road noise is pronounced, and interior quality is not impressive.

Nissan Rogue: The Rogue is compact and pleasant, with secure, responsive handling and a pleasant ride. It nicely balances economy and acceleration. Interior quality is very good, but the cargo area is very modest. The Rogue SL gets 22 mpg overall. Poor rear visibility caused by the small rear window makes backing up difficult.

Kia Sorento: The Kia Sorento is a traditional truck-based SUV that rides worse than some pickups. It only has a part-time four-wheel-drive system that has to be manually engaged and disengaged. Handling is clumsy, but standard stability control keeps it secure in emergency maneuvers. The Sorento LX achieved an unimpressive 17 mpg overall. It's capable off-road and can tow.

Jeep Liberty Sport: The Jeep Liberty and its corporate cousin, the Dodge Nitro, have the distinction of being CR's lowest-rated midsize SUVs. The Liberty's ride is unsettled, handling is clumsy and the noisy engine guzzles gas —- it gets just 16 mpg overall in CR's tests. Its cramped interior is uncomfortable and sloppily finished.

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