i love subarus, shockingly good mileage on their bigger cars (2010s outback gets 30mpg) and very safe- thats why you never see black subarus: people who buy them care about safety among other things and usually choose white for max visibility.

Try Subaru Forester without a sunroof for best fit for a tall driver. But if your husband can fit into a Honda Fit ( he should if he fits into a crv) that is the best car for your daughter: cheap, reliable, fits a lot of stuff with folded second row, super easy to drive and park, and cute.

I think the Crosstrek will be too small for your husband. Has he sat in it yet?

Look for a hybrid CR-V or Hybrid RAV4. I’ve also heard good things about the Hyundai Tucson-hybrid.

I would recommend buying a used car over leasing.

The Crosstrek is significantly smaller, especially in the back. CR-V hybrid would be my choice given your parameters.

We were trying to keep our payments low and may not need the 3rd car once she graduates, but we are back to opting for a used one. Give me your suggestions on how to get the best deal/rates or other models we should be considering. We want a small SUV because she comes home often with lots of stuff, and it needs to fit my 6’5” husband in the front seat also because he’ll be driving it until we get him a new car and she can take over the payments.

Just curious under what kind of circumstances other than I just want a new car every 3 years leasing makes sense

Why would you ask about gas mileage, maintenance, and resale if throwing money away is no problem.
What about insurance on leased car? She will scratch it if not more.

Leasing is such a waste of money.

Do either of them have a hybrid version? I would consider a hybrid as we might be seeing very high gas prices soon.

Higher mass = better able to take a collision and survive. Take the CRV.

Crosstrek is a good little car. I rented one and was pleasantly surprised.

CRV is a larger car than the crosstrek

Both are great. Because you’ve mostly had Hondas, maybe try the Subaru. We’ve had three Subarus and have loved them all.

These are both good cars. If you truly have to lease, pick the cheaper one.

We are leasing (yes we have thought it through carefully and it makes sense given our situation).

We have a Pilot and have had CRV-s and other Hondas in the past. We will use this car for 3-6 months and then our college aged daughter will take it over until the lease is up and we decide whether to turn it in or keep it.

Safety, reliability, gas mileage, repair/maintenance costs, and resale are probably our order or priority.