Best Struts Reviews Comparing 5 Top Kits for 2025

I recently replaced the struts on my SUV, and the difference in ride quality was incredible. Gone were the bumpy dips and the loud road noise; the handling felt brand new again. When you start searching for a replacement, diving into the current best struts reviews can quickly become overwhelming, but choosing the right complete strut assembly kit makes the job much quicker and safer, even for a DIY mechanic. This guide breaks down the top five options we’ve tested, focusing on real-world benefits and application specifics so you can make an informed decision for your vehicle.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	COMPLETESTRUTS – Front Complete Strut Assemblies with Coil…	View on Amazon
	Monroe Quick-Strut 183072 Suspension Strut and Coil Spring…	View on Amazon
	Monroe Quick-Strut 171141 Suspension Strut and Coil Spring…	View on Amazon
	Monroe RoadMatic 181616 Suspension Strut and Coil Spring…	View on Amazon
	Monroe Quick-Strut 172518 Suspension Strut and Coil Spring…	View on Amazon

COMPLETESTRUTS – Front Complete Strut Assemblies with Coil Springs and Rear Shock Absorbers Replacement for 2013-2019 Ford Escape – Set of 4

This CompleteStruts kit offers incredible value by providing a full, four-corner suspension refresh specifically designed for the popular Ford Escape. If your vehicle has high mileage or you’ve started noticing significant bouncing and bottoming out, replacing both the front assemblies and the rear shock absorbers simultaneously is the smart choice. This ensures balanced handling and restores the original ride height and comfort, feeling much closer to when the car first rolled off the lot. It’s a true OE-spec replacement that takes the guesswork out of purchasing individual components.

Key features that stand out:

• Complete Kit: Includes both front complete strut assemblies and rear shock absorbers.
• Exact Fit: Designed after OE Specifications for the 2013-2019 Ford Escape.
• No Spring Compressor Needed: The front struts come fully loaded, mounted, and ready to install.

Pros:
– Excellent value for a full front and rear suspension refresh.
– Guarantees matched performance across the entire vehicle.
– Direct bolt-on installation minimizes labor time.

Cons:
– Only fits specific Ford Escape models, limiting versatility.

Best for: Ford Escape owners who need a total suspension overhaul (front and rear) and prioritize cost-effective balance.

Expert Opinion: This set is ideal for consumers who recognize the necessity of replacing both struts and shocks at the same time for consistent ride quality, rather than just addressing the failed components.

Monroe Quick-Strut 183072 Suspension Strut and Coil Spring Assembly for Hyundai Sonata

Monroe’s Quick-Strut line is a favorite among mechanics and DIYers, primarily because it completely eliminates the dangerous step of compressing the coil spring—a huge safety and time saver. This specific assembly is meticulously engineered for the Hyundai Sonata and compatible Kia Optima models, ensuring that the ride height is accurately restored to the factory specifications. You get the strut, coil spring, mounting hardware, and boot, all pre-assembled and ready to drop right into place.

Key features that stand out:

• Complete Repair Unit: Everything needed for strut replacement in one fully assembled unit.
• Safety First: Eliminates the need for a spring compressor, making installation safer and easier.
• Restores Ride Height: Precisely calibrated coil spring meets OE design specifications.

Pros:
– Exceptional safety and convenience due to pre-assembly.
– Vehicle-specific tuning optimizes ride and handling for the Sonata/Optima platform.
– High-quality components designed for long service life.

Cons:
– Premium pricing reflects the convenience of the pre-assembled design.

Best for: Hyundai Sonata/Kia Optima owners looking for the quickest, safest, and most precise front strut replacement.

Expert Opinion: When comparing best struts reviews, the Quick-Strut is consistently praised. Its appeal lies in its efficiency; if you value your time and safety during installation, this is the way to go.

Monroe Quick-Strut 171141 Suspension Strut and Coil Spring Assembly for Ford F-150

The robust Ford F-150 demands components that can handle payload and rugged terrain while maintaining comfortable highway driving. This Quick-Strut assembly provides the same trusted, ready-to-install convenience as other Monroe units but is specifically engineered to handle the demands of a full-size truck. By restoring the OE ride height precisely, it ensures proper geometry for alignment and maintains the truck’s intended towing and hauling capability, which is crucial for truck owners.

Key features that stand out:

• Heavy-Duty Application: Specifically tuned for the weight and handling characteristics of the Ford F-150 (2009-2013 models).
• Complete Assembly: Includes coil spring, strut, and mount—no loose parts needed.
• Restored Performance: Engineered to restore both ride height and vehicle support capacity.

Pros:
– Ideal for maintaining proper handling while hauling/towing.
– Quick-Strut design simplifies the typically complicated truck strut replacement.
– Durable components built to handle heavier vehicle loads.

Cons:
– Ensure vehicle compatibility carefully, as F-150 models vary significantly year-to-year.

Best for: Ford F-150 owners who use their trucks for work or towing and require guaranteed OE ride height restoration.

Expert Opinion: Truck suspension replacement often involves significant tension and complexity. The Quick-Strut system on the F-150 is a massive benefit, drastically reducing labor time and specialized tool requirements.

Monroe RoadMatic 181616 Suspension Strut and Coil Spring Assembly for Ford Taurus

Monroe’s RoadMatic line is designed to be a reliable, economic choice for everyday drivers seeking to restore their vehicle’s comfortable daily commute. This unit is built for the long-running Ford Taurus platform, covering many model years from 1994 to 2007, making it a reliable choice for maintaining an older daily driver. The RoadMatic assembly focuses on ease of install and meeting strict OE specs for a smooth, quiet ride. It’s a fully integrated, hassle-free design that gets your vehicle back on the road quickly.

Key features that stand out:

• Wide Compatibility: Fits many model years of the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable.
• Integrated Design: Reduces installation time by eliminating the need for component assembly.
• Daily Driver Focus: Engineered and fit-tested to provide consistent ride quality for routine use.

Pros:
– Excellent balance of quality and affordability.
– Very easy to install, even simpler than the Quick-Strut in some aspects due to streamlined packaging.
– Reliable performance meeting OE specification standards.

Cons:
– Not designed for performance applications or heavy off-road use.

Best for: Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable owners looking for a straightforward, budget-conscious repair that restores everyday comfort.

Expert Opinion: The RoadMatic line is a strong contender in best struts reviews for value. It delivers dependable performance without the premium cost associated with some high-tech components, making older vehicle maintenance manageable.

Monroe Quick-Strut 172518 Suspension Strut and Coil Spring Assembly for Chevrolet Traverse

This Quick-Strut assembly is tailored for the popular GM crossover platform, including the Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave, and Saturn Outlook. These family vehicles require stable, comfortable suspension to handle passenger loads and highway cruising. This unit provides that stability and noise reduction by replacing all wear components (strut, mount, coil spring) with a factory-tuned assembly. The restoration of the precise ride height is essential here for maintaining the vehicle’s ground clearance and reducing body roll.

Key features that stand out:

• Crossover/SUV Focus: Optimized tuning for larger, high-center-of-gravity vehicles.
• Four-Platform Compatibility: Fits a wide range of popular GM models from 2007-2012.
• No Spring Compressor: Provides a quicker, safer installation for large vehicle components.

Pros:
– Improves stability and reduces common rattling/bouncing found in high-mileage crossovers.
– Restores alignment parameters necessary for long tire life.
– Quick and simple bolt-in design.

Cons:
– Requires careful verification due to the shared platform and numerous sub-models.

Best for: Owners of popular GM crossovers (Traverse, Acadia, Enclave) needing to restore stability and ride comfort.

Expert Opinion: For large family vehicles, maintaining proper suspension is vital for passenger safety and comfort. This Quick-Strut assembly minimizes downtime and ensures the vehicle handles as intended, even when fully loaded.

Comparison Insights and Buying Advice

When evaluating best struts reviews, it’s clear that Monroe dominates the market for convenience with its Quick-Strut system. The key benefit of Quick-Strut or RoadMatic units (like the models for the F-150, Sonata, and Traverse) is the elimination of the spring compressor, which drastically increases safety and saves money on specialized tools or mechanic labor. If you are replacing only one corner or are a DIY mechanic, choosing a complete assembly like the Quick-Strut is almost always the easiest path.

However, the COMPLETESTRUTS kit for the Ford Escape offers a unique advantage: a full four-corner overhaul. While you are installing two different types of components (strut assemblies in front, bare shocks in the rear), purchasing all four together ensures the damping and spring rates are matched, guaranteeing balanced performance across the entire vehicle. If budget allows and your rear shocks are old, the four-piece kit provides the best overall ride quality improvement.

Vehicle application matters immensely. The F-150 Quick-Strut is designed to handle significantly different loads than the Sonata or Taurus assemblies; never mix parts between vehicle types. Always prioritize the correct application-specific tuning to restore proper handling and ensure tire wear is minimized.

Final Verdict

Choosing the right components from these best struts reviews depends heavily on your vehicle and priorities:

Best All-Around Value & Convenience: We recommend the Monroe Quick-Strut assemblies (183072 or 172518). They provide the safest, quickest path to a professional-quality front suspension repair for sedans and crossovers.

Best for Total Suspension Refresh: If you drive a Ford Escape and need comprehensive replacement, the COMPLETESTRUTS 4-piece kit offers unbeatable value for a full front-to-back suspension overhaul.

Best for Truck Performance: For heavy-duty use where maintaining payload capability is critical, the Monroe Quick-Strut 171141 for the F-150 is the essential choice to restore OE ride height and stability.

Best Struts Reviews: Essential FAQ

What is the difference between a strut and a shock absorber?

A shock absorber is a damping device designed only to control spring movement and oscillation. A strut, however, is a structural component of the suspension system; it combines the shock absorber, coil springs, and typically the upper mounting hardware into one unit, and it supports the vehicle’s weight. Many modern vehicles use struts on all four corners, though some use struts up front and separate shock absorbers in the rear.

Why should I choose a complete strut assembly instead of just replacing the bare strut?

A complete strut assembly (often called a quick-strut) includes the strut itself, the coil spring, the strut mount, and necessary hardware, all pre-assembled. This eliminates the need to use a dangerous and specialized tool called a spring compressor. Choosing a complete assembly makes the replacement quicker, safer, and guarantees all new components work together seamlessly to restore original ride quality and height.

How often should I replace my vehicle’s struts or shock absorbers?

While replacement intervals vary based on driving conditions, most manufacturers recommend having your suspension components inspected every 50,000 miles. Many mechanics find that the practical lifespan of struts and shocks is between 75,000 and 100,000 miles, especially if you frequently drive on rough roads or carry heavy loads.

Does replacing my struts affect my vehicle alignment?

Yes, absolutely. Since the strut assembly is a key structural component holding the wheel hub in place, replacing it—even with an OE-spec replacement—changes the suspension geometry slightly. It is critical that you have a professional alignment performed immediately after replacing your struts to prevent premature tire wear and ensure safe handling.

How can I tell if my old coil springs need replacing?

Even if your strut’s internal damping unit has failed, your coil springs might still be weak. Signs of worn coil springs include noticeably sagging ride height, uneven wear on your tires, or if the vehicle frequently “bottoms out” (hits the bump stops) over minor bumps. Using a complete strut assembly guarantees a new coil spring is installed, restoring the vehicle’s intended stance and load capacity.

Are Monroe RoadMatic and Quick-Strut the same?

While both are complete strut assemblies from Monroe designed for ease of installation, they cater to slightly different needs. Quick-Strut assemblies are typically tuned to match the exact OE specifications precisely, offering superior restoration of the vehicle’s intended performance. RoadMatic assemblies are high-quality, reliable, and focused more on providing a great value option for dependable daily driving maintenance.