2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs 2025 Subaru Crosstrek
Comparison Overview
Trying to decide between the compact utility of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz and the proven efficiency of the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek often comes down to size versus sensibility. If you need slightly more room and hauling capability, the Santa Cruz offers a length of 195.7 inches and a standard 191 hp from its base engine, making it feel punchier on the highway. However, the Crosstrek wins on frugality, boasting a superior 29 MPG combined, compared to the Santa Cruz’s 25 MPG combined. The Crosstrek also undercuts the Santa Cruz on initial cost, starting at $26,560 versus $28,750. While the Santa Cruz delivers 39 more horsepower, buyers prioritizing lower running costs will appreciate the Crosstrek’s 34 highway MPG rating and standard All-Wheel Drive system, making the final choice a trade-off between a slightly larger, more powerful crossover (Santa Cruz) and a more economical, capable compact SUV (Crosstrek).
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Subaru Crosstrek
The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek is the better choice for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 29 MPG combined versus the Santa Cruz's 25 MPG combined.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is preferred for families needing a bit more room, being over 29 inches longer overall than the Crosstrek.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Enthusiasts will lean towards the Santa Cruz for its higher output, offering 191 hp compared to the Crosstrek's 152 hp.
2025 Subaru Crosstrek
The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek offers better fundamental value by starting at a lower MSRP of $26,560 and including standard All-Wheel Drive.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...
- You prioritize spirited driving thanks to the Santa Cruz's base 191 hp engine.
- You need the greater road presence and slightly larger dimensions provided by its 195.7-inch length.
- You prefer the predictable shifting feel of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...
- Your primary concern is maximizing fuel savings, given its 29 MPG combined rating.
- You regularly encounter slippery conditions and require the superior traction of standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You want the lowest possible entry price point at $26,560.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Santa Cruz | Subaru Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.7" | 176.4" |
| Width | 75.0" | 70.9" |
| Height | 66.7" | 62.8" |
| Wheelbase | 118.3" | 105.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm | 152 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 145 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 22/30 MPG | 27/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 389.4/531.0 mi. | 448.2/564.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.7 gal. | 16.6 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | — |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 7.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.2 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 56.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.5 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.6 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.5 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.1 in. | 55.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.5 in. | 53.2 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 245/60R18 | P225/60R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz and 2025 Subaru Crosstrek.
Is the base engine in the Santa Cruz significantly more powerful than the Crosstrek's?
Yes, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz comes standard with 191 horsepower, which is a substantial 39 hp more than the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek's 152 horsepower base engine. This power difference will likely be noticeable during highway merging.
Which vehicle will cost me less to run day-to-day regarding gas?
The Subaru Crosstrek is the clear winner for fuel economy, achieving 29 MPG combined (27 city/34 highway). The Santa Cruz lags behind with 25 MPG combined (22 city/30 highway).
Does the size difference between these two crossovers matter for parking?
It certainly does; the Santa Cruz is noticeably larger, measuring 195.7 inches long compared to the Crosstrek’s 176.4 inches. If you frequently navigate tight urban parking structures, the smaller footprint of the Crosstrek will be easier to manage.
If I live where it snows, which crossover is better equipped?
The Subaru Crosstrek includes standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD), providing better inherent traction for snow and inclement weather. The standard Santa Cruz is FWD, though AWD is likely available on higher trims.
How do the starting prices compare between these two models?
The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek starts significantly lower at $26,560 MSRP. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz has a higher entry price of $28,750 MSRP.
Is the Crosstrek's cargo space adequate given its smaller exterior dimensions?
The provided specs only list the cargo capacity for the Crosstrek, which is 19.9 cu ft. While the Santa Cruz has a bed, we only have the official cargo volume for the Subaru here for direct comparison.
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