2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs 2025 Subaru Forester
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz bursts onto the scene with a distinctive, sporty pickup crossover profile, immediately appealing to drivers craving utility wrapped in an engaging package, boasting 191 hp from its standard engine and achieving a respectable 25 MPG combined. Conversely, the 2025 Subaru Forester counters with robust capability and celebrated efficiency, standardizing Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and delivering a superior 29 MPG combined economy. The Santa Cruz offers more pep in a slightly longer 195.7-inch frame, while the Forester excels in efficiency, offering 4 more miles per gallon combined and a marginally lower starting MSRP of $28,750 versus the Forester's $29,995. While the Santa Cruz has more torque at 181 lb-ft, the Forester’s standard AWD system provides superior traction advantage over the Santa Cruz's FWD setup, creating a classic choice between spirited design and steadfast practicality.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester wins for commuters due to its superior 29 MPG combined fuel economy compared to the Santa Cruz’s 25 MPG.
2025 Subaru Forester
The 2025 Subaru Forester offers a more traditional, potentially safer crossover profile with standard AWD and 29.6 cu ft of cargo space.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Hyundai Santa Cruz offers higher output with 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque compared to the Forester's 180 hp and 178 lb-ft.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Hyundai Santa Cruz offers a lower entry point at $28,750 MSRP and provides more horsepower for less initial cost.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...
- You prioritize a sportier performance edge with 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque.
- You want the lowest starting price, with an MSRP of $28,750.
- You appreciate the utility and unique style offered by the longer 195.7-inch crossover truck profile.
Choose the Subaru Forester if...
- Maximizing fuel efficiency is critical, as it achieves 33 highway MPG.
- You require the enhanced grip and stability of standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD).
- You need slightly more height (68.1 inches) and 29.6 cubic feet of dedicated cargo capacity.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Santa Cruz | Subaru Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.7" | 183.3" |
| Width | 75.0" | 72.0" |
| Height | 66.7" | 68.1" |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm | 180 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 178 lb-ft @ 3700 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 | 26/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 389.4/531.0 mi. | 431.6/547.8 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 | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
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 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.2 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 43.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.5 in. | 54.7 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. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.5 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.1 in. | 56.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.5 in. | 53.7 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 | 225/60R H |
| 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 Forester.
Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient for long commutes?
The 2025 Subaru Forester is the clear winner for efficiency, netting 29 MPG combined (26 City/33 Highway). The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz trails slightly with 25 MPG combined (22 City/30 Highway), resulting in a 4 MPG combined difference favoring the Subaru.
Is the Hyundai Santa Cruz more powerful than the Subaru Forester?
Yes, the Santa Cruz offers a slight performance edge with its base engine generating 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. The Forester produces 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, making the Santa Cruz marginally punchier.
How do their drive types differ for adverse weather?
The Forester comes standard with Subaru's renowned All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, giving it an inherent advantage in slippery conditions. The standard Santa Cruz configuration utilizes Front Wheel Drive (FWD).
What is the price difference between the two base models?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz starts at a more accessible $28,750 MSRP. The 2025 Subaru Forester begins at $29,995, creating a gap of $1,245 favoring the Hyundai on initial outlay.
Which vehicle has better physical dimensions for parking?
The Subaru Forester is significantly more compact, measuring 183.3 inches long and 72.0 inches wide. The Santa Cruz is longer at 195.7 inches and wider at 75.0 inches, which might make it slightly more challenging to maneuver in tight urban spots.
Do they use the same fuel type?
Both the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz and the 2025 Subaru Forester utilize regular unleaded fuel, simplifying long-term operational costs for owners.
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