2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs 2025 Subaru Outback
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz immediately distinguishes itself from the 2025 Subaru Outback with a 9.6% advantage in base power, boasting 191 horsepower versus the Outback's 182 hp, alongside 181 lb-ft of torque compared to the Subaru's 176 lb-ft. However, the Outback counters with superior fuel economy, achieving 28 combined MPG (26 city/32 highway) compared to the Santa Cruz's 25 combined MPG (22 city/30 highway). Dimensionally, the Santa Cruz is notably longer at 195.7 inches versus the Outback's 191.1 inches, despite the Outback offering a specified 32.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, a metric unavailable for the Santa Cruz. Pricewise, the Santa Cruz holds a slight edge at $28,750 compared to the Outback's $29,995 MSRP. The fundamental drivetrain divergence is key: the Santa Cruz utilizes FWD, while the Outback comes standard with AWD.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Subaru Outback
The 2025 Subaru Outback wins for commuters due to its superior fuel efficiency, netting 28 combined MPG versus the Santa Cruz's 25 combined MPG.
2025 Subaru Outback
The Outback is the preferred choice for families based on its standard All-Wheel Drive system and defined 32.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its higher 191 hp output and 181 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz presents better initial value with a lower MSRP of $28,750 compared to the Outback's $29,995.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...
- You prioritize peak engine output, as the 191 hp engine provides more power than the Outback's 182 hp.
- You require the slightly larger exterior footprint, measuring 195.7 inches in length.
- Budget is a major concern, given the $28,750 MSRP undercuts the Outback by over $1,200.
Choose the Subaru Outback if...
- Maximum year-round traction is necessary, thanks to the standard All-Wheel Drive configuration.
- Fuel efficiency is paramount, evidenced by its 28 combined MPG rating.
- You need verifiable utility space, with the Outback explicitly stating 32.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Santa Cruz | Subaru Outback |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.7" | 191.1" |
| Width | 75.0" | 73.0" |
| Height | 66.7" | 66.1" |
| Wheelbase | 118.3" | 108.1" |
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 | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 182 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 176 lb-ft @ 4400 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 | 26/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 389.4/531.0 mi. | 481.0/592.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.7 gal. | 18.5 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | — | ✓ |
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 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.2 in. | 40.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 42.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.5 in. | 55.5 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 |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.6 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.5 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.1 in. | 57.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.5 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
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 | 225/65R 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 Outback.
What is the core difference in drivetrain between the 2025 Santa Cruz and the 2025 Outback?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz comes standard with a front-wheel drive (FWD) setup, whereas the 2025 Subaru Outback is equipped standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD). This is the most significant mechanical distinction affecting traction capabilities.
How do the fuel economy ratings compare for these base models?
The Subaru Outback holds a noticeable advantage, achieving 28 combined MPG (26 city/32 highway). The Hyundai Santa Cruz is rated slightly lower at 25 combined MPG (22 city/30 highway).
Which vehicle offers more power in their base engine configurations?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz provides more performance, generating 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. The 2025 Subaru Outback is rated lower at 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque.
Is there a significant price difference between the two vehicles?
Yes, the Santa Cruz has a lower starting MSRP of $28,750, making it approximately $1,245 cheaper than the Outback, which starts at $29,995.
How do their exterior dimensions compare?
The Santa Cruz is the physically larger vehicle, measuring 195.7 inches long and 75.0 inches wide. The Outback is slightly smaller in length at 191.1 inches and width at 73.0 inches.
Does the provided data specify the cargo volume for both models?
Only the 2025 Subaru Outback has a specified cargo capacity of 32.6 cubic feet listed in the provided data. The cargo volume for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz was not supplied for direct comparison.
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