2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs 2026 Subaru Crosstrek
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz and the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek often boils down to balancing utility versus ultimate efficiency. If you need a bit more length for hauling or towing capability—even if it's not explicitly rated here—the Santa Cruz, at 195.7 inches long, offers a larger footprint than the compact Crosstrek at 176.4 inches. However, efficiency swings toward Subaru; the Crosstrek boasts a superior 29 MPG combined rating compared to the Santa Cruz's 25 MPG combined, representing a notable 4 MPG advantage over the slightly more powerful Hyundai (191 hp vs. 180 hp). While the Santa Cruz starts at a slightly higher MSRP of $28,750 versus the Crosstrek's $26,995, the real decision hinges on whether that extra size and torque (181 lb-ft vs. 178 lb-ft) justify the increased fuel stops over time.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Subaru Crosstrek
The Crosstrek wins for daily commuting due to its higher 29 MPG combined fuel economy and smaller dimensions making city navigation easier.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz is favored for families needing more overall presence, evidenced by its greater length of 195.7 inches compared to the Crosstrek's 176.4 inches.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz appeals more to enthusiasts with its slightly higher output of 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek offers better value by starting at a lower MSRP of $26,995 and delivering superior fuel economy.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...
- You prioritize having a bit more muscle, as the Santa Cruz offers 191 horsepower.
- You prefer the feel of a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
- You need the slightly larger physical size, measuring 195.7 inches in length for potentially better utility.
Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...
- Fuel savings are paramount, given the Crosstrek’s 29 MPG combined efficiency.
- You want the benefit of standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for challenging road conditions.
- You want the most affordable entry point, with an MSRP starting at $26,995.
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
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 2026 Subaru Crosstrek.
How much better is the fuel economy between these two crossovers?
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is significantly more fuel-efficient, achieving 29 MPG combined (26 city/33 highway). The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz lags slightly behind at 25 MPG combined (22 city/30 highway), meaning the Crosstrek saves you gas money over the long haul.
Is the Santa Cruz substantially bigger than the Crosstrek?
Yes, there is a noticeable size difference; the Santa Cruz is 195.7 inches long, while the Crosstrek is much shorter at 176.4 inches. This difference in length impacts interior volume and overall road presence.
Which vehicle has a lower starting price?
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is the more budget-friendly option, starting at an MSRP of $26,995. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz carries a slightly higher starting price of $28,750.
Do these cars offer similar driving dynamics?
They offer different primary approaches: the Santa Cruz uses an 8-speed automatic transmission and FWD standard, while the Crosstrek uses a standard CVT and comes with standard All-Wheel Drive. Enthusiasts might prefer the Hyundai's power figures (191 hp) over the Subaru's (180 hp).
What is the difference in cargo hauling capability?
The provided specs only explicitly mention the Subaru Crosstrek's standard cargo capacity of 19.9 cubic feet. While the Santa Cruz has a truck bed, specific volume measurements aren't given for comparison, making a direct capacity match difficult based on this data.
Are there performance differences between the base models listed?
The 2025 Santa Cruz base offers 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. The 2026 Crosstrek base offers 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, giving the Hyundai a slight edge in raw output figures.
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