2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs 2026 Subaru Forester
Comparison Overview
The most significant measurable difference between the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz and the 2026 Subaru Forester is fuel efficiency, where the Forester achieves a combined 29 MPG compared to the Santa Cruz's 25 MPG, a 4 MPG advantage. Pricing shows the Santa Cruz leading with an MSRP of $28,750 versus the Forester's $29,995, a $1,245 initial cost saving for Hyundai. In terms of power, the Santa Cruz delivers slightly more output with 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the Forester's 180 hp and 178 lb-ft. Dimensional analysis reveals the Santa Cruz is longer at 195.7 inches versus the Forester's 183.3 inches, while the Forester is marginally taller at 68.1 inches to the Santa Cruz's 66.7 inches. For those prioritizing outright fuel savings and standard AWD, the Forester presents a strong case, while the Santa Cruz appeals to buyers needing slightly more base power and lower entry cost.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Subaru Forester
The 2026 Subaru Forester is the superior commuter due to its superior 29 MPG combined rating versus the Santa Cruz's 25 MPG.
2026 Subaru Forester
The Forester offers more vertical utility with a height of 68.1 inches and includes 29.6 cu ft of cargo space, beneficial for family hauling.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz provides greater baseline output with 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque compared to the Forester's 180 hp.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz presents better immediate value with a lower MSRP of $28,750 compared to the Forester's $29,995.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...
- You require the lowest initial purchase price, listed at $28,750.
- You prefer a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
- You prioritize marginally higher base engine output, generating 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque.
Choose the Subaru Forester if...
- Maximizing fuel efficiency is critical, given its 29 MPG combined rating.
- You need standard all-wheel drive capability for varied conditions.
- You value a taller structure (68.1 inches) and dedicated cargo capacity (29.6 cu ft).
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 2026 Subaru Forester.
Which vehicle offers better long-term fuel cost savings?
The 2026 Subaru Forester is projected to offer better savings due to its 29 MPG combined efficiency, outperforming the Santa Cruz's 25 MPG combined rating by 4 MPG.
How do the base MSRPs compare between the two crossovers?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz has a lower starting MSRP of $28,750, while the 2026 Subaru Forester begins at $29,995, creating a $1,245 initial price disparity.
Is the Santa Cruz or Forester more powerful in base trim?
The Santa Cruz is marginally more powerful, producing 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque from its base engine, whereas the Forester is rated at 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.
Which vehicle is physically larger overall?
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is the longer vehicle at 195.7 inches compared to the Forester’s 183.3 inches; however, the Forester is slightly taller at 68.1 inches versus 66.7 inches.
What is the key difference in drivetrain and transmission?
The Santa Cruz features front-wheel drive with an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the Forester includes standard all-wheel drive paired with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.
Does the Forester offer better utility dimensions than the Santa Cruz?
The Forester explicitly lists a cargo capacity of 29.6 cu ft, which is beneficial for utility, and its 68.1-inch height provides more vertical clearance than the Santa Cruz's 66.7-inch height.
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