2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$39,730 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid explodes onto the scene with a potent 268 hp, offering electrifying acceleration that the 2026 Subaru Outback's 180 hp simply cannot match. The Tucson PHEV excites with its 32 miles of pure electric range, blending near-EV commuting capability with traditional hybrid savings, achieving a combined 35 MPG. In contrast, the rugged 2026 Outback emphasizes enduring practicality, offering a slightly larger 34.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Tucson's 31.9 cu ft. While the Outback carries the lower MSRP of $34,995, the Tucson demands $39,730 but rewards drivers with superior performance and significantly better fuel economy—an 8 MPG advantage in hybrid operation. Both are AWD capable, but the Tucson’s immediate torque and power inject excitement that the Outback, despite its longer 191.7-inch frame, reserves for off-the-beaten-path reliability.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid offers 32 miles of all-electric range, making daily short commutes potentially emission-free and highly efficient.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback provides a larger maximum cargo capacity at 34.6 cu ft, which is excellent for hauling family gear.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson delivers a massive performance advantage with 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque versus the Outback's 180 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback secures the value crown by offering capable AWD utility for a significantly lower starting MSRP of $34,995.

Choose the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid if...

You prioritize thrilling acceleration, thanks to its 268 hp powertrain.
You want to maximize fuel savings with 32 miles of electric-only driving capability.
You prefer the dynamic efficiency of a plug-in hybrid setup achieving 35 MPG combined.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

You need the most accessible entry point with a lower MSRP of $34,995.
You require maximum hauling space, as the Outback boasts 34.6 cu ft of cargo volume.
You prefer the proven, rugged nature of Subaru's standard AWD system for consistent road grip.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid	Subaru Outback
Length	182.7"	191.7"
Width	73.4"	74.0"
Height	66.3"	67.5"
Wheelbase	108.5"	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	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
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	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	1.6 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	plug-in hybrid	gas
Horsepower	268 hp	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft	178 lb-ft @ 4800 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	6-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	35/35 MPG	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	35 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	388.5/388.5 mi.	450.0/558.0 mi.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	80/73 MPGe	—
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	77 MPGe	—
EPA Electric Driving Range	32 mi.	—
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	44	—
Charging Time (240V)	2.0 hr.	—
Fuel Tank Capacity	11.1 gal.	18.0 gal.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	SAE J1772	—

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	12.1 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	2	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
Front Head Room	40.1 in.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.1 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.6 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	54.5 in.	55.5 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
Rear Head Room	39.5 in.	40.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.3 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.0 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.9 in.	55.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/60R18	225/60R H
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 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 Tucson Plug-In Hybrid and 2026 Subaru Outback.

How much faster is the 2025 Tucson PHEV compared to the 2026 Outback?

The performance gap is substantial; the Tucson offers 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the Outback provides 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, meaning the Tucson will accelerate much quicker.

Which crossover is more practical for long-distance road trips?

While the Tucson has better MPG when hybridizing (35 MPG combined), the Outback is slightly larger, measuring 191.7 inches long and offering 34.6 cu ft of cargo space for gear.

What is the exact price difference between these two AWD vehicles?

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid starts at $39,730, creating a $4,735 price difference over the 2026 Subaru Outback's $34,995 starting MSRP.

Can the Tucson operate solely on electricity for my daily drive?

Yes, the 2025 Tucson PHEV is equipped with a 32-mile electric range, allowing many daily commutes to be completed without using any regular unleaded gasoline.

Do both vehicles use the same type of engine for fuel?

Both the Tucson and the Outback specify regular unleaded fuel, meaning neither requires premium gasoline, which is a small advantage for budget-conscious owners.