2025 Hyundai Tucson vs 2025 Subaru Forester
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Hyundai Tucson and the 2025 Subaru Forester lies in cargo volume, where the Tucson offers 38.7 cubic feet versus the Forester's 29.6 cubic feet, a difference of over 9 cubic feet. Financially, the Tucson undercuts the Forester by $1,290, starting at an MSRP of $28,705 compared to $29,995. Performance metrics show the Tucson leading slightly with 187 horsepower against the Forester's 180 hp, though both vehicles share an identical 178 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is closely matched; however, the Forester edges out the Tucson by achieving 29 combined MPG versus the Tucson's 28 combined MPG, despite both utilizing regular unleaded fuel. Dimensionally, the Forester is notably taller at 68.1 inches compared to the Tucson's 65.6 inches, suggesting a different cabin feel, while the Tucson is negligibly longer at 182.7 inches versus 183.3 inches for the Forester.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Subaru Forester
The Forester wins for commuters due to its superior 29 combined MPG rating and standard All-Wheel Drive capability.
2025 Hyundai Tucson
The Tucson provides significantly more usable space for hauling gear, boasting 38.7 cu ft of cargo capacity versus 29.6 cu ft in the Forester.
2025 Hyundai Tucson
The Tucson appeals slightly more to driving enthusiasts by offering 7 more horsepower (187 hp vs 180 hp) and a more engaging 8-speed automatic transmission.
2025 Hyundai Tucson
The Tucson is the clear value winner by starting $1,290 lower in MSRP while delivering greater cargo volume.
Choose the Hyundai Tucson if...
- Cargo capacity is the top priority, as the Tucson provides 38.7 cu ft versus the Forester's 29.6 cu ft.
- Budget sensitivity is key, given the Tucson’s $28,705 MSRP undercuts the Forester by $1,290.
- A preference exists for a traditional geared automatic transmission (8-speed shiftable) over a CVT.
Choose the Subaru Forester if...
- All-weather traction is necessary, as the Forester comes standard with All-Wheel Drive.
- Slightly better maximum fuel efficiency is desired, with the Forester achieving 29 combined MPG.
- A taller, more commanding driving position is preferred, as the Forester measures 68.1 inches in height compared to the Tucson's 65.6 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Tucson | Subaru Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.7" | 183.3" |
| Width | 73.4" | 72.0" |
| Height | 65.6" | 68.1" |
| Wheelbase | 108.5" | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 187 hp @ 6100 rpm | 180 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 178 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) | 25/33 MPG | 26/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 357.5/471.9 mi. | 431.6/547.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.3 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | 40.1 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 43.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.6 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 | 6-way | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.5 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.0 in. | 56.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.9 in. | 53.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/65R17 | 225/60R H |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
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 Tucson and 2025 Subaru Forester.
What is the difference in cargo space between the 2025 Tucson and the 2025 Forester?
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson offers a substantial advantage in hauling capacity with 38.7 cubic feet of cargo space. Conversely, the 2025 Subaru Forester provides 29.6 cubic feet, meaning the Tucson can carry over 9 cubic feet more gear.
Which vehicle provides better fuel economy for daily commuting?
The 2025 Subaru Forester is marginally more efficient, achieving 29 combined MPG (26 City/33 Highway). The 2025 Hyundai Tucson follows closely with 28 combined MPG (25 City/33 Highway).
How do the starting prices compare for the base models?
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson is the more affordable entry point with an MSRP of $28,705. The 2025 Subaru Forester starts $1,290 higher at $29,995.
Is there a significant difference in engine power output?
Yes, the Tucson produces 187 horsepower from its powertrain, slightly exceeding the Forester's 180 horsepower output. Both vehicles achieve the same 178 lb-ft of torque.
Does one vehicle include All-Wheel Drive standard?
Yes, the 2025 Subaru Forester comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD). The listed configuration for the 2025 Hyundai Tucson is Front Wheel Drive (FWD).
Which crossover has a transmission that is not a CVT?
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. The 2025 Subaru Forester employs a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).
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