2025 Hyundai Tucson vs 2026 Subaru Forester

$28,705 · Crossover

$29,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Hyundai Tucson and the 2026 Subaru Forester often comes down to prioritizing efficiency and capability versus upfront cost and passenger comfort. If you commute daily, the Tucson offers a slight edge in initial affordability at an MSRP of $28,705 compared to the Forester's $29,995. However, the Forester counters this with standard All-Wheel Drive and slightly better combined fuel economy, achieving 29 MPG versus the Tucson's 28 MPG. While the Tucson posts slightly higher horsepower at 187 hp, both models deliver 178 lb-ft of torque. A major consideration for hauling is the cargo space: the Tucson wins decisively here with 38.7 cu ft, significantly more than the Forester's 29.6 cu ft. Ultimately, deciding hinges on whether you need the Tucson's substantial cargo utility or the Forester's standard AWD security.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Hyundai Tucson

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson wins for commuters due to its lower starting MSRP of $28,705, making the initial investment easier.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Hyundai Tucson

Families will benefit more from the Tucson's significantly larger 38.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Forester's 29.6 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Subaru Forester

The standard All-Wheel Drive on the 2026 Subaru Forester provides better traction and capability for enthusiasts who tackle varied road conditions.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Forester

Despite the higher MSRP, the Forester offers better long-term value by including standard All-Wheel Drive where the Tucson is listed with Front Wheel Drive.

Choose the Hyundai Tucson if...

You need maximum utility, as the Tucson offers a massive 38.7 cu ft of cargo space.
You want the slightly punchier acceleration potential with 187 horsepower.
You are focused on keeping the initial purchase price down, starting at $28,705.

Choose the Subaru Forester if...

All-weather security is paramount because the Forester comes standard with AWD.
You want marginally better fuel efficiency, boasting 29 combined MPG.
You prefer a taller vehicle, as the Forester stands taller at 68.1 inches versus 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 2026 Subaru Forester.

Which crossover has more room inside for hauling gear?

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson is the clear winner for cargo capacity, offering a robust 38.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats. This is substantially more than the 2026 Subaru Forester, which provides 29.6 cubic feet.

Is there a significant power difference between the two models?

The differences are subtle; the 2025 Tucson has a slight advantage in peak power with 187 horsepower compared to the Forester's 180 horsepower. However, both share the same 178 lb-ft of torque output.

Why is the Forester more expensive even though the Tucson has more horsepower?

The 2026 Subaru Forester commands a higher MSRP of $29,995 primarily because it includes standard All-Wheel Drive. The Tucson is listed with FWD and has a lower starting price of $28,705.

How does the fuel economy compare for highway driving?

Both vehicles offer excellent highway fuel efficiency, though the Forester ekes out a tiny advantage, achieving 33 MPG highway, matching the Tucson's 33 MPG highway rating.

Which car is better suited for snowy or rough roads?

The 2026 Subaru Forester is inherently better equipped for poor conditions due to its standard All-Wheel Drive system. The Tucson is listed with Front Wheel Drive, which is less capable in slippery or unpaved situations.

Are the exterior sizes very different for parking convenience?

They are very similar in overall footprint, though the Forester is slightly longer at 183.3 inches versus 182.7 inches for the Tucson. The Forester is also noticeably taller at 68.1 inches compared to 65.6 inches for the Tucson.