2025 Subaru Forester vs 2026 Hyundai Tucson
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Subaru Forester and the 2026 Hyundai Tucson often boils down to prioritizing capability versus sheer interior space for your daily commute. If you constantly face slick roads or need genuine all-weather confidence, the Forester's standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is a huge plus, even though it has slightly less power at 180 hp compared to the Tucson's 187 hp. The Tucson wins decisively on pure utility, boasting a massive 38.7 cubic feet of cargo space versus the Forester's 29.6 cu ft, making it great for hauling gear. On the highway, the Forester edges out the Tucson slightly in fuel economy, achieving 33 MPG highway to the Tucson's 33 MPG highway (noting the city figures are 26 MPG for Subaru vs 25 MPG for Hyundai). With an MSRP gap where the Tucson starts cheaper at $29,200 versus the Forester's $29,995, value is close, but the trade-off is capability versus capacity.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Subaru Forester
The 2025 Forester offers better fuel efficiency in city driving (26 MPG vs 25 MPG) and standard AWD provides superior year-round security.
2026 Hyundai Tucson
The 2026 Tucson offers significantly more usable storage space with 38.7 cubic feet compared to the Forester's 29.6 cubic feet.
2026 Hyundai Tucson
The Tucson has a slight edge in performance metrics, offering 187 horsepower compared to the Forester's 180 horsepower.
2026 Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson has a lower starting MSRP at $29,200, making it the more budget-friendly entry point.
Choose the Subaru Forester if...
- You require the confidence of standard All-Wheel Drive for adverse weather conditions.
- You prefer the slightly better low-speed efficiency, getting 26 MPG in city driving.
- You prefer a traditional CVT paired with a predictable 180 horsepower engine setup.
Choose the Hyundai Tucson if...
- Maximizing cargo volume is critical, as you gain nearly 9 cubic feet more storage (38.7 cu ft).
- You want the lowest possible entry price, starting at $29,200.
- You prefer a vehicle with a bit more raw output, delivering 187 horsepower and using a standard 8-speed automatic transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Forester | Hyundai Tucson |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.3" | 182.7" |
| Width | 72.0" | 73.4" |
| Height | 68.1" | - |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 108.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 180 hp @ 5800 rpm | 187 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm | 178 lb-ft @ 4000 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 | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/33 MPG | 25/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 29 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 431.6/547.8 mi. | 357.5/471.9 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.6 gal. | 14.3 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | 4 months | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.2 in. | 40.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.3 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 57.6 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.7 in. | 54.5 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 | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.6 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.4 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.7 in. | 56.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.7 in. | 53.9 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/60R H | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Forester and 2026 Hyundai Tucson.
Which crossover is better equipped for snowy or slippery roads?
The 2025 Subaru Forester (car1) is generally better suited due to its standard All-Wheel Drive system. The 2026 Hyundai Tucson (car2) comes standard with Front Wheel Drive, meaning you might need an upgrade path to match the Forester's baseline traction.
How big is the difference in fuel economy between these two models?
The difference is minimal but favors the Forester slightly; it achieves 29 MPG combined versus the Tucson's 28 MPG combined. However, both use regular unleaded fuel, keeping running costs similar.
If I haul a lot of gear, which crossover provides more utility?
The 2026 Hyundai Tucson (car2) is the clear winner here, offering a substantial 38.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2025 Forester (car1) provides only 29.6 cubic feet behind the second row.
Is there a significant price difference between the base models?
Yes, the Hyundai Tucson (car2) undercuts the Subaru Forester (car1) on price, starting at $29,200 versus $29,995. This represents a $795 difference right at the starting line.
Does the difference in horsepower translate to a sportier drive?
The Tucson has 187 hp compared to the Forester's 180 hp, meaning it holds a small advantage in raw power, but the Forester uses a CVT while the Tucson has a traditional 8-speed automatic, affecting driving feel more than just the numbers suggest.
Are these crossovers similar in overall size?
They are very close in exterior dimensions; the Forester is slightly longer at 183.3 inches compared to the Tucson's 182.7 inches, but the Tucson is noticeably wider at 73.4 inches versus the Forester's 72.0 inches.
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