2025 Subaru Impreza vs 2026 Hyundai Tucson
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Subaru Impreza brings rugged capability in a nimble wagon package, exciting drivers with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a competitive $24,360 MSRP. Conversely, the 2026 Hyundai Tucson bursts onto the scene with a punchier 187 hp engine, leaning into its larger crossover dimensions for superior utility. The Impreza achieves a commendable 30 combined MPG, slightly edging out the Tucson's 28 MPG, while both sip regular unleaded fuel. However, the Tucson offers significantly more space, boasting 38.7 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Impreza's 20.4 cu ft. Performance enthusiasts will notice the 35 hp deficit in the Subaru (152 hp vs. 187 hp), though the Impreza compensates with its standard AWD system against the Tucson's FWD setup, even with the Tucson commanding a $4,840 higher starting price.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza wins for commuters due to its superior 30 combined MPG rating and standard AWD for year-round confidence.
2026 Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson is the clear choice for families, offering significantly more utility with 38.7 cu ft of cargo capacity.
2026 Hyundai Tucson
The Tucson appeals more to driving enthusiasts with 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque compared to the Impreza's 152 hp.
2025 Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza offers tremendous standard features, including AWD, at a $4,840 lower starting price than the Tucson.
Choose the Subaru Impreza if...
- You prioritize fuel economy and can utilize the 34 MPG highway rating.
- You need the security of standard All-Wheel Drive for adverse weather conditions.
- You want the lowest ownership entry cost with an MSRP of just $24,360.
Choose the Hyundai Tucson if...
- You require substantial hauling capability, backed by 38.7 cu ft of cargo volume.
- You prefer the immediate responsiveness of the 187 hp engine and 8-speed automatic.
- You desire a slightly larger vehicle footprint, measuring 182.7 inches in length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Impreza | Hyundai Tucson |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 176.2" | 182.7" |
| Width | 70.1" | 73.4" |
| Height | 58.3" | - |
| 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 | 2.0 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 152 hp @ 6000 rpm | 187 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft @ 4000 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) | 27/34 MPG | 25/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 448.2/564.4 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 2 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.8 in. | 40.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.9 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.8 in. | 57.6 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.1 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 | 38.0 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.5 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.3 in. | 56.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.2 in. | 53.9 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | Alloy |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 205/55R16 | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| 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 Impreza and 2026 Hyundai Tucson.
Which vehicle is better for slippery, snowy roads?
The 2025 Subaru Impreza is the clear victor here, as it comes standard with Subaru's famed Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The 2026 Hyundai Tucson defaults to Front-Wheel Drive, which, while capable, doesn't offer the same inherent traction advantage as the Impreza's standard system.
Is the price difference between the two models worth the power increase?
The Tucson costs $4,840 more but delivers 35 more horsepower (187 hp vs. 152 hp). If spirited driving dynamics are key, the Tucson justifies the extra cost, but if frugality is the goal, the Impreza provides better value per dollar spent.
Which car is better suited for maximizing interior storage?
The 2026 Hyundai Tucson is substantially larger for cargo, offering 38.7 cubic feet, dwarfing the Impreza wagon’s 20.4 cubic feet. Families needing space for gear, luggage, or bulk grocery runs will find the Tucson much more accommodating.
How significant is the difference in fuel efficiency?
The Impreza leads with 30 combined MPG versus the Tucson's 28 combined MPG. While not massive, over years of commuting, the Impreza's slightly better fuel rating (27/34 MPG city/highway) will result in minor savings at the pump.
What is the primary difference in the drivetrain technology?
The Subaru utilizes a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) paired with AWD, prioritizing smooth, efficient power delivery. In contrast, the Hyundai uses a conventional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission paired with FWD, offering a more traditional geared feel behind the wheel.
Do these vehicles require premium gasoline?
Fortunately for budget-conscious buyers, neither vehicle mandates premium fuel. Both the 2025 Subaru Impreza and the 2026 Hyundai Tucson are specified to run on regular unleaded gasoline.
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