2025 Subaru Outback vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Subaru Outback and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz really boils down to priorities: classic utility versus modern versatility. Many buyers are stuck wondering if they need a traditional wagon-SUV or a truck-like crossover experience for similar money, with starting MSRPs so close at $29,995 (Outback) and $29,500 (Santa Cruz). The Outback leans into efficiency, offering a better combined MPG of 28 compared to the Santa Cruz’s 25 MPG. Furthermore, the Outback’s standard All-Wheel Drive provides confidence that the front-wheel-drive standard Santa Cruz cannot match. However, the Santa Cruz boasts slightly more power with 191 hp versus the Outback's 182 hp. While both vehicles are similarly sized, the Outback offers a respectable 32.6 cu ft of cargo space, whereas the Santa Cruz's open bed changes how you calculate utility. This comparison highlights a choice between proven, rugged efficiency and punchier, flexible performance.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Subaru Outback
The 2025 Subaru Outback wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 28 combined MPG.
2025 Subaru Outback
The Outback offers more contained and predictable cargo capacity at 32.6 cu ft compared to the Santa Cruz's open bed.
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Enthusiasts will likely prefer the Santa Cruz's higher output of 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers slightly better performance metrics for a lower starting price of $29,500.
Choose the Subaru Outback if...
- You prioritize better fuel economy, netting 32 highway MPG versus the Santa Cruz's 30 MPG.
- You live somewhere requiring year-round confidence with standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You prefer a sealed cargo area, as the Outback offers 32.6 cu ft of enclosed space.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...
- You prefer more accessible power, as the Santa Cruz delivers 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque.
- You plan to use an open bed for hauling dirty or tall items.
- You want the lower initial investment, starting at an MSRP of $29,500.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Outback | Hyundai Santa Cruz |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 191.1" | 195.7" |
| Width | 73.0" | 75.0" |
| Height | 66.1" | 66.7" |
| Wheelbase | 108.1" | 118.3" |
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 | ✓ | — |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| 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 | 182 hp @ 5800 rpm | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 176 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | 181 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) | 26/32 MPG | 22/30 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 481.0/592.0 mi. | 389.4/531.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 17.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Cargo Floor Mats | ✓ | — |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/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 | 40.1 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.8 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.5 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 | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.4 in. | 56.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.8 in. | 53.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/65R H | 245/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
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 Outback and 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz.
Is the Subaru Outback or the Hyundai Santa Cruz better on gas?
The 2025 Subaru Outback is the more fuel-efficient choice, achieving a combined 28 MPG (26 city/32 highway). The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz trails slightly with a combined 25 MPG rating (22 city/30 highway).
Which vehicle has more horsepower right out of the gate?
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers a slight edge in immediate power, boasting 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. The standard 2025 Subaru Outback produces 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque.
What is the main difference in their drivetrain configurations?
The Outback comes standard with the proven symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, making it better suited for slippery conditions. Conversely, the base Santa Cruz is primarily front-wheel drive.
How do the overall sizes compare?
The Santa Cruz is slightly larger overall, measuring 195.7 inches long and 75.0 inches wide. The Outback is a bit more compact at 191.1 inches long and 73.0 inches wide.
Which car is cheaper to buy initially?
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz has a lower starting MSRP at $29,500 compared to the 2025 Subaru Outback's $29,995 entry price.
Are there significant differences in their transmission types?
Yes, the Outback uses a Continuously Variable-Speed Automatic transmission (CVT) for smoother transitions, while the Santa Cruz employs a more traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
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