2025 Subaru Outback vs 2026 Hyundai Tucson
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the 2025 Subaru Outback and the 2026 Hyundai Tucson often boils down to prioritizing capability over sheer size. If you need confident traction for rugged terrain or snowy commutes, the Outback’s standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is a major advantage over the Tucson's standard Front-Wheel Drive (FWD). However, if maximizing interior space is key, the Tucson offers a significant cargo advantage, boasting 38.7 cubic feet compared to the Outback's 32.6 cu ft. Performance metrics are very close: the Outback starts at 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque, slightly trailing the Tucson's 187 hp and 178 lb-ft. Both achieve a similar 28 MPG combined and use regular unleaded fuel, making fuel economy a wash. For buyers focused on a lower entry price, the Tucson starts slightly cheaper at $29,200 versus the Outback's $29,995 MSRP, making the value proposition interesting.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback's standard AWD system offers superior traction predictability for all-weather commuting compared to the Tucson's standard FWD.
2026 Hyundai Tucson
The 2026 Hyundai Tucson provides significantly more usable space with 38.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity versus the Outback's 32.6 cubic feet.
2026 Hyundai Tucson
The Tucson offers slightly better output with 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, paired with a more engaging 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
2026 Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson has a lower starting MSRP at $29,200, giving it a slight edge in initial cost savings.
Choose the Subaru Outback if...
- You absolutely require standard All-Wheel Drive for superior traction in snow or light off-roading.
- You prefer the longer exterior dimensions (191.1 inches) for a potentially more stable highway ride.
- You value the consistency of a CVT paired with Subaru's Symmetrical AWD system.
Choose the Hyundai Tucson if...
- Maximizing cargo volume is critical, as 38.7 cubic feet beats the Outback's 32.6 cubic feet.
- You want the lowest starting price, with the Tucson listed at $29,200.
- You prefer a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission over a continuously variable-speed automatic.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Outback | Hyundai Tucson |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 191.1" | 182.7" |
| Width | 73.0" | 73.4" |
| Height | 66.1" | - |
| Wheelbase | 108.1" | 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 | ✓ | — |
| 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 | 187 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 176 lb-ft @ 4400 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) | 26/32 MPG | 25/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 481.0/592.0 mi. | 357.5/471.9 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 14.3 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 | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 40.1 in. | 40.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.8 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 57.6 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 | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.4 in. | 56.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.8 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 | 225/65R 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 Outback and 2026 Hyundai Tucson.
Is the 2025 Subaru Outback better for gas mileage than the 2026 Hyundai Tucson?
No, they are virtually identical in efficiency. Both vehicles achieve a combined 28 MPG. The Tucson ekes out a slight highway advantage at 33 MPG versus the Outback’s 32 MPG, though the Outback is slightly better in the city at 26 MPG.
Which crossover offers more room for luggage?
The 2026 Hyundai Tucson is the clear winner for cargo space. It offers a substantial 38.7 cubic feet of storage area behind the rear seats, while the 2025 Subaru Outback provides 32.6 cubic feet.
Does the standard drivetrain make a big difference between these two models?
Yes, this is a major difference. The Outback comes standard with AWD, which is excellent for slippery conditions. The Tucson comes standard with FWD, which is generally fine for dry climates but lacks the inherent grip of the Subaru.
Which car has more horsepower for passing maneuvers?
The 2026 Hyundai Tucson holds a small performance edge with 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Outback’s 182 hp and 176 lb-ft.
How do their prices compare if I opt for the base models?
The Hyundai Tucson has a lower Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) at $29,200, giving it a $795 head start over the 2025 Subaru Outback, which starts at $29,995.
Are there any differences in the type of fuel they require?
Fortunately, both crossovers run happily on regular unleaded fuel, meaning neither requires premium gasoline, which helps keep running costs predictable for owners of both vehicles.
More Budget SUVs Under $30,000
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool