2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs 2026 Subaru Crosstrek
Comparison Overview
The primary difference between the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz and the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek lies in fuel economy, with the Crosstrek achieving 29 MPG combined versus the Santa Cruz's 25 MPG combined, a substantial 4 MPG advantage. The Santa Cruz offers more raw output, delivering 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque compared to the Crosstrek's 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. Size is also a major divergence; the Santa Cruz is significantly larger, measuring 195.7 inches in length compared to the Crosstrek's 176.4 inches. This bulk is reflected in the MSRP difference, where the Santa Cruz starts at $29,500, while the Crosstrek undercuts it by $2,505, retailing for $26,995. The base drive configurations show the Crosstrek includes standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) against the Santa Cruz's standard Front Wheel Drive (FWD).
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Subaru Crosstrek
The Crosstrek offers superior operational efficiency with a 29 MPG combined rating and standard AWD, advantageous for varied road conditions.
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The larger dimensions of the Santa Cruz (195.7 inches long) likely translate to greater interior passenger volume and physical space.
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz provides a marginal edge in power output with 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque over the Crosstrek's metrics.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek
The Crosstrek undercuts the Santa Cruz by $2,505 in starting MSRP while delivering superior fuel economy.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...
- You prioritize higher peak horsepower, as the Santa Cruz achieves 191 hp.
- You require the stability of a larger platform, evidenced by its 195.7-inch length.
- You prefer the gear engagement feeling of a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...
- Fuel economy is paramount, given its 29 MPG combined rating against Car 1's 25 MPG.
- Standard All-Wheel Drive capability is necessary for your typical driving requirements.
- A lower entry price point is desired, as the Crosstrek MSRP starts at $26,995.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Santa Cruz | Subaru Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.7" | 176.4" |
| Width | 75.0" | 70.9" |
| Height | 66.7" | 62.8" |
| Wheelbase | 118.3" | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
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 | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm | 180 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 181 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) | 22/30 MPG | 26/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 389.4/531.0 mi. | 431.6/547.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.7 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
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 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.2 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 56.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.5 in. | 55.1 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 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.6 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.5 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.1 in. | 55.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.5 in. | 53.2 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 245/60R18 | P225/60R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz and 2026 Subaru Crosstrek.
What is the primary mechanical difference between the two base models?
The 2026 Santa Cruz comes standard with Front Wheel Drive (FWD) paired to an 8-speed automatic, whereas the 2026 Crosstrek features standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) utilizing a continuously variable transmission.
How much more expensive is the 2026 Santa Cruz than the 2026 Crosstrek?
The base MSRP for the Santa Cruz is $29,500, making it $2,505 more expensive than the Crosstrek's starting price of $26,995.
Which vehicle is significantly larger based on the provided exterior dimensions?
The Santa Cruz is significantly larger, measuring 195.7 inches in length and 75.0 inches in width, considerably exceeding the Crosstrek's 176.4-inch length and 70.9-inch width.
Are there performance differences in terms of horsepower and torque?
Yes, the Santa Cruz holds a slight advantage, producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Crosstrek's 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.
How does the fuel efficiency compare between the two crossovers?
The Crosstrek demonstrates superior fuel economy across the board, achieving 29 MPG combined (26 city/33 highway), outperforming the Santa Cruz's 25 MPG combined (22 city/30 highway).
Does the Crosstrek offer better cargo utility with these base trims?
Based on the provided data, the Crosstrek specifies a Cargo Capacity of 19.9 cubic feet, while no corresponding cargo capacity figure was provided for the Santa Cruz base trim for a direct comparison.
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