2026 Hyundai Tucson vs 2026 Subaru Impreza

$29,200 · Crossover

$26,595 · Wagon

Comparison Overview

Trying to choose between the 2026 Hyundai Tucson and the 2026 Subaru Impreza often comes down to size versus standard capability. Buyers are frequently torn between the practicality of a crossover and the assured grip of standard All-Wheel Drive. The Tucson steps up with a base MSRP of $29,200 and offers 187 hp, giving it a noticeable 35 hp edge over the Impreza's 152 hp. However, the Impreza starts lower at $26,595 and boasts slightly better combined fuel economy at 29 MPG versus the Tucson's 28 MPG. While the Tucson offers substantially more space with 38.7 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Impreza's 20.4 cu ft, the Impreza's standard AWD might outweigh the Tucson's extra length of 182.7 inches for those living in snowier climates. It's a classic trade-off: power and space in the Tucson against efficiency and traction in the smaller Impreza.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Impreza

The 2026 Subaru Impreza wins for commuters due to its slightly superior 29 MPG combined fuel economy and standard All-Wheel Drive for varying weather conditions.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Tucson

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson is the winner for families, offering significantly more utility with 38.7 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Impreza's 20.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Hyundai Tucson

The Tucson appeals more to performance seekers, delivering 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, easily surpassing the Impreza's 152 hp output.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Impreza

The Impreza presents better initial value, starting $2,605 cheaper at $26,595 while including standard All-Wheel Drive.

Choose the Hyundai Tucson if...

You need maximum interior flexibility, as the Tucson provides 38.7 cu ft of cargo space.
You prioritize responsiveness and merging power, thanks to its 187 hp engine.
You prefer a traditional crossover body style that is 182.7 inches long.

Choose the Subaru Impreza if...

Your budget is tight, with a starting MSRP of only $26,595.
You require standard All-Wheel Drive capability for security in bad weather.
You want slightly better efficiency, netting 29 MPG combined on regular unleaded fuel.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Tucson	Subaru Impreza
Length	182.7"	176.2"
Width	73.4"	70.1"
Height	-	58.3"
Wheelbase	108.5"	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	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
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	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	187 hp @ 6100 rpm	152 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	178 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	145 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	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)	25/33 MPG	27/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	357.5/471.9 mi.	448.2/547.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.3 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	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	11.6 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	1	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
Front Head Room	40.1 in.	39.8 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	42.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.6 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	6-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
Rear Head Room	39.5 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.3 in.	36.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.0 in.	55.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.9 in.	53.2 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R17	225/40R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside 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 Tucson and 2026 Subaru Impreza.

Which vehicle is significantly larger for carrying passengers and cargo?

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson is much larger; it measures 182.7 inches long compared to the Impreza’s 176.2 inches. This translates directly to cargo room, as the Tucson offers 38.7 cu ft while the Impreza wagon provides 20.4 cu ft.

Does the Subaru Impreza's standard AWD make up for the Hyundai Tucson’s extra horsepower?

It depends on your priorities. The Tucson has 35 more horsepower (187 hp vs. 152 hp) for quicker acceleration. However, the Impreza’s standard AWD offers better traction automatically, which might feel more secure on slippery roads than the Tucson's FWD setup.

How much more expensive is the 2026 Hyundai Tucson at base level?

The Tucson has a higher starting MSRP of $29,200, which is $2,605 more than the Impreza's base price of $26,595. This price difference reflects the Tucson’s larger crossover body and higher engine output.

Which car uses less fuel in daily driving?

The Subaru Impreza is marginally more efficient, achieving 29 MPG combined versus the Tucson's 28 MPG combined. Both cars run happily on regular unleaded fuel.

Are the transmissions in these two vehicles the same type?

No, they use different automatic transmissions. The Tucson utilizes a conventional 8-speed shiftable automatic, whereas the Impreza employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).