2026 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2025 Subaru Forester Review

Picture of the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe

2026 Hyundai
Santa Fe

MSRP*: $34,800 to $49,150
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Picture of the 2025 Subaru Forester

2025 Subaru
Forester

MSRP*: $29,995 to $41,595
See details & photos

Find Your Best Price Today!

MPG - City Info not available 25 - 26 MPG
MPG - Hwy Info not available 28 - 33 MPG
Seating Capacity 6 - 7 seats 5 seats
Cargo Space 79.6 ft3 69.1 - 74.4 ft3
Engine
  • 277-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 180-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 182-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Transmission Automatic Continuously Variable
Drivetrain All Wheel Drive, Front Wheel Drive All Wheel Drive
Horsepower 277 hp 180 - 182 hp
Towing Capacity 3,500 - 4,500 lbs 1,500 - 3,000 lbs
Exterior Length 190.2 in 182.7 - 183.3 in
Exterior Width 74.8 in 72.0 - 72.2 in
Leg Room Front 44.4 in
Rear 42.3 in
Front 43.3 in
Rear 39.4 in
Head Room Front 40.2 - 41.1 in
Rear 39.6 - 40.6 in
Front 40.0 - 41.2 in
Rear 37.6 - 39.6 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
Rear passengers will be able to stretch out a lot more in the Hyundai Santa Fe than in the Subaru Forester. The Hyundai Santa Fe offers just a little more front head- and legroom than the Subaru Forester, making it a little more comfortable for the driver and front passenger.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The Hyundai Santa Fe is somewhat more expensive than the Subaru Forester.

Dimensions
Since the Hyundai Santa Fe is much wider than the Subaru Forester, finding a wide enough spot in a parking lot may be a bit more challenging. For some people, bigger is better. If that's the case for you, then you'll be happier with the Hyundai Santa Fe, which is slightly longer than the Subaru Forester.

Handling
The Hyundai Santa Fe has a larger turning radius than the Subaru Forester, making it slightly more difficult to maneuver in and out of tight spots.

Performance
When considering towing capacity, the Hyundai Santa Fe is clearly the choice over the Subaru Forester for pulling heavy loads. When it comes to horsepower, the Hyundai Santa Fe greatly out-muscles the Subaru Forester.

Powertrain
Due to its much higher torque, the Hyundai Santa Fe does a much better job of transmitting its engine's horsepower to its wheels than the Subaru Forester.

Utility
The Hyundai Santa Fe offers greater seating capacity than the Subaru Forester, making it a better choice for those who find themselves chauffeuring others around. The Hyundai Santa Fe has a roomier cargo area for putting your bags or other items than the Subaru Forester.