The Hyundai Tucson vs Subaru Forester: Which is the better SUV?

There are many options when it comes to shopping the compact SUV market. Many people find themselves between the Hyundai Tucson vs Subaru Forester. We are here to tell you the differences between the two and which one is a better fit for you! Keep reading about the Tucson vs Forester below.

The Hyundai Tucson is a popular compact SUV with different trims and engine options to choose from. It is available with a gas, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid powertrain. The Hyundai Tucson has upscale technology and modern design cues found on the outside and inside. It is the perfect everyday SUV to get you around town or across the country.

The Subaru Forester is perfect if you are looking for a flexible, capable ride for your daily adventures. It is available with a gas or hybrid powertrain. The Forester Wilderness has features to take you on your next off-road adventure. Packed with great standard features, the Subaru Forester could be the right SUV for you.

Let's take a deeper look into the features of the Tucson vs Forester.


Subaru Forester vs Hyundai Tucson Dimensions


 Subaru Forester Hyundai Tucson
 Passenger Capacity 5 5
 Length 183.3" 182.7"
 Width 72.0" 73.4"
 Height 68.1" 65.6" FWD/66.3 AWD
 Legroom (front/rear) 43.3/39.4" 41.4/41.3"
 Headroom (front/rear) 40.0/37.7" 40.1/39.5"
 Passenger Volume 106.6 cu.ft. 108.2 cu.ft.
 Cargo Volume (rear seat up/down) 27.5/69.1 cu.ft. 41.2/80.3 cu.ft.

The Hyundai Tucson vs Forester are similar when it comes to exterior dimensions. The Hyundai Tucson offers slightly more cargo and passenger volume compared to the Subaru Forester.


What SUV has a better Performance? The Tucson vs Forester

The performances of the Tucson vs Forester are similar in many ways, but the Tucson has more to offer.

The Hyundai Tucson has a faster performance with its standard 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine that delivers 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard, but you can opt in for HTRAC all-wheel drive. When properly equipped, the Tucson can tow up to 2,750 pounds. It also comes standard with Drive Mode Select with Normal, Sport, My Drive, and Snow (AWD only) modes.

The Subaru Forester is equipped with a 2.5-liter DOHC engine that delivers 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Subaru symmetrical all-wheel drive comes standard. The Forester can tow up to 1,500 pounds. It also comes with available X-Mode drive.

Tucson vs Forester: Exterior Features

While the Hyundai Tucson has a more modern exterior design, the Forester offers a more rugged design. Take a look at the available features of each SUV:

  • Hyundai Tucson: Bi-LED headlights, LED taillights, Bodycolor heated side mirrors, XRT trim exclusive exterior designs, hands-free smart liftgate with auto open and adjustable height setting
  • Subaru Forester: LED steering responsive headlights, roof spoiler, two-speed windshield wipers, raised roof rails, foot-activated hands-free power rear gate with auto close
Tucson vs CX5
Hyundai Tucson
Tucson vs Forester
Subaru Forester

Hyundai Tucson vs Subaru Forester: Interior Features

The Subaru Forester offers a great amount of passenger room with the latest features. But the Hyundai Tucson offers more standard comfort and technology features. Take a look at the available interior features of each SUV below.

  • Hyundai Tucson: Dual automatic temperature control, cloth-trimmed, H-Tex-trimmed, or leather-trimmed seat material, heated/ventilated front seats, 12.3" touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 12.3" digital instrument cluster, remote release folding rear seats
  • Subaru Forester: Dual-zone automatic climate control, Cloth upholstery, StarTex upholstery, or leather-trimmed upholstery, heated front seats with all-weather package, 4.2-inch instrument cluster, 7" or 11.6" multimedia plus system, wireless device charger
Tucson vs CX5
Hyundai Tucson
Tucson vs Forester
Subaru Forester

Safety Features on Tucson vs Forester

The safety features on the Tucson vs Forester vary, as they are equipped with their own brand safety systems. Take a look at the available safety features, depending on the trim, on these SUVs.

  • Hyundai SmartSense: Smart Cruise Control w/ Stop & Go, Smart Cruise Control 2, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control w/ Curve Control, Driver Attention Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Highway Driving Assist, Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Surround View Monitor, Safe Exit Warning, Rear Occupant Alert, Advanced Rear Occupant Alert, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, High Beam Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Remote Smart Parking Assist, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist-Reverse, Parking Distance Warning-Reverse/Forward/Side
  • Advanced Subaru Safety: EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, Automatic Emergency Steering, 360-degree Surround-View Monitor, High Beam Assist, DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System, Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Reverse Automatic Braking, Vehicle Dynamics Controls, Rear-Vision Camera

Learn More about the Hyundai Tucson SUV for Sale.

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Hyundai Tucson vs Subaru Forester Comparison

Ultimately, the choice is up to you when it comes down to the Tucson vs Forester. But after taking a look at our Hyundai Tucson vs Subaru Forester comparison, the Hyundai Tucson offers more standard features, better performance features, and more modern designs. For more information, contact River Oaks Hyundai. We look forward to helping you find a new Hyundai Tucson for sale at Napleton River Oaks Hyundai!



Dealer not responsible for typographical errors. Pictures are for illustration purposes only. All vehicles subject to prior sales. See dealer for details. MSRP may not be price at which vehicle is sold in trade area. New car prices include applicable manufacturer incentives in lieu of special financing. Plus tax, title, license & $367.70 doc fee. For In-Transit Inventory, any date of arrival is estimated. The actual date of delivery may vary due to circumstances beyond Hyundai and the dealer’s control. Contact dealer for additional information. New vehicle MPGs are EPA’s estimated highway MPG’s. New vehicle MPGe/EPA Range Rating are based on EPA Range Rating. See dealer for copy of limited warranty. Used car prices plus tax, title, license & $367.70 doc fee. Used car MPG claims are based on EPA estimated city and highway ratings when vehicle was new. Used vehicle MPGe/EPA Range Rating are based on EPA Range Rating when vehicle was new. Consumers actual mileage will vary. The value of used vehicles varies with mileage, usage and condition. Book values should be considered estimates only.