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Hyundai Santa Cruz vs Subaru Outback - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (281 HP vs 260 HP), trunk space and price (28,800 $ vs 29,000 $ ) at a glance. See which model fits your needs and budget better – Hyundai Santa Cruz or Subaru Outback?

Hyundai Santa Cruz vs Subaru Outback: Key differences

Hyundai Santa Cruz

  • marginally cheaper
  • barely more power

Subaru Outback

  • slightly more efficient
  • marginally lighter

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Santa Cruz

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Hyundai Santa Cruz is marginally cheaper – starting at 28,800 $ , while the Subaru Outback costs 29,000 $ . That’s a price difference of around 260 $.

When it comes to city fuel economy, the Subaru Outback performs slightly better – achieving 26 mpg, compared to 22 mpg for the Hyundai Santa Cruz. That’s a difference of about 4 mpg.

Outback

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Hyundai Santa Cruz offers barely more power – delivering 281 HP compared to 260 HP. That’s roughly 21 HP more horsepower.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Hyundai Santa Cruz delivers a bit more torque with 311 lb-ft compared to 277 lb-ft. That’s about 34 lb-ft more.

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Subaru Outback is marginally lighter – 3,641 lbs compared to 3,779 lbs. The difference is around 138 lbs.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Subaru Outback is barely ahead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from $29,000
Outback

Subaru Outback

  • Engine Type : Gasoline
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All Wheel
  • Power HP : 182 - 260 HP
Hyundai Santa Cruz
Subaru Outback

Costs and Consumption

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Engine and Performance

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Dimensions and Body

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General

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Hyundai Santa Cruz

The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a city-friendly pickup with SUV manners, serving up a smooth ride and a surprisingly upscale cabin while still handling weekend projects without the drama. It doesn’t try to out-macho the big rigs; instead it wins with smart packaging, easy parking, and just enough adventure vibe to make every grocery run feel like a mini road trip.

details

Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback remains the outdoorsy wagon that laughs at muddy trails and shrugs off long commutes, mixing a calm ride with genuine rough-road talent. With a roomy cabin, loads of safety tech and a practical, adventure-ready layout, it’s the no-drama choice for families who prefer trailheads to valet stands.

details
Hyundai Santa Cruz
Subaru Outback

Costs and Consumption

Price
28,800 - 42,800 $
Price
29,000 - 42,900 $
FuelEconomy City
18 - 22 mpg
FuelEconomy City
21 - 26 mpg
FuelEconomy Hwy
26 - 30 MPG
FuelEconomy Hwy
26 - 32 MPG
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
17.7 gal
Fuel tank capacity
18.5 gal

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Pickup
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
3,779 - 4,295 lbs
Curb weight
3,641 - 3,946 lbs
Trunk Volume
-
Trunk Volume
-
Length
195.9 in.
Length
191.3 - 191.9 in.
Width
75 in.
Width
74.2 - 74.6 in.
Height
66 in.
Height
66 in.

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Gasoline
Engine Type
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Drive Type
Front Wheel, All Wheel
Drive Type
All Wheel
Power HP
191 - 281 HP
Power HP
182 - 260 HP
Torque
181 - 311 lb-ft
Torque
176 - 277 lb-ft
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Engine Displacement
2.5 L
Engine Displacement
2.4 - 2.5 L
Gears
-
Gears
-

General

Model Year
2,025
Model Year
2,025
Brand
Hyundai
Brand
Subaru
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. Prices shown are manufacturer suggested retail prices (MSRP). Taxes, registration fees and dealer charges are not included.