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Hyundai Santa Fe vs Subaru Forester - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (277 HP vs 180 HP), trunk space and price (34,300 $ vs 30,000 $ ) at a glance. See which model fits your needs and budget better – Hyundai Santa Fe or Subaru Forester?

Hyundai Santa Fe vs Subaru Forester: Key differences

Hyundai Santa Fe

  • clearly more power
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Subaru Forester

  • moderately cheaper
  • noticeably more efficient
  • noticeably lighter
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Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Santa Fe

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Subaru Forester is moderately cheaper – starting at 30,000 $ , while the Hyundai Santa Fe costs 34,300 $ . That’s a price difference of around 4,305 $.

When it comes to city fuel economy, the Subaru Forester performs noticeably better – achieving 26 mpg, compared to 20 mpg for the Hyundai Santa Fe. That’s a difference of about 6 mpg.

Forester

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 Fe offers clearly more power – delivering 277 HP compared to 180 HP. That’s roughly 97 HP more horsepower.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Hyundai Santa Fe delivers substantially more torque with 311 lb-ft compared to 178 lb-ft. That’s about 133 lb-ft more.

Santa Fe

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Seats: Hyundai Santa Fe offers more seats – 7 vs 5.

In terms of curb weight, Subaru Forester is noticeably lighter – 3,510 lbs compared to 4,343 lbs. The difference is around 833 lbs.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Hyundai Santa Fe is slightly 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 $34,300
Santa Fe

Hyundai Santa Fe

  • Engine Type : Gasoline
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front Wheel, All Wheel
  • Power HP : 277 HP
Hyundai Santa Fe
Subaru Forester

Costs and Consumption

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Engine and Performance

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Dimensions and Body

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General

View detailed analysis

Hyundai Santa Fe

The Hyundai Santa Fe shows up like the family SUV that actually remembered to be cool, with adventurous styling and a cabin that feels built for road‑trip legends. It’s calm on the commute, confident on a light trail, and stacked with clever features and available hybrid power that make ownership feel more like a life hack than a compromise.

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Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is the outdoorsy family SUV that shrugs off muddy trails and bad weather as easily as it handles school runs. With airy visibility, a practical cabin, and unflappable all-wheel-drive confidence, it delivers no-drama comfort during the week and genuine adventure vibes on the weekend without trying too hard.

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Hyundai Santa Fe
Subaru Forester

Costs and Consumption

Price
34,300 - 48,700 $
Price
30,000 - 40,300 $
FuelEconomy City
19 - 20 mpg
FuelEconomy City
25 - 26 mpg
FuelEconomy Hwy
26 - 29 MPG
FuelEconomy Hwy
32 - 33 MPG
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
17.7 gal
Fuel tank capacity
16.6 gal

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
6 - 7
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
4,343 - 4,486 lbs
Curb weight
3,510 - 3,664 lbs
Trunk Volume
-
Trunk Volume
-
Length
190.2 in.
Length
183.3 in.
Width
74.8 in.
Width
72 in.
Height
67 - 69 in.
Height
68 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
277 HP
Power HP
180 HP
Torque
311 lb-ft
Torque
178 lb-ft
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Engine Displacement
2.5 L
Engine Displacement
2.5 L
Gears
-
Gears
-

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
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.