Ultimate face-off: subaru forester vs. santa fe – uncover the clear winner

In the realm of compact SUVs, the Subaru Forester and Hyundai Santa Fe stand out as formidable contenders. Both vehicles offer a blend of practicality, performance, and style, making them popular choices among families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. To help you make an informed decision, we delve into a comprehensive comparison of the Subaru Forester vs. Santa Fe, examining their key features, capabilities, and overall value.

Performance and Handling

The Forester and Santa Fe offer distinct driving experiences. The Forester boasts a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. Its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system ensures excellent traction in various conditions. The Santa Fe, on the other hand, offers a more powerful 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. Its HTRAC All-Wheel Drive system provides responsive handling and stability.

Fuel Efficiency

When comparing fuel efficiency, the Forester has a slight edge over the Santa Fe. The Forester with the base engine achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The Santa Fe with the base engine delivers 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

Interior and Features

Both the Forester and Santa Fe offer spacious and well-equipped interiors. The Forester features a comfortable cabin with ample headroom and legroom for all occupants. It comes standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a rearview camera. The Santa Fe offers a more advanced interior with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, navigation, a panoramic sunroof, and heated and ventilated front seats.

Safety Features

Safety is a paramount concern for both vehicles. The Forester comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight suite of driver-assist technologies, which includes automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Santa Fe offers Hyundai’s SmartSense suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Both vehicles have received top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Cargo Capacity and Towing

The Forester and Santa Fe offer comparable cargo capacity. The Forester has 31.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seats and 76.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Santa Fe has 35.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 72.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Both vehicles have a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

Price and Value

The Forester has a starting price of $25,195, while the Santa Fe starts at $28,925. The Forester offers a more affordable entry point, while the Santa Fe provides more standard features and a more luxurious interior. Ultimately, the best value depends on your individual priorities and budget.

Key Points: The Verdict

The Subaru Forester and Hyundai Santa Fe are both excellent choices for compact SUV buyers. The Forester excels in off-road performance and fuel efficiency, while the Santa Fe offers a more spacious and feature-rich interior. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which vehicle has a better warranty?
A: The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a longer 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty compared to the Subaru Forester‘s 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Q: Is the Forester more reliable than the Santa Fe?
A: Both vehicles have a good reliability record, but the Subaru Forester has been consistently ranked higher in reliability surveys.

Q: Which vehicle has a better resale value?
A: The Subaru Forester typically holds its value better than the Hyundai Santa Fe over time.