2025 Hyundai Santa Fe HEV vs. 2025 Subaru Forester Review

Picture of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe HEV

2025 Hyundai
Santa Fe HEV

MSRP*: $37,700 to $49,550
See details & photos

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Picture of the 2025 Subaru Forester

2025 Subaru
Forester

MSRP*: $29,810 to $39,995
See details & photos

Find Your Best Price Today!

MPG - City 35 - 36 MPG 25 - 26 MPG
MPG - Hwy 34 - 35 MPG 32 - 33 MPG
Seating Capacity 6 - 7 seats 5 seats
Cargo Space 79.6 ft3 69.1 - 74.4 ft3
Engine
  • 231-hp, 1.6-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gas/Electric Hybrid)
  • 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 231 hp 180 - 182 hp
Towing Capacity 2,000 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 41.5 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 HEV than in the Subaru Forester. The Hyundai Santa Fe HEV 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.

Convenience
The Hyundai Santa Fe HEV requires fewer stops at the gas station than the Subaru Forester, making it more convenient to drive.

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 HEV will definitely make more of a dent in your wallet than the Subaru Forester, which has a much lower MSRP.

Dimensions
Since the Hyundai Santa Fe HEV 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 HEV, which is slightly longer than the Subaru Forester.

Handling
The Hyundai Santa Fe HEV 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 HEV is clearly the choice over the Subaru Forester for pulling heavy loads. The Hyundai Santa Fe HEV has a little more horsepower than the Subaru Forester.

Powertrain
The Hyundai Santa Fe HEV has much lower torque than the Subaru Forester, which generally means that it won't feel as fast or powerful.

Utility
The Hyundai Santa Fe HEV 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 HEV has a roomier cargo area for putting your bags or other items than the Subaru Forester.