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2019 Hyundai SANTA FE vs. 2019 Subaru Forester

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE and 2019 Subaru Forester contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE and the 2019 Subaru Forester.

When we compare the 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE's and the 2019 Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, reliability, overall quality score and base engine power. The 2019 Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, resale value and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE's and the 2019 Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE is a better car than the 2019 Subaru Forester.

Pricing: A used 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE ranges from $14,997 to $25,819 while a used 2019 Subaru Forester is priced between $17,149 to $27,767.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE loses 45.7 percent of its value and the 2019 Subaru Forester loses 34.5 percent of its value. This means the 2019 Subaru Forester retains 11.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Hyundai SANTA FE is 8.7 out of 10 while the Subaru Forester's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Hyundai SANTA FE being ranked 6 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs and the Subaru Forester being ranked 17 out of 67.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Hyundai SANTA FE is 8.6 out of 10. For the Subaru Forester the reliability rating is 8.3 out of 10. This gives the Hyundai SANTA FE a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Subaru Forester.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE’s base engine makes 185 horsepower, and the 2019 Subaru Forester base engine makes 182 horsepower. The SANTA FE is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 545 miles. The Forester is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 548 miles. This gives the 2019 Subaru Forester the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The 2019 Subaru Forester, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more and rear head room. The 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE and 2019 Subaru Forester are comparable in regards to front head room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE and the 2019 Subaru Forester have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.

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Model & Pricing
2019 Hyundai SANTA FE
2019 Subaru Forester

2019 Hyundai SANTA FE
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2019 Hyundai SANTA FE for Sale

2019 Subaru Forester
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2019 Subaru Forester for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

$25,750

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)

$30,316

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

$23,245 - $35,310

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

$24,295

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)

$24,516

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)

$23,350 - $26,345

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$20,121

Price Range:

$14,997 - $25,819

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

$24,868

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

$16,878 - $34,673

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

536

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

74,267

# Good or Great Deals:

155

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$22,587

Price Range:

$17,149 - $27,767

Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)

$20,157

Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)

$16,854 - $25,234

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

438

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

67,849

# Good or Great Deals:

137

Hyundai SANTA FE Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.7 / 10

Reliability:

8.6 / 10

Retained Value:

7.7 / 10

Safety:

10.0 / 10

Subaru Forester Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.6 / 10

Reliability:

8.3 / 10

Retained Value:

8.4 / 10

Safety:

9.0 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

5.3

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

5.5

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

3.6 - 8.7

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

20.2%

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2019 Subaru Forester

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

6.1

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)

5.8

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)

4.9 - 8.4

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

10.1%



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

2.8

Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

3.2

Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

1 - 33.1

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

8.6

Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

3.6

Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

1.7 - 21

Hyundai SANTA FE Rankings

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

1 / 39

Best Midsize SUVs Under $35k

1 / 7

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs Under $25k

1 / 7

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs Under $35k

1 / 7

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs Under $40k

1 / 7

Best SUVs with 3 Rows Under $35k

1 / 6

Best Family SUVs with 3 Rows

2 / 39

Best Crossover SUVs Under $35k

2 / 10

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $25k

2 / 6

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $30k

2 / 6

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $35k

2 / 6

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

2 / 6

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $60k

2 / 6

Safest Crossover SUVs

3 / 67

Best Family Crossover SUVs

3 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

3 / 67

Best Midsize SUVs

3 / 32

Safest Midsize SUVs

3 / 32

Best Family Midsize SUVs

3 / 32

Most Affordable Midsize SUVs

3 / 28

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $25k

3 / 10

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $30k

3 / 10

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $35k

3 / 10

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $40k

3 / 10

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

4 / 67

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

4 / 39

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

4 / 32

Best Gas Mileage Midsize SUVs

5 / 32

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

5 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs

6 / 67

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

6 / 34

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

7 / 39

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

8 / 39

Best Midsize SUVs for the Money

8 / 16

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

10 / 39

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

11 / 32

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

11 / 21

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

12 / 67

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

12 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

13 / 32

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

14 / 67

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

15 / 67

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

15 / 32

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

16 / 39

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

16 / 32

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

17 / 67

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

17 / 39

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

18 / 39

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

18 / 39

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

21 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

21 / 67

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

22 / 32

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

23 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

23 / 30

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

26 / 39

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

27 / 39

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

28 / 39

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

34 / 59

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

36 / 67

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

50 / 67

Subaru Forester Rankings

Most Comfortable Small SUVs

1 / 19

Best Off-road Small SUVs

2 / 19

Best Small SUVs for Tall People

2 / 19

Best Crossover SUVs for Teens

2 / 7

Best Small SUVs for Teens

2 / 6

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

3 / 67

Small SUVs with Best Resale Value

4 / 19

Most Reliable Small SUVs

4 / 19

Best Crossover SUVs Under $30k

5 / 20

Small SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

5 / 19

Best Small SUVs Under $30k

5 / 14

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

6 / 67

Best Small SUVs

6 / 19

Best Small SUVs for Towing

6 / 19

Best Gas Mileage Small SUVs

7 / 19

Best Family Small SUVs

7 / 19

Best Small SUVs for the Money

8 / 13

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

10 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

10 / 30

Small SUVs with the Most Legroom

11 / 19

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

12 / 67

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

12 / 67

Small SUVs with the Most Horsepower

14 / 19

Most Affordable Small SUVs

15 / 19

Best Crossover SUVs

17 / 67

Best Family Crossover SUVs

17 / 67

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

19 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

24 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

26 / 67

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

28 / 59

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

32 / 67

Safest Crossover SUVs

33 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

49 / 67

Summary Review

Hyundai’s Santa Fe has evolved rapidly over its generations into one of the most satisfying to drive midsize crossover SUVs on the market. There are many versions of the Santa Fe, some with two rows and some with three, depending upon the model year and trim.

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Summary Review

The Subaru Forester is a five-seat, compact SUV that foregoes the station wagon styling of other Subaru models for a more utilitarian, square-bodied design. The Forester has earned a reputation as a reliable and capable all-weather SUV with a spacious cabin and versatile cargo space. New models of the Forester cost an average of $32,632 and 3-year-old models average $23,752.

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Pros and Cons

  • New engines for 2021 including a hybrid
  • Cutting-edge infotainment
  • Excellent safety ratings

  • Only two rows for 2021

Pros and Cons

  • All-wheel drive is standard
  • Better-than-average ground clearance and off-road capability
  • Large cargo area

  • Engine power could be stronger
  • Low tow rating may not match many buyers’ lifestyles
  • Continuously variable transmission (CVT) not to everyone’s liking

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

2019 Hyundai SANTA FE Trim Levels

Limited 2.0T, Limited 2.4L, SE 2.4L, SEL 2.4L, SEL Plus 2.4L, Ultimate 2.0T, Ultimate 2.4L

2019 Subaru Forester Trim Levels

Base, Limited, Premium, Sport, Touring

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

10 years / 100000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

5 years

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

3 years / 36000 miles

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

185 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

178 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.049 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

182 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque:

178 foot-lbs @ 3700 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.053 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2.4 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


22 / 29 / 25

Range (city/hwy):

414 / 545 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2.5 liters

Engine Configuration:

Flat/Horizontally Opposed

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


26 / 33 / 29

Range (city/hwy):

432 / 548 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Standard/Optional Features

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Keyless Ignition:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Satellite radio:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Internet Radio:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roadside assistance:

N/A

Roof Rack:

N/A

Wifi:

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Alloy wheels:

Available

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

N/A

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Standard

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Satellite radio:

Standard

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

N/A

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

N/A

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Internet Radio:

Standard

Massage Seats:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

Available

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Roof Rack:

Available

Wifi:

Available

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Driver Attention Monitoring:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Rear Seat Reminder:

Available

Pedestrian Detection:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Available

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Available

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Pedestrian Detection:

N/A

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

41.2 inches

Front Leg Room:

44.1 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

59.1 inches

Rear Head Room:

39.2 inches

Rear Leg Room:

40.9 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

58.3 inches

Cargo Space:

35.9 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

71.3 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

146.6 cubic feet

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

41.2 inches

Front Leg Room:

43.3 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

58.2 inches

Rear Head Room:

39.6 inches

Rear Leg Room:

39.4 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

57.2 inches

Cargo Space:

35.4 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

76.1 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

147.3 cubic feet

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

3803 lbs

Width:

74.4 inches

Height:

66.1 inches

Length:

187.8 inches

Wheelbase:

108.9 inches

Ground Clearance:

7.3 inches

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

3449 lbs

Width:

80.9 inches

Height:

67.5 inches

Length:

182.1 inches

Wheelbase:

105.1 inches

Ground Clearance:

8.7 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

17.0 x 7.0 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

235/65R17

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

17.0 x 7.0 inches

Wheel Type:

steel

Tire Size:

225/60R17

Exterior Colors

Beige

Earthy Bronze

Black

Twilight Black

Blue

Stormy Sea

Gray

Machine Gray

Green

Rainforest

Orange

Lava Orange

Red

Scarlet Red

Silver

Symphony Silver

White

Quartz White

Exterior Colors

Beige

Not available

Black

Crystal Black Silica

Blue

Horizon Blue Pearl

Gray

Dark Gray Metallic

Green

Jasper Green Metallic

Orange

Not available

Red

Not available

Silver

Ice Silver Metallic

White

Crystal White Pearl

Interior Colors

Beige

Beige/Black

Black

Black / Espresso/Gray

Gray

Not available

Interior Colors

Beige

Not available

Black

Black

Gray

Gray

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