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2020 Hyundai SANTA FE vs. 2020 Subaru Forester

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE and 2020 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 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE and the 2020 Subaru Forester.

When comparing the 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE's and the 2020 Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars and base engine power. The 2020 Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE's and the 2020 Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the 2020 Subaru Forester is a better car than the 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE.

Pricing: A used 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE ranges from $14,785 to $25,759 while a used 2020 Subaru Forester is priced between $17,287 to $28,333.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE loses 48.3 percent of its value and the 2020 Subaru Forester loses 37.2 percent of its value. This means the 2020 Subaru Forester retains 11.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Hyundai SANTA FE is 8.1 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 8 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs and the Subaru Forester being ranked 3 out of 66.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Hyundai SANTA FE is 7.7 out of 10. For the Subaru Forester the reliability rating is 8.0 out of 10. This gives the Subaru Forester a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Hyundai SANTA FE.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE’s base engine makes 185 horsepower, and the 2020 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 2020 Subaru Forester the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The 2020 Subaru Forester, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more and rear head room. The 2020 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 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE and 2020 Subaru Forester are comparable in regards to front head room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2020 Subaru Forester has higher safety ratings than the 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.69 out of 5 Stars.

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Model & Pricing
2020 Hyundai SANTA FE
2020 Subaru Forester

2020 Hyundai SANTA FE
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2020 Hyundai SANTA FE for Sale

2020 Subaru Forester
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2020 Subaru Forester for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

26275

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)

30923

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

23675 - 36120

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

24495

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)

24855

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)

22995 - 26645

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

19946

Price Range:

14785 - 25759

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

24493

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

15956 - 37674

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

1012

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

80667

# Good or Great Deals:

447

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

23107

Price Range:

17287 - 28333

Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)

19977

Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)

16297 - 25192

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

847

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

72960

# Good or Great Deals:

331

Hyundai SANTA FE Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.1 / 10

Reliability:

7.7 / 10

Retained Value:

7.9 / 10

Safety:

8.7 / 10

Subaru Forester Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.6 / 10

Reliability:

8.0 / 10

Retained Value:

8.7 / 10

Safety:

9.0 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

5.8

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

6.2

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

3.1 - 11.6

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.145

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2020 Subaru Forester

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

9.2

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)

6.1

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)

4.6 - 10.7

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.208



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

2.616555914392901

Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

4.3

Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

1.0 - 35.5

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

2.75708303150874

Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

2.8

Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

1.2 - 19.8

Hyundai SANTA FE Rankings

Best Crossover SUVs Under $40k

2 / 16

Best SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

2 / 10

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

3 / 66

Best Family SUVs with 3 Rows

3 / 33

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

3 / 29

Most Affordable Midsize SUVs

3 / 26

Best Midsize SUVs Under $40k

3 / 15

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

3 / 10

Best Family Crossover SUVs

4 / 66

Best Family Midsize SUVs

4 / 31

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

4 / 31

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

4 / 29

Best Midsize SUVs for the Money

4 / 26

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

5 / 66

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

5 / 33

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

5 / 33

Best Midsize SUVs

5 / 31

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $40k

5 / 16

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs Under $40k

5 / 15

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

6 / 31

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

7 / 33

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

7 / 33

Best Gas Mileage Midsize SUVs

7 / 31

Best Crossover SUVs

8 / 66

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

8 / 33

Safest Midsize SUVs

8 / 31

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

10 / 66

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

10 / 31

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

10 / 31

Safest Crossover SUVs

11 / 66

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

11 / 33

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

11 / 33

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

12 / 66

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

12 / 33

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

14 / 31

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

15 / 31

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

16 / 66

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

16 / 66

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

18 / 31

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

19 / 66

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

20 / 54

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

20 / 33

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

21 / 66

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

23 / 31

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

24 / 31

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

25 / 33

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

27 / 33

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

29 / 33

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

34 / 54

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

36 / 66

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

44 / 66

Subaru Forester Rankings

Best Crossover SUVs Under $30k

1 / 20

Best Small SUVs Under $30k

1 / 12

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

2 / 66

Best Off-road Small SUVs

2 / 19

Best Small SUVs for Tall People

2 / 19

Most Comfortable Small SUVs

2 / 19

Best Crossover SUVs

3 / 66

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $30k

3 / 20

Best Small SUVs

3 / 19

Best Small SUVs for Towing

3 / 19

Most Reliable Small SUVs Under $30k

3 / 12

Best Small SUVs for Teens

3 / 4

Best Family Small SUVs

4 / 19

Small SUVs with Best Resale Value

4 / 19

Small SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

4 / 19

Best Crossover SUVs for Teens

4 / 6

Most Reliable Small SUVs

6 / 19

Best Small SUVs for the Money

6 / 18

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

7 / 66

Best Gas Mileage Small SUVs

7 / 19

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

8 / 66

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

8 / 66

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

9 / 66

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

9 / 54

Best Family Crossover SUVs

10 / 66

Most Affordable Small SUVs

11 / 18

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

12 / 66

Small SUVs with the Most Horsepower

13 / 19

Small SUVs with the Most Legroom

13 / 19

Safest Crossover SUVs

16 / 66

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

23 / 66

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

23 / 54

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

25 / 66

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

26 / 66

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

46 / 66

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

2020 Hyundai SANTA FE Trim Levels

Limited, Limited 2.0T, SE, SEL, SEL 2.0T

2020 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):

4.69 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 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

2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 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):

0.052 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

Roadside assistance:

Available

Roof Rack:

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

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

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Roof Rack:

Available

Satellite radio:

Standard

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

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

Wifi:

Available

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Driver Attention Monitoring:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Rear Seat Reminder:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Available

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Available

Pedestrian Detection:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Driver Attention Monitoring:

Available

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Rear Seat Reminder:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Available

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Available

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:

3591 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 / Portofino Gray / Rainforest

Orange

Lava Orange

Red

Calypso Red / Scarlet Red

Silver

Shimmering Silver / Symphony Silver

White

Quartz White

Green

Not available

Exterior Colors

Beige

Not available

Black

Crystal Black Silica

Blue

Horizon Blue Pearl

Gray

Magnetite Gray Metallic

Orange

Not available

Red

Not available

Silver

Ice Silver Metallic

White

Crystal White Pearl

Green

Jasper Green Metallic

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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