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Hyundai SANTA FE vs. Subaru Forester

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

In comparing the Hyundai SANTA FE's and the Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the Hyundai SANTA FE has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing and resale value. Based on this comparison of the Hyundai SANTA FE's and the Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the Hyundai SANTA FE is a better car than the Subaru Forester.

Pricing: For a new model, the Hyundai SANTA FE's price is between $36,405 and $50,125, with the Subaru Forester priced between $31,497 and $38,867.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Hyundai SANTA FE loses 45.7 percent of its value and the Subaru Forester loses 34.5 percent of its value. This means the Subaru Forester retains 11.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 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 Hyundai SANTA FE’s base engine makes 277 horsepower, and the Subaru Forester base engine makes 180 horsepower.

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

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

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Model & Pricing
Hyundai SANTA FE
Subaru Forester

2024 Hyundai SANTA FE
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Hyundai SANTA FE for Sale

2025 Subaru Forester
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Subaru Forester for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

$36,405 - $50,125

Starting MSRP:

$33,950

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)

$37,697

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

$31,990 - $43,320

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

$31,497 - $38,867

Starting MSRP:

$29,695

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)

$29,563

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)

$28,895 - $30,100

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$42,365

Price Range:

$35,754 - $50,129

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

$47,563

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

$40,678 - $66,020

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

3,817

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

1,393

# Good or Great Deals:

351

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

Price Range:

-

Category Avg Price:

N/A

Category Avg Price Range:

N/A

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

# Good or Great Deals:

5-year Depreciation

Depreciation $:

$15,611

Depreciation %:

46%

Resale Value $:

$18,339

Residual Value %:

54%

Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)

46.3%

Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

27.5% - 53.5%

5-year Depreciation

Depreciation $:

$10,410

Depreciation %:

35.1%

Resale Value $:

$19,285

Residual Value %:

64.9%

Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)

34.7%

Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)

31.9% - 40.2%

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 Hyundai SANTA FE

Avg Life Expectancy (years):

10.3

Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

10.4

Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

8.6 - 13.7

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

20.2%

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru Forester

Avg Life Expectancy (years):

11.1

Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)

11.1

Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)

10.9 - 13.4

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

10.1%



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

4

Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

3.6

Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

1.6 - 14.8

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

Typical Category Recalls:

N/A

Category Range for Recalls:

N/A

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

Hyundai SANTA FE Trim Levels

Calligraphy, Limited, SE, SEL, XRT

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

2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

Not yet available

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

Not yet available

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

277 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque:

311 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm

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

0.064 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

180 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque:

178 foot-lbs @ 3700 rpm

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

0.051 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2.5 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

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


20 / 29 / 24

Range (city/hwy):

354 / 513 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):


Not yet available

Range (city/hwy):

Not yet available

Recommended Fuel Type:

Not yet available

Standard/Optional Features

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Paddle Shifters:

Standard

Parking Sensors:

Standard

Power Lift Gate:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Standard

Trailer Hitch:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Automatic Parking:

Available

Captain's seat:

Available

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Quad Seats:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Wifi:

Available

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Internet Radio:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Available

Paddle Shifters:

Available

Parking Sensors:

Standard

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Standard

Trailer Hitch:

N/A

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Standard

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roof Rack:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Wifi:

Available

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Internet Radio:

Standard

Massage Seats:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

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

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

Rear Seat Reminder:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Available

Driver Attention Monitoring:

Available

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Available

Rear Seat Reminder:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

41.1 inches

Front Leg Room:

44.4 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

59.5 inches

Rear Head Room:

40.6 inches

Rear Leg Room:

42.3 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

58.1 inches

Cargo Space:

14.6 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

79.6 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

166.6 cubic feet

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

41.2 inches

Front Leg Room:

43.3 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

57.7 inches

Rear Head Room:

39.6 inches

Rear Leg Room:

39.4 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

56.7 inches

Cargo Space:

29.6 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

74.4 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

140.4 cubic feet

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

4343 lbs

Width:

74.8 inches

Height:

67.7 inches

Length:

190.2 inches

Wheelbase:

110.8 inches

Ground Clearance:

7 inches

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

3510 lbs

Width:

81.2 inches

Height:

68.1 inches

Length:

183.3 inches

Wheelbase:

105.1 inches

Ground Clearance:

8.7 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

18.0 x 7.5 inches

Wheel Type:

painted aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

235/60R18

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

17.0 inches

Wheel Type:

painted aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

225/60R17

Exterior Colors

Black

Phantom Black Pearl

Gray

Ecotronic Gray Pearl / Hampton Gray Metallic

Silver

Shimmering Silver Metallic

White

Serenity White Pearl

Blue

Not available

Red

Not available

Exterior Colors

Black

Not available

Gray

Magnetite Gray Metallic

Silver

Not available

White

Crystal White Pearl

Blue

Horizon Blue Pearl

Red

Crimson Red Pearl

Interior Colors

Black

Black

Gray

Gray

Interior Colors

Black

Not available

Gray

Gray

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