Hyundai SANTA FE Sport vs. Subaru Forester
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Hyundai SANTA FE Sport 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 Sport and the Subaru Forester.
When comparing the Hyundai SANTA FE Sport's and the Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the Hyundai SANTA FE Sport has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, interior volume and base engine power. The Hyundai SANTA FE Sport and Subaru Forester have the same fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the Hyundai SANTA FE Sport's and the Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the Hyundai SANTA FE Sport is a better car than the Subaru Forester.
Pricing: A used 2018 Hyundai SANTA FE Sport ranges from $11,990 to $20,998 while a used 2018 Subaru Forester is priced between $14,292 to $25,000.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Hyundai SANTA FE Sport’s base engine makes 185 horsepower, and the Subaru Forester base engine makes 170 horsepower. Both the SANTA FE Sport and the Forester are rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with highway ranges of 470 and 445 miles respectively. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Hyundai SANTA FE Sport has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front leg room and rear head room.
Safety Ratings: The Subaru Forester has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$24,950
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$24,370
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$22,550 - $27,895
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$22,795
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$24,370
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$22,550 - $27,895
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$16,371
Price Range:
$11,990 - $20,998
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$18,697
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$15,309 - $27,261
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
437
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
92,997
# Good or Great Deals:
163
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$19,907
Price Range:
$14,292 - $25,000
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$18,697
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$15,309 - $27,261
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
564
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
87,462
# Good or Great Deals:
162
Hyundai SANTA FE Sport Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
Not available
Safety:
Not available
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 Sport
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
3.8
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
4.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
3.8 - 7.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
8.2%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru Forester
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
5.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
4.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
3.8 - 7.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
10.1%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.4
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
4.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.9 - 13
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
8
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
4.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.9 - 13
Hyundai SANTA FE Sport Rankings
Not yet available
Subaru Forester Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 20Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 20Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 18Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 9Ranking
7 out of / 56Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 67Ranking
14 out of / 67Ranking
14 out of / 18Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 56Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
47 out of / 67Summary Review
The Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is a compact SUV with seating for five. It was produced for the 2013 through 2018 model years. The Santa Fe Sport was discontinued after the 2018 model year. The pricing for the final year Santa Fe Sport, 2018, averages $21,359.
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.
Pros and Cons
- Comfortable and roomy interior
- Strong fuel economy
- Affordably priced
- Subpar navigation graphics
- Unrefined handling
- Stiff ride
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 Sport Trim Levels
2.0T, 2.0T Ultimate, 2.4L
Subaru Forester Trim Levels
2.0XT Premium, 2.0XT Touring, 2.5i, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Premium Black Edition, 2.5i 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):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 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
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 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):
0.051 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
170 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
174 foot-lbs @ 4100 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.051 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):
21 / 27 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
365 / 470 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 28 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
350 / 445 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
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
Voice Recognition:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Available
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.4 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.3 inches
Cargo Space:
35.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
71.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
143.4 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
43 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.5 inches
Cargo Space:
34.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
74.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
142.7 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3624 lbs
Width:
74 inches
Height:
66.1 inches
Length:
185 inches
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3322 lbs
Width:
80.5 inches
Height:
66.4 inches
Length:
181.5 inches
Wheelbase:
103.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
225/60R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Twilight Black
Blue
Marlin Blue / Nightfall Blue
Brown
Canyon Copper
Gray
Mineral Gray / Platinum Graphite
Red
Serrano Red
Silver
Sparkling Silver / Symphony Silver
White
Pearl White
Green
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Quartz Blue Pearl
Brown
Not available
Gray
Dark Gray Metallic
Red
Venetian Red Pearl
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Green
Jasmine Green Metallic
Interior Colors
Beige
Beige
Gray
Gray
Black
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Gray
Gray
Black
Black
