Hyundai TUCSON vs. Subaru Forester
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Hyundai TUCSON 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 TUCSON and the Subaru Forester.
When comparing the Hyundai TUCSON's and the Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the Hyundai TUCSON has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. The Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Hyundai TUCSON's and the Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Forester is a better car than the Hyundai TUCSON.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Hyundai TUCSON loses 45.9 percent of its value and the Subaru Forester loses 37.2 percent of its value. This means the Subaru Forester retains 8.7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Hyundai TUCSON.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Hyundai TUCSON is 8.4 out of 10 while the Subaru Forester's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Hyundai TUCSON being ranked 5 out of 19 Best Small SUVs and the Subaru Forester being ranked 3 out of 19. Out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs, the Hyundai TUCSON is ranked 9 and the Subaru Forester is ranked 4.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Hyundai TUCSON is 7.4 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 TUCSON.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Hyundai TUCSON’s base engine makes 187 horsepower, and the Subaru Forester base engine makes 180 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the Hyundai TUCSON has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more rear leg room and cargo space. The Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room and rear shoulder room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Subaru Forester has higher safety ratings than the Hyundai TUCSON, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.70 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
31771 - 43249
Starting MSRP:
29200
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
29401
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
24635 - 34995
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
29995
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
29401
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
24635 - 34995
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
33932
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
31731 - 35755
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
33932
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
31731 - 35755
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Hyundai TUCSON Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
7.4 / 10
Retained Value:
8.1 / 10
Safety:
9.7 / 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 Hyundai TUCSON
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
9.6
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.3
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.6 - 15.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.04
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru Forester
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
14.2
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.3
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.6 - 15.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.208
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Hyundai TUCSON Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 9Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 20Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
7 out of / 18Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 13Ranking
13 out of / 18Ranking
14 out of / 20Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 19Ranking
19 out of / 56Ranking
20 out of / 56Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 67Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
35 out of / 67Ranking
36 out of / 67Ranking
44 out of / 67Ranking
53 out of / 67Subaru 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 Tucson is a five-passenger SUV with an upscale cabin and plenty of room for cargo and people. The current Tucson was redesigned for the 2022 model year, with new models costing an average of $29,524 and 3-year-old models averaging $20,667.
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
- High quality cabin materials
- Plenty of standard safety equipment
- Comfortable ride
- Tricky capacitive infotainment controls
- No volume knob
- No wireless Apple CarPlay with large screen
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 TUCSON Trim Levels
Limited, SE, SEL, SEL Premium, XRT
Subaru Forester Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Premium, Sport, Touring, Wilderness
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):
4.70 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:
187 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.055 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
2750 lbs
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):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
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
Navigation System:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
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
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
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
Navigation System:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
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:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
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:
40.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56 inches
Cargo Space:
38.7 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
74.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
146.9 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:
3429 lbs
Width:
73.4 inches
Height:
65.6 inches
Length:
182.7 inches
Wheelbase:
108.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.1 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:
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:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/60R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Phantom Black Pearl
Blue
Atlantis Blue
Gray
Ecotronic Gray Pearl / Hampton Gray Metallic
Green
Rockwood Green
Red
Ultimate Red Pearl
Silver
Shimmering Silver Metallic
White
Serenity White Pearl
Exterior Colors
Black
Not available
Blue
Daybreak Blue Pearl
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Green
Not available
Red
Crimson Red Pearl
Silver
Not available
White
Crystal White Pearl
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Gray
Interior Colors
Black
Not available
Gray
Gray
