What To Know
- When it comes to choosing a midsize SUV that offers both rugged capability and everyday practicality, the Subaru Outback and Hyundai Santa Fe stand out as two of the most compelling options in the market.
- The naturally aspirated Outback achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, while the turbocharged model returns 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
- The naturally aspirated Santa Fe delivers an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, the turbocharged model achieves 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, and the diesel model offers an impressive 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
When it comes to choosing a midsize SUV that offers both rugged capability and everyday practicality, the Subaru Outback and Hyundai Santa Fe stand out as two of the most compelling options in the market. Both vehicles boast impressive features, advanced technologies, and a reputation for reliability, making them ideal choices for adventure-loving families and active individuals. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Subaru Outback against the Hyundai Santa Fe to determine which one emerges as the ultimate all-season companion.
Performance and Efficiency: A Symphony of Power and Economy
1. Engine Options and Powertrains:
- Subaru Outback: The Outback offers a choice between a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine generating 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as standard.
- Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe lineup includes a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine delivering 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel engine generating 201 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options include an 8-speed automatic for the naturally aspirated engine, an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission for the turbocharged engine, and an 8-speed automatic with HTRAC AWD for the diesel engine.
2. Fuel Efficiency:
- Subaru Outback: The naturally aspirated Outback achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, while the turbocharged model returns 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
- Hyundai Santa Fe: The naturally aspirated Santa Fe delivers an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, the turbocharged model achieves 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, and the diesel model offers an impressive 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
Capability and Handling: Conquering Any Terrain with Confidence
1. All-Wheel Drive Systems:
- Subaru Outback: The Outback’s Symmetrical AWD system with X-Mode provides exceptional traction and control in all weather conditions, enhancing stability and handling on slippery or rough terrain.
- Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe’s HTRAC AWD system actively distributes torque between the front and rear axles, optimizing grip and stability in various driving situations.
2. Ground Clearance:
- Subaru Outback: The Outback offers a generous 8.7 inches of ground clearance, allowing it to tackle rugged roads and navigate obstacles with ease.
- Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe’s ground clearance stands at 8.3 inches, providing sufficient clearance for light off-road adventures and urban obstacles.
Interior Comfort and Convenience: A Sanctuary for Adventure
1. Passenger Space and Seating:
- Subaru Outback: The Outback offers ample seating for up to five passengers, with spacious legroom and headroom in both rows. The front seats provide excellent support and comfort, even on long road trips.
- Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe offers seating for up to seven passengers with three rows of seats. The first two rows provide ample space, while the third row is best suited for children or occasional use.
2. Cargo Capacity:
- Subaru Outback: The Outback offers 35.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, providing ample room for luggage, sports equipment, and outdoor gear.
- Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe offers 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, providing a slightly larger cargo area than the Outback.
Technology and Safety: Enhancing Your Every Journey
1. Infotainment Systems:
- Subaru Outback: The Outback features a user-friendly infotainment system with a large touchscreen display, smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a premium audio system.
- Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe offers a cutting-edge infotainment system with a larger touchscreen display, navigation, smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a premium audio system with Clari-Fi™ technology.
2. Safety Features:
- Subaru Outback: The Outback comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology with features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
- Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe also offers a robust suite of safety features, including Highway Driving Assist with lane centering, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
Price and Value: Finding the Right Balance
1. Starting Price:
- Subaru Outback: The 2023 Subaru Outback has a starting price of $28,645 for the base trim.
- Hyundai Santa Fe: The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe has a starting price of $30,850 for the base trim.
2. Trim Levels and Options:
- Subaru Outback: The Outback offers a range of trim levels, including Base, Premium, Limited, and Touring, each with its unique features and amenities.
- Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe also offers a variety of trim levels, including SE, SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy, each providing different levels of luxury and technology.
Key Points: Choosing Your Ideal Adventure Companion
The Subaru Outback and Hyundai Santa Fe are both excellent choices for those seeking a versatile and capable SUV. The Outback stands out with its ruggedness, standard AWD, and excellent fuel economy, making it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts and those living in challenging climates. The Santa Fe offers a more spacious interior, a longer warranty, and a more extensive range of trim levels, making it a compelling option for families and those seeking a luxurious driving experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two exceptional SUVs depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q1. Which vehicle offers better fuel efficiency, the Subaru Outback or Hyundai Santa Fe?
A1. The Subaru Outback offers slightly better fuel efficiency than the Hyundai Santa Fe, with the naturally aspirated Outback achieving up to 35 mpg on the highway compared to the Santa Fe’s 28 mpg.
Q2. Does the Subaru Outback have more cargo space than the Hyundai Santa Fe?
A2. The Hyundai Santa Fe offers slightly more cargo space than the Subaru Outback, with 36.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down compared to the Outback’s 35.5 cubic feet and 75.7 cubic feet, respectively.
Q3. Which SUV provides a more comprehensive suite of safety features, the Subaru Outback or Hyundai Santa Fe?
A3. Both the Subaru Outback and Hyundai Santa Fe offer robust suites of safety features, with the Outback featuring the EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology and the Santa Fe offering Highway Driving Assist and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.