VS
At a Glance
Power
231hp @ 5500
180hp @ 5800
Torque
271lb-ft
178lb-ft @ 3700
Towing
2000lbs
1500lbs
Engine
1.6 L/98cc
2.5 L/152cc
Choosing between the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid and the Subaru Forester is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid delivers 231hp @ 5500 while the Subaru Forester produces 180hp @ 5800. Pricing starts at $36,400 for the Santa Fe Hybrid and $33,385 for the Forester. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
231hp @ 5500
180hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
271lb-ft
178lb-ft @ 3700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1.6 L/98cc
2.5 L/152cc
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Hybrid
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
6
—
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
—
26mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
—
33mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.7gal
16.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
190.2in
183.3in
Width (in)
74.8in
72in
Height (in)
67.7in
68.1in
Wheelbase (in)
110.8in
105.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4575lbs
3569lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
2000lbs
1500lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Forester
Practicality
Santa Fe Hybrid
Pros & Cons
Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
Higher towing capacity (2000lbs)
Higher starting price
Subaru Forester
Lower starting price ($33,385)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Santa Fe Hybrid or Forester?
The Santa Fe Hybrid produces 231hp @ 5500 and 271lb-ft of torque while the Forester delivers 180hp @ 5800 and 178lb-ft @ 3700 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Santa Fe Hybrid and Forester?
The Santa Fe Hybrid starts from $36,400 and the Forester from $33,385. The Forester is cheaper by $3,015 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Santa Fe Hybrid or Forester?
The Santa Fe Hybrid has a braked towing capacity of 2000lbs and the Forester can tow 1500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Santa Fe Hybrid or the Forester?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.