VS
At a Glance
Power
187hp @ 6100
180hp @ 5800
Torque
178lb-ft @ 4000
178lb-ft @ 4400
Fuel
29 mpg est.
28 mpg est.
Towing
2750lbs
2700lbs
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the Hyundai Tucson and the Subaru Outback is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Hyundai Tucson delivers 187hp @ 6100 while the Subaru Outback produces 180hp @ 5800. On fuel, the Tucson returns 29 mpg est. while the Outback uses 28 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $33,550 for the Tucson and $41,715 for the Outback. 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.
Specification
Hyundai TucsonSEL Premium FWD 2026 - From $33,550
Subaru OutbackLimited AWD 2026 - From $41,715
Performance
Power Output (hp)
187hp @ 6100
180hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
178lb-ft @ 4000
178lb-ft @ 4400
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
29 mpg est.
28 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
25 (2025)mpg
25mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
33 (2025)mpg
31mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
14.3gal
18gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
182.7in
191.7in
Width (in)
73.4in
74in
Height (in)
65.6in
67.5in
Wheelbase (in)
108.5in
108.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3533lbs
3799lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
2750lbs
2700lbs
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
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Hyundai Tucson
4 / 4 categories
Performance
Tucson
Fuel Economy
Tucson
Value
Tucson
Practicality
Tucson
Pros & Cons
Hyundai Tucson
Better fuel economy (29 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($33,550)
Higher towing capacity (2750lbs)
Few notable weaknesses
Subaru Outback
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (28 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Tucson or Outback?
The Tucson gets 29 mpg est. and the Outback gets 28 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Tucson is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Tucson or Outback?
The Tucson produces 187hp @ 6100 and 178lb-ft @ 4000 of torque while the Outback delivers 180hp @ 5800 and 178lb-ft @ 4400 of torque. The Tucson is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Tucson and Outback?
The Tucson starts from $33,550 and the Outback from $41,715. The Tucson is cheaper by $8,165 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Tucson or Outback?
The Tucson has a braked towing capacity of 2750lbs and the Outback can tow 2700lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Tucson or the Outback?
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.