Are you considering getting either the Hyundai Tucson or the Subaru Forester? And are you trying to determine which crossover SUV is the best choice for you? Take a look at this 2023 Hyundai Tucson vs. 2023 Subaru Forester comparison.

2023 Hyundai Tucson vs. 2023 Subaru Forester: What are the differences?

In this 2023 Hyundai Tucson vs. 2023 Subaru Forester comparison, we evaluated multiple areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, reliability, and price.

Tucson vs. Forester: Performance

On the performance front, the 2023 Hyundai Tucson outmuscles the 2023 Subaru Forester with its more powerful engine options. The engines offered for the Tucson include a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (187 horsepower), a hybrid (226 horsepower), and a plug-in hybrid (261 horsepower). In comparison, all Forester models have a 2.5-liter flat-four engine, which generates 182 horsepower.

Tucson vs. Forester: Gas mileage

For efficiency, the fully gas-powered Tucson has an estimated fuel economy of up to 28 combined mpg, and the Tucson Hybrid has a gas mileage of up to 43 combined mpg. Also, the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid has a fuel efficiency of 84 MPGe when in electric-only mode and 35 combined mpg in hybrid mode. In comparison, the Forester has an estimated gas mileage of up to 33 combined mpg.

Tucson vs. Forester: Towing

The 2023 Forester can tow more than the 2023 Tucson. It has a maximum towing capacity of 3,000 pounds, compared to 2,000 pounds for the Tucson.

Tucson vs. Forester: Off-road capabilities

Both crossover SUVs offer a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system, but the Forester is the better choice for off-road use. For one, it has higher ground clearance than the Tucson (up to 9.2 vs. 8.3 inches). Also, while the Tucson has the rugged XRT trim, it is not as capable for off-road driving compared to the Forester Wilderness trim. Furthermore, all-wheel drive is standard for all Forester models, but it’s optional for the Tucson, so you’ll have to pay extra.

Tucson vs. Forester: Safety

The Tucson and Forester are safe vehicles. For the previous model year, both crossover SUVs earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, which is the highest possible IIHS rating.

Tucson vs. Forester: Passenger and cargo space

Which crossover SUV is bigger: the 2023 Tucson or the 2023 Forester? The Forester provides more passenger space, with a total passenger volume of 111.6 cu-ft, compared to 108 cu-ft for the Tucson. However, the Tucson offers more storage space, with a maximum cargo capacity of 80.3 cu-ft, compared to 74.2 cu-ft for the Forester.

Tucson vs. Forester: Warranty coverage and reliability

The Tucson has generous warranty coverage. It’s backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. In comparison, the Forester has a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Also, unlike the Forester, the Tucson offers a complimentary maintenance plan. It provides three years or 36,000 miles of coverage.

The Forester is more reliable than the Tucson, though. It earned a J.D. Power reliability rating of 84/100, compared to 77/100 for the Tucson.

Tucson vs. Forester: Price

Which crossover SUV costs more: the 2023 Tucson or the 2023 Forester? The starting price of the 2023 Tucson ranges from $26,450 MSRP for the SE trim up to $44,310 MSRP for the Plug-In Hybrid Limited trim. In comparison, the starting price of the 2023 Forester ranges from $26,395 MSRP for the Base trim up to $36,495 MSRP for the Touring trim.

2023 Hyundai Tucson vs. 2023 Subaru Forester: Which crossover SUV is better?

In this 2023 Hyundai Tucson vs. 2023 Subaru Forester comparison, each crossover SUV has various advantages. For the 2023 Tucson, advantages include more powerful engine options, efficient hybrid models, cargo space, warranty coverage, and a complimentary maintenance plan. Conversely, advantages for the 2023 Forester include gas-powered fuel economy, towing, off-road capabilities, passenger space, and reliability.