The 2021 Subaru Forester has a lot going for it. However, so does the 2021 Hyundai Tucson. But how do these two SUVs compare to one another? Unfortunately for the Hyundai Tucson, when compared to the Subaru Forester, it just can’t match up to what the Forester has to offer. 

The 2021 Subaru Forester is standard with all-wheel drive

The Forester is a Subaru, so much like other Subarus among the automaker’s lineup, the Forester comes standard with Subaru’s legendary symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. The 2021 Subaru Forester also boasts 8.7 inches of ground clearance and is available with X-MODE with Hill Descent Control. Consider all of these features, and the 2021 Subaru Forester is the kind of SUV that’s capable of just about anything.

Unfortunately, the same can’t be said of the 2021 Hyundai Tucson. While the Subaru Forester comes standard with all-wheel drive, the Hyundai Tucson does not. Instead, this year’s new Tucson comes standard with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available on this year’s Tucson, but it requires a costly upgrade. 

It also has better safety features than the Hyundai Tucson

The 2021 Subaru Forester is standard with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology too. EyeSight includes safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and sway warning, pre-collision braking, and pre-collision throttle management. And, according to Subaru, this confidence inspiring suite of safety features has reduced rear-end crashes with injuries by up to 85%. 

That’s not to say the 2021 Hyundai Tucson doesn’t come with any safety features at all, though. The new Hyundai Tucson does come standard with sought after safety features like driver attention warnings, lane keeping assist, and forward collision-avoidance assist. When compared to the Subaru Forester though, the Tucson is missing out on standard safety features like adaptive cruise control, and pre-collision throttle management. 

The 2021 Subaru Forester is a better value than its competitor

Take one look at pricing, and you’ll be quick to find that these two SUVs are very similar in price. Pricing for the 2021 Hyundai Tucson starts at $23,700 and tops out at $32,050. The 2021 Subaru Forester, on the other hand, rings in at a slightly more expensive price of $24,795. For a fully-loaded Subaru Forester, you can expect to spend $34,895.

When considering the base price of these two models, though, it’s the 2021 Subaru Forester that makes for the better value. While it might be slightly more expensive to start, it’s the Forester that offers better standard features. 

Standard all-wheel drive and a long list of safety features aren’t the only things that make the Subaru Forester a great value either. The Subaru Forester also offers more power under the hood than its Hyundai competition, and has significantly more interior space for passengers and cargo alike. 

Is the 2021 Subaru Forester right for you?

There’s no denying that the 2021 Subaru Forester is a better pick than the 2021 Hyundai Tucson. It’s faster, more capable, and offers better safety features. Not only that but if you often find yourself with passengers or cargo in tow, you can count on the Forester to fit both. As for the Hyundai Tucson? It’s not a bad car. It’s just not quite as good as the Subaru Forester.