2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE vs 2025 Subaru Forester Base
97 more hp and 133 more lb-ft torque vs $6,105 less and 6 MPG better. That is the real fork. Key numbers: 277 vs 180 hp, 23 vs 29 MPG.
The Santa Fe SE leads on 97 more hp, 133 more lb-ft torque. The Forester Base leads on $6,105 less, 6 MPG better. The spec table compares 6 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 6 specifications.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.
| Spec | 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE | 2025 Subaru Forester Base |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $36,100 | $29,995 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 Turbo | 2.5L flat 4 |
| Horsepower | 277 hp | 180 hp |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automated manual | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 20 | 26 |
| Highway MPG | 28 | 33 |
| Combined MPG | 23 | 29 |
| Fuel Tank | 17.7 gal | 16.6 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,486 lbs | 3,510 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 105.1" |
| Length | 190.2" | 183.3" |
| Width | 74.8" | 72.0" |
| Height | 67.7" | 68.1" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 4/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | TSP+ | TSP+ |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 5yr/60k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 10yr/100k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 7yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/unlimited | 3yr/36k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE and 2025 Subaru Forester Base?
The 2025 Subaru Forester Base starts at $29,995, $6,105 less than the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE at $36,100. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $108/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE is the stronger pick when the extra 97 hp matters for your commute or driving style.
Who should choose the 2025 Subaru Forester Base?
The 2025 Subaru Forester Base is the stronger pick when you want to keep $6,105 in your pocket and the 2025 Subaru Forester Base covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $378/year less on fuel.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE or 2025 Subaru Forester Base?
The 2025 Subaru Forester Base rates 29 combined MPG, 6 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE or 2025 Subaru Forester Base?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE produces 277 hp, 97 more than the 2025 Subaru Forester Base at 180 hp. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE also leads in torque at 311 lb-ft vs 178 lb-ft. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE runs a 2.5L I4 Turbo; the 2025 Subaru Forester Base uses a 2.5L flat 4.
Is the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE bigger than the 2025 Subaru Forester Base?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE is 6.9″ longer at 190.2″ vs 183.3″. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE has a 5.7″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
How do the warranties compare?
The Hyundai Santa Fe comes with 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain. The Subaru Forester offers 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain. Longer warranty coverage can offset higher maintenance costs over time.
Explore more: Hyundai trims, Hyundai Santa Fe trims, Subaru trims, Subaru Forester trims
The Santa Fe–Forester Decision
Cross-shopping midsize SUVs means weighing interior space, ride quality, and ownership costs. Here is how the Santa Fe and Forester compare. The $-6,105 gap adds up to $108/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.
What Powers Each Vehicle
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE runs a 2.5L I4 Turbo; the 2025 Subaru Forester Base uses a 2.5L flat 4. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE has 97 more hp (277 vs 180). You will feel the difference merging, passing, and driving with a full car. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE adds 133 more lb-ft of torque (311 vs 178), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. Both use AWD.
The Ownership Math
The 2025 Subaru Forester Base saves roughly $378/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $1,890.
Living With the Santa Fe vs the Forester
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE has a 5.7″ longer wheelbase, typically meaning a smoother ride and more rear-seat legroom. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE weighs 976 lbs more. Heavier vehicles tend to feel more planted at highway speed but use more fuel and are harder to stop quickly.
The Decision
Choose the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE when the extra 97 hp matters for your commute or driving style. Choose the 2025 Subaru Forester Base when you want to keep $6,105 in your pocket and the 2025 Subaru Forester Base covers your needs.
Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Hyundai or Subaru or any dealership.