2026 Subaru Forester Base vs 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE
$6,105 less and 6 mpg better vs 97 more hp and 133 more lb-ft torque. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $6,105 price gap, 180 vs 277 hp, 29 vs 23 MPG.
The Forester Base leads on $6,105 less, 6 MPG better. The Santa Fe SE leads on 97 more hp, 133 more lb-ft torque. 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 | 2026 Subaru Forester Base | 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $29,995 | $36,100 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L flat 4 | 2.5L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 180 hp | 277 hp |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 26 | 20 |
| Highway MPG | 33 | 28 |
| Combined MPG | 29 | 23 |
| Fuel Tank | 16.6 gal | 17.7 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,510 lbs | 4,486 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 110.8" |
| Length | 183.3" | 190.2" |
| Width | 72.0" | 74.8" |
| Height | 68.1" | 67.7" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 4/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | TSP+ | TSP+ |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 5yr/60k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 7yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 3yr/36k | 5yr/unlimited |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2026 Subaru Forester Base and 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE?
The 2026 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 2026 Subaru Forester Base?
The 2026 Subaru Forester Base is the stronger pick when you want to keep $6,105 in your pocket and the 2026 Subaru Forester Base covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $378/year less on fuel.
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.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Subaru Forester Base or 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE?
The 2026 Subaru Forester Base rates 29 combined MPG, 6 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2026 Subaru Forester Base or 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE produces 277 hp, 97 more than the 2026 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 2026 Subaru Forester Base runs a 2.5L flat 4; the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE uses a 2.5L I4 Turbo.
Is the 2026 Subaru Forester Base bigger than the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE?
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 Subaru Forester comes with 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain. The Hyundai Santa Fe offers 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain. Longer warranty coverage can offset higher maintenance costs over time.
Explore more: Subaru trims, Subaru Forester trims, Hyundai trims, Hyundai Santa Fe trims
The Forester–Santa Fe Decision
Cross-shopping compact SUVs means weighing interior space, ride quality, and ownership costs. Here is how the Forester and Santa Fe 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 2026 Subaru Forester Base runs a 2.5L flat 4; the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE uses a 2.5L I4 Turbo. 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 2026 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. The 2026 Subaru Forester Base wins on both sticker price and running costs, making it the stronger value on paper.
Living With the Forester vs the Santa Fe
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 2026 Subaru Forester Base when you want to keep $6,105 in your pocket and the 2026 Subaru Forester Base covers your needs. Choose the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE when the extra 97 hp matters for your commute or driving style. At $108/month more, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE needs to earn that gap with something you use weekly.
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 Subaru or Hyundai or any dealership.