Hyundai Tucson vs Subaru Forester
Family transport options come in all shapes and sizes but the modern compact SUV seems to tick most boxes for shoppers. The numbers don't lie either with the SUV segment accounting for more and more of the US vehicle sales annually.
Our article shares an overview of what these two popular compact SUVs have on offer and what makes the newer pre-owned generations of both these vehicles a solid pre-owned purchase.
Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson has come a long way since its first appearance back in 2004. Tucson has gone on to sell more than 7 million units globally, making it one of Hyundai's most popular compact SUVs. The Tucson is now in its fourth generation and is also available with a hybrid powertrain.
With such an impressive track sales record, the Hyundai Tucson makes for a no-brainer purchase decision when shopping for a pre-owned example. Readily available as a pre-owned buy, the third-gen Hyundai Tucson is available in four trim levels: SE, Eco, Sport and Limited.
Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester compact crossover SUV has been manufactured by Subaru since 1997. Initially, the first generation Forester was built on the platform of the Impreza, featuring a taller station wagon-style body that continued to the second generation. From 2009 onwards, the third-generation model took on a more contemporary crossover SUV design.
The Forester is now in its sixth generation introduced in November 2023. All models offer shoppers some serious off road credentials and solid Japanese engineering and reliability.
The previous fifth generation is available as a no-nonsense, sensible pre-owned purchase and is available in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited and Touring trims. A Subaru sub-branded Wilderness trim also made its appearance for those looking for more off-road readiness in the Subaru.
Powertrains
The Hyundai Tucson, in its third generation, was sold for model years 2016 through to 2019, and there are plentiful good used examples available for those whose budgets dictate shopping the pre-owned market space.
The Tucson for 2016 went on sale with two engine options, a 2.0-liter direct-injection four-cylinder delivering 164 horsepower and 151 pound feet of torque with a 6-speed automatic transmission, and a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with 175 horsepower and torque of 195 pound-feet married to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Both engines are available in front-wheel and all-wheel drive versions.
The Subaru fifth-gen model sold from 2018 to 2023 is fitted with Subaru's new naturally aspirated, 4-cylinder Boxer engine that makes 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, married with the Lineartronic CVT as the only transmission option.
Three versions of Subaru's Symmetrical All Wheel Drive system are used, with the Base receiving a Variable Torque Distribution using electronically controlled clutches to control torque split. Upper Premium, Sport, Limited and Touring trims are fitted with a driver-selectable X-Mode system with Hill Descent Control to optimize engine, transmission, AWD system and Vehicle Dynamics Control for maximum traction when encountering slippery road surfaces.
Sport, Limited and Touring variants feature a new dual-mode version of the X-Mode with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes.
Interior Differences
Standard equipment in the stylish and comfortable cabin of the Hyundai Tucson includes a 5-inch touch screen, satellite radio, Bluetooth, a rearview camera, and remote keyless entry. Upper levels add a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, plus a hands-free liftgate.
Top trims receive an 8-inch touch screen, Blue Link telematics, navigation, and leather upholstery.
The fifth generation Forester's cabin is a solid frill-free space offering good ergonomics and useful outward visibility. Depending on trim level finishes such as leather on the seats, door panels, and dash is to be had.
All these Forester trims are fitted with a standard touchscreen infotainment system that features Subaru's Starlink interface. The Base, Premium, and Sport models use a 6.5-inch display, with a larger 8.0-inch unit optional on the Sport and standard on the Limited and Touring models.
Two USB ports are up front, with navigation available. Connectivity is taken care of with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.
Cargo Space
The Tucson offers up to 30.1 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seats are in the upright position and expands to 61.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Cargo space in the Subaru Forester measures 34.4 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 76.1 cubic feet with the 60:40-split rear seats folded down.
Exterior Differences
This previous generation of Tucson exterior design still looks up-to-date with a modern, bold, and athletic design. The Tucson shows an upright, squared-off front end and sloped roofline. The large hexagonal grille and stylish LED-accent headlights create a brawny front-end view.
Plentiful standout features on this Tucson lineup include LED daytime running lights, a rear skid plate and a twin exhaust finish.
16-inch or 17-inch alloy wheels are fitted across the different trims.
The Forester exterior is upright and square to give it a purposeful look. Exterior features include the matte black accents around the fog lights, wheel wells, air intake, and roof rails. Blending with the exterior color choice, body-colored door handles and side mirrors are also available.
On the top trim level, the Subaru Forester Touring, buyers can add available satin chrome finish on the door handles, side mirrors, and roof rails.
The Subaru Forester is available in eight different colors, and aluminum alloy wheels are fitted across the lineup.
Safety and Driver Assistance Technology
Tucson is comprehensively equipped with safety features and driver aids.
Key safety equipment includes such items as:
- Autonomous Emergency Braking
- Lane Keeping Assist System
- Blind Spot Detector
- Vehicle Stability Management
All Subaru Forester trims are standard with Subaru's EyeSight suite of camera-based driver-assistance features. Key safety features include:
- Automated emergency braking
- Lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Adaptive cruise control
Visit Tim's Trucks For Your Next SUV Purchase
Contact Tim's Trucks near Concord, NH, when you are ready to find your next set of wheels.
Tim's Trucks has an extensive lineup of pre-owned trucks, SUVs, vans, and cars to view and test drive. Our experienced sales team offers exceptional service and it's our goal to help you find exactly what you are looking for.
Customer Account
