# Subaru Outback (2026) vs Hyundai Tucson (2026): specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Subaru Outback (2026) (Subaru) and Hyundai Tucson (2026) (Hyundai) among cars. Hyundai Tucson (2026) is the cheaper of the two at $29450.

## Side by side

| Spec | Subaru Outback (2026) | Hyundai Tucson (2026) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $34995 | $29450 |
| Brand | Subaru | Hyundai |
| Released | 2026 | 2026 |
| Body style | midsize wagon/crossover | compact SUV |
| Mpg combined | 27 | 28 |
| Horsepower | 180 | 187 |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo cuft | — | — |
| Powertrain | 2.5L flat-4 (Boxer) naturally aspirated, CVT AV-S8 | 2.5L inline-4 naturally aspirated, 8-speed automatic |

## Key differences

- Body style: Subaru Outback (2026) midsize wagon/crossover vs Hyundai Tucson (2026) compact SUV
- Mpg combined: Subaru Outback (2026) 27 vs Hyundai Tucson (2026) 28
- Horsepower: Subaru Outback (2026) 180 vs Hyundai Tucson (2026) 187
- Drivetrain: Subaru Outback (2026) AWD vs Hyundai Tucson (2026) FWD
- Powertrain: Subaru Outback (2026) 2.5L flat-4 (Boxer) naturally aspirated, CVT AV-S8 vs Hyundai Tucson (2026) 2.5L inline-4 naturally aspirated, 8-speed automatic

## What reviewers say

**Subaru Outback (2026)** — Only Car and Driver's live page survived skeptic verification with full instrumented data for the redesigned 2026 Outback; all quotes and measured values were confirmed against the fetched text. C/D rates it 8.5/10: roomy and comfortable with decent light-duty off-road ability, but numb handling and a sluggish base engine hold it back. (1 sourced review.)

**Hyundai Tucson (2026)** — Two whitelisted testers—Car and Driver (8/10) and MotorTrend (8.8/10)—rate the 2026 Tucson a roomy, refined, well-equipped compact SUV undercut by a poky, unrefined base gas engine. Their hard numbers are same-generation carryover (2022/2025 test cars), not fresh 2026 units, and both are transparent that the 2.5L powertrain is unchanged for 2026. (2 sourced reviews.)

## Sources

- Subaru Outback (2026): https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=49531 (fueleconomy.gov, verified 2026-06-15)
- Hyundai Tucson (2026): https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=49453 (fueleconomy.gov, verified 2026-06-15)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/cars/subaru-outback-2026-vs-hyundai-tucson-2026/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Subaru Outback (2026) ($34995) vs Hyundai Tucson (2026) ($29450) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/cars/subaru-outback-2026-vs-hyundai-tucson-2026/
License: CC BY 4.0.