Subaru
Subaru Outback (2026)
$34995
Released 2026
Best Cars · head-to-head
Subaru Outback (2026) vs Hyundai Tucson (2026)
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Hyundai Tucson (2026) is cheaper at $29450. Every spec and price links to its source.
Hyundai
Hyundai Tucson (2026)
$29450Cheaper
Released 2026
Which is better: the Subaru Outback (2026) or Hyundai Tucson (2026)?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Hyundai Tucson (2026) is the cheaper at $29450.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| 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 |
| Release | 2026 | 2026 |
Sources — Subaru Outback (2026): fueleconomy.gov (verified 2026-06-15). Hyundai Tucson (2026): fueleconomy.gov (verified 2026-06-15).
What's the difference between the Subaru Outback (2026) and Hyundai Tucson (2026)?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (5 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.
- 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
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
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, 1 lab-tested.)
Praised: Spacious rear seat and expanded cargo area; Decent light-duty off-road capability; Friendly physical dashboard controls and faster 12.1-inch infotainment.
Flagged: Sluggish, unhurried base 2.5-liter engine; Numb steering and loose, unengaging handling; Jerky CVT blunts the turbo engine.
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, 2 lab-tested.)
Praised: Roomy, practical cabin with generous passenger and cargo space; Modern, tech-forward dual-screen interior; wireless CarPlay/Android Auto standard; Strong value for the money (MotorTrend Value 9.0/10: blend of style, technology and value).
Flagged: Base 2.5L gas engine is poky, underpowered and unrefined; Less engaging to drive than class rivals (Honda/Mazda/VW); Mediocre measured fuel economy — C/D's XRT managed 26 mpg on its 75-mph highway route.