The subcompact SUV segment has exploded in popularity in recent years. Two of the most popular options are the Subaru Crosstrek and Hyundai Tucson. Both offer a mix of car-like handling and SUV capability, but there are some key differences shoppers should consider.
This comprehensive guide examines the pros and cons of the Crosstrek and Tucson to help you decide which subcompact SUV best fits your needs.
| Specs | Subaru Crosstrek | Hyundai Tucson |
| Starting MSRP | $23,645 | $26,375 |
| Engine Options | 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl | 2.5L 4-cyl, 1.6L Turbo 4-cyl |
| Maximum Horsepower | 182 hp | 181 hp |
| AWD System | Symmetrical AWD standard | AWD optional |
| Ground Clearance | 8.7 inches | 7.8 inches |
| Cargo Space | 20.8 cu ft behind rear seats, 55.3 cu ft total | 31 cu ft behind rear seats, 61.9 cu ft total |
The base Crosstrek comes with a 2.0-liter boxer four-cylinder engine making 152 horsepower, while the Sport and Limited trims get a 2.5-liter boxer four with 182 horsepower. The Tucson has two engine options: a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 181 horsepower or a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 195 horsepower.
In terms of ride and handling, the Crosstrek provides a smooth, comfortable drive with responsive steering and handling. The Tucson prioritizes comfort over sportiness, so the ride is a bit softer. The turbocharged Tucson is considerably quicker, but the Crosstrek is nimble.
The Crosstrek comes standard with Subaru’s renowned symmetrical all-wheel drive system for solid traction in slippery conditions. The Tucson offers optional HTRAC all-wheel drive. Overall, the Subaru has an edge for snowy weather handling.
Inside, the Tucson offers more passenger space, especially in the rear seats and cargo area. The Tucson provides 31 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats compared to 20.8 in the Crosstrek. With the rear seats folded, maximum cargo capacity is 61.9 cubic feet in the Tucson and 55.3 in the Crosstrek.
Both SUVs. seat five, but the Tucson’s back seat is roomier. Headroom and legroom are similar upfront, but the Hyundai offers nearly 4 extra inches of rear legroom for better comfort. Overall, the Tucson is a little more spacious inside.
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These two SUVs. are closely matched when it comes to interior comfort and features. Both come relatively well equipped even at base trim levels. The Crosstrek Limited and Tucson Limited offer amenities like leather upholstery, power seats, automatic climate control, and an upgraded audio system.
For tech lovers, the Tucson edges out the Crosstrek. All models get a 10.25” digital gauge cluster plus an 8” or 10.25” touchscreen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and navigation. The Crosstrek has a 6.5” display on lower trims. Driver assistance features like forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control are available on higher trims of both vehicles.
In terms of utility, the Crosstrek provides 8.7 inches of ground clearance for modest off-roading. The Tucson sits lower with just 7.8 inches of clearance. For light trail driving, the Subaru is the better choice.
The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek earned top scores in all IIHS crash tests and a Top Safety Pick+ rating. The 2022 Tucson also performed well in IIHS testing, earning a Top Safety Pick designation. However, side crash test results were slightly lower.
When it comes to NHTSA ratings, the 2022 Crosstrek got 5 stars overall while the 2022 Tucson earned 4 stars. Overall, the Crosstrek appears to have a slight edge in third-party safety testing. Both SUVs. offer the latest driver assistance technology to help avoid accidents.
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Fuel efficiency is similar for the two SUVs. Front-wheel drive Crosstrek models with the 2.0L engine get 27 mpg city/33 mpg hwy per EPA estimates. The 2.5L engine with AWD is rated at 22/29 mpg.
The base Tucson with front-wheel drive and the 2.5L engine gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg city/32 mpg highway. With AWD, it achieves 23/28 mpg. The turbocharged Tucson with AWD is rated at 21/28 mpg.
In regular driving, you can expect low-to-mid 20s fuel economy with AWD models of both vehicles. The Crosstrek ekes out slightly better highway mileage.
The 2022 Crosstrek starts at $23,645, less than the Tucson which begins at $26,375. Both offer good value considering the generous standard features and available tech. However, resale value forecasts favor the Subaru. The Crosstrek retains around 63% of its value after 5 years compared to just 42% for the Tucson.
When comparing models with similar equipment, the prices are closer. A Crosstrek Limited with the 2.5L engine stickers for $30,645 while a similarly equipped Tucson Limited is $32,125. Overall, the Subaru holds a small pricing advantage.
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No, the Tucson is slightly larger overall. The Hyundai Tucson has more rear seat legroom and cargo capacity than the Subaru Crosstrek. The Tucson is around 3 inches longer than the Crosstrek as well.
This depends on your priorities. Subaru is known for safety, durability, AWD capability, and resale value. Hyundai offers great value, tech features, and a longer warranty. In third-party testing, Subaru vehicles tend to perform slightly better. However, Hyundai has been rapidly improving quality in recent years. Ultimately, it comes down to individual vehicle comparisons.
Subaru is not discontinuing the Crosstrek as of 2023. The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek is slated to be a carryover model with minimal changes from 2022. Subaru recently introduced a new plug-in hybrid Crosstrek to expand the lineup. The Crosstrek continues to be one of Subaru’s most popular vehicles.
Some top competitors to consider alongside the Subaru Crosstrek are the Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos, Honda HR-V, Toyota CH-R, Mazda CX-30, and Nissan Rogue Sport. These models are other subcompact SUVs. that are similarly sized with available AWD. The Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage are one size up from the Crosstrek but still worth comparing.
Also Read: Comparison Between 2023 Honda Pilot Touring And Elite.
Based on this detailed comparison, I would give a slight edge to the Subaru Crosstrek over the Hyundai Tucson for most buyers. Here’s a quick summary of the key advantages of each model:
The Crosstrek’s pros:
The Tucson’s pros:
Overall, the Crosstrek is the better choice if AWD capability, long-term value, or safety are your top priorities. The Tucson offers more interior space and technology at an affordable price point. Both are great options in the subcompact crossover segment – it just depends on your needs and preferences. For many buyers, I think the Crosstrek makes more sense, but it’s a very close call.
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