Hyundai Tucson vs Subaru Forester
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 29 Aug 2026, price 1 Oct 2026
Measured rows: Australian Automobile Association Real-World Testing Program (realworld.org.au), the on-road result for the vehicle each test names, shown beside the maker's figures rather than in place of them and never scored. Hyundai Tucson test page Subaru Forester test page
Track the Hyundai Tucson & Subaru Forester
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Price Breakdown
The Hyundai Tucson starts from $39,350 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Forester opens at $45,990. That makes the Hyundai Tucson the more affordable entry point by $6,640.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $43,285 and $50,589 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Hyundai Tucson and Subaru Forester hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Hyundai Tucson and 83% for the Subaru Forester.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 4 of 10 key ADAS systems on both.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Recalls on our record
Hyundai Tucson
- REC-006717 · published 3 Sep 2026Due to a software issue, the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) and Head-up Display (HUD) information may fail to illuminate the visual vehicle speed, fuel level and other critical safety information.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2026
- REC-006678 · published 17 Jul 2026Due to a manufacturing issue, the side airbag sensors may not meet manufacturing specifications.Year range on the notice: 2025
- REC-006615 · published 29 May 2026Due to a software issue, the Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA) system may continue to apply sudden/unexpected braking even though it is no longer necessary to avoid a collision or reduce impact.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2026
- 3 more on the model page.
Subaru Forester
- REC-005831 · published 20 Nov 2023The front drive shaft may not meet manufacturing specifications and the outer race of the front driveshaft may crack.Year range on the notice: 2023
- REC-001604 · published 2 Jun 2021The rear stabiliser bracket bolts may not have been sufficiently tightened during production.Year range on the notice: 2017 - 2020
- REC-001224 · published 3 Dec 2019Over time the aluminium positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may fracture, allowing the engine to draw an increased amount of engine oil.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2019
- 8 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai Tucson features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 4-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Forester gets a 11.6-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai Tucson stands out with Apple CarPlay — features our data doesn't list for the Subaru Forester. The Subaru Forester counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai Tucson uses a Petrol producing 115kW and 192Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout.
The Subaru Forester responds with a Petrol making 136kW and 247Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels.
The Subaru Forester has the clear power advantage at 136kW vs 115kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai Tucson measures 4,640mm long on a 2,755mm wheelbase, 15mm shorter than the Subaru Forester at 4,655mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Tucson generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 539L in the Hyundai Tucson and 496L in the Subaru Forester, giving the Hyundai Tucson a 43L advantage.
For towing, the Subaru Forester leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,650kg. That 150kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 11.8m
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,309/year for the Hyundai Tucson and $2,252/year for the Subaru Forester. That is a $57 annual difference in favour of the Subaru Forester.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Tucson) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Forester). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Tucson if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Forester if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Subaru Forester: Top CarSorted Score, 65 vs 60, but the Hyundai Tucson is $6,640 cheaper
The Subaru Forester comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (65 vs 60), taking 3 of 5 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: safety (Subaru Forester ahead by 16), technology (Subaru Forester ahead by 7), performance (Subaru Forester ahead by 3). The Subaru Forester will save you roughly $57 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Hyundai Tucson has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Hyundai Tucson and Subaru Forester?
The Hyundai Tucson is the cheapest at $39,350 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru Forester by $6,640.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Subaru Forester uses the least fuel at 7.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Hyundai Tucson and Subaru Forester all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai Tucson has the largest boot at 539L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Subaru Forester has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Forester makes the most power at 136kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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