Subaru Crosstrek vs Hyundai Tucson
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.
Price Breakdown
The Subaru Crosstrek starts from $36,490 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai Tucson opens at $38,900. That makes the Subaru Crosstrek the more affordable entry point by $2,410.
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 $40,139 and $42,790 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Hyundai Tucson by roughly $1,710 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Subaru Crosstrek and Hyundai Tucson hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 83% for the Subaru Crosstrek and 86% for the Hyundai Tucson.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Subaru Crosstrek packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 0 in the Hyundai Tucson.
Both include the essentials: a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Subaru Crosstrek stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats and power tailgate that you will not find on the Hyundai Tucson. The Hyundai Tucson counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Subaru Crosstrek uses a Petrol producing 115kW and 196Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.9 seconds.
The Hyundai Tucson responds with a Petrol making 115kW and 192Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.2 seconds.
Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. In the real-world sprint, the Hyundai Tucson is 1.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Subaru Crosstrek measures 4,495mm long on a 2,670mm wheelbase, 135mm shorter than the Hyundai Tucson at 4,630mm (2,755mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Tucson generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 559L in the Subaru Crosstrek and 539L in the Hyundai Tucson, giving the Subaru Crosstrek a 20L advantage.
For towing, the Hyundai Tucson leads with a 1,650kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 450kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m diameter
Good
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,195/year for the Subaru Crosstrek and $1,853/year for the Hyundai Tucson. That is a $342 annual difference in favour of the Hyundai Tucson.
Estimated annual total: $2,195 (Subaru Crosstrek) vs $1,853 (Hyundai Tucson). The Hyundai Tucson saves you roughly $342 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Crosstrek) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Tucson). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru Crosstrek if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai Tucson if: You want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai Tucson takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Hyundai Tucson will save you roughly $342 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Subaru Crosstrek and Hyundai Tucson?
The Subaru Crosstrek is the cheapest at $36,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai Tucson by $2,410.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Hyundai Tucson uses the least fuel at 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Subaru Crosstrek and Hyundai Tucson all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru Crosstrek has the largest boot at 559L.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai Tucson has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,650kg.
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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