Subaru Forester vs Hyundai Santa Fe
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 Forester starts from $43,490 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai Santa Fe opens at $53,000. That makes the Subaru Forester the more affordable entry point by $9,510.
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 $47,839 and $58,300 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Hyundai Santa Fe by roughly $1,855 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Subaru Forester and Hyundai Santa Fe hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 83% for the Subaru Forester and 84% for the Hyundai Santa Fe.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Hyundai Santa Fe packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Subaru Forester.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Subaru Forester and 7 in the Hyundai Santa Fe.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru Forester features a 11.6-inch touchscreen, while the Hyundai Santa Fe gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Subaru Forester stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the Hyundai Santa Fe. The Hyundai Santa Fe counters with Apple CarPlay, power tailgate and BOSE audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Subaru Forester uses a Petrol producing 136kW and 226Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 11.2 seconds.
The Hyundai Santa Fe responds with a Petrol making 141kW and 232Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.
The Hyundai Santa Fe has the clear power advantage at 141kW vs 136kW. In the real-world sprint, the Hyundai Santa Fe is 3.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Subaru Forester measures 4,655mm long on a 2,670mm wheelbase, 175mm shorter than the Hyundai Santa Fe at 4,830mm (2,815mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Santa Fe generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 520L in the Subaru Forester and 625L in the Hyundai Santa Fe, giving the Hyundai Santa Fe a 105L advantage. The Hyundai Santa Fe seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Hyundai Santa Fe leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 500kg 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 11.0m
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m 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 $2,309/year for the Subaru Forester and $1,938/year for the Hyundai Santa Fe. That is a $371 annual difference in favour of the Hyundai Santa Fe.
Estimated annual total: $2,309 (Subaru Forester) vs $1,938 (Hyundai Santa Fe). The Hyundai Santa Fe saves you roughly $371 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Forester) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Santa Fe). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru Forester if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai Santa Fe if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai Santa Fe takes 5 of 6 key spec categories. The Hyundai Santa Fe will save you roughly $371 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Hyundai Santa Fe has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Subaru Forester and Hyundai Santa Fe?
The Subaru Forester is the cheapest at $43,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai Santa Fe by $9,510.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Hyundai Santa Fe uses the least fuel at 6.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Subaru Forester and Hyundai Santa Fe all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai Santa Fe has the largest boot at 625L.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai Santa Fe has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai Santa Fe makes the most power at 141kW. The Hyundai Santa Fe is quickest to 100km/h in 8.2s.
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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