2026 Subaru Outback vs. 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe: Midsize SUV Comparison in Tucson, AZ

Subaru Outback vs. Hyundai Santa Fe Levels

Both the Subaru Outback and Hyundai Santa Fe are available in a variety of trims designed to suit different lifestyles, from daily commuting to off-road exploration.

Subaru Outback

• Premium
• Limited
• Touring
• Wilderness
• Limited XT
• Touring XT

Hyundai Santa Fe

• SE 
• SEL
• XRT
• Limited
• Calligraphy

Subaru Outback vs. Hyundai Santa Fe Specs & Performance

The 2026 Subaru Outback and Hyundai Santa Fe both offer plenty of capability, but their approaches to all-wheel drive are different. The Santa Fe comes standard with front-wheel drive on most trims, with Hyundai's HTRAC All-Wheel Drive available. The adventure-focused Santa Fe XRT includes HTRAC AWD as standard equipment.

The all-new 2026 Subaru Outback comes standard with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, giving drivers added traction without having to step up to a particular trim or add an AWD option. The Outback also offers 8.7 inches of standard ground clearance, compared with 7.0 inches on most Santa Fe models. For drivers seeking additional off-road capability, the Subaru Outback Wilderness model increases ground clearance to 9.5 inches, while the Santa Fe XRT provides 8.3 inches.

Subaru Outback vs. Hyundai Santa Fe Interior, Comfort & Cargo

Both SUVs offer spacious, modern interiors, but they're designed for slightly different needs. The Hyundai Santa Fe provides three rows of seating, making it an appealing option for shoppers who need seating for more passengers. The Subaru Outback uses a two-row layout that prioritizes passenger comfort and flexible cargo space.

The redesigned 2026 Outback offers up to 80.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo space with the rear seats folded. Inside, every Outback also features a new 12.1-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, along with standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration.

For shoppers who don't need a third row, the Outback's combination of passenger space, cargo versatility and lower load height makes it a practical choice for groceries, pets, outdoor gear and road trips.

Subaru Outback vs. Hyundai Santa Fe Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Both the 2026 Subaru Outback and Hyundai Santa Fe offer extensive driver-assistance technology. The Santa Fe features Hyundai SmartSense safety technologies, while every Outback comes standard with the latest generation of EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology.

The Outback's EyeSight system includes technologies designed to assist with everyday driving, including pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control and lane-centering functionality. Available DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System adds another layer of assistance by helping identify signs of driver distraction or fatigue.

For shoppers comparing family-friendly SUVs, both vehicles bring substantial safety technology to the table. The Outback combines those features with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, giving Tucson drivers added capability and confidence as part of every trim.

Why Tucson Drivers Choose the Subaru Outback

✓ Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive

✓ Up to 8.7 inches of ground clearance

✓ Available Outback Wilderness trim

✓ Up to 75.6 cubic feet of cargo space

✓ Excellent fuel economy for adventure travel

✓ Standard EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology

✓ Comfortable ride for daily driving and road trips

✓ Adventure-ready capability without SUV compromises

Ready to experience the refined capability of the redesigned Outback? Our dedicated team is here to walk you through our current New Subaru Outback Inventory or help you explore our limited-time Subaru Lease and Financing Specials.

To keep your vehicle running perfectly year-round, our Subaru Service Center is always here to handle your routine maintenance, oil changes, and tire alignments.