The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe near Rio Rancho, NM vs. the Subaru Outback

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe near Rio Rancho, NM is the brand’s second-largest SUV. It’s a two-row midsize SUV that will fit five passengers comfortably. The current model has received numerous updates since its debut in 2019 but will get a complete redesign for the new generation for model year 2024. The company has released no official details as of this writing. Still, spy shots have indicated that the new design is boxier than before, and appears to be somewhat larger than the previous model. It will likely provide Hyundai’s latest technology, which includes a standard package of advanced driver-assist features, a digital instrument cluster, and a large center touchscreen. However, before you decide to settle for the Santa Fe, Subaru has two excellent models that compete with the Hyundai.   

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe near Rio Rancho, NM vs. 2024 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback and Forester are similar to the Hyundai Santa Fe, but the Outback has dimensions, wheelbase length, and curb weight that match the SUV from Hyundai. For this reason, we’ll compare the entry-level Outback from Subaru against the entry-level Santa Fe. 

 

As far as power and performance are concerned, both the Santa Fe and the Outback are equipped with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine. The Hyundai is an inline-4, while the Subaru is a flat-4. If you decide to do some light off-roading, the flat-four helps to lower the center of gravity, making the Outback less likely to roll over. And with off-roading, you’d like higher ground clearance, right? The Subaru Outback has 8.7 inches of clearance, while the Santa Fe only has 8.2. 

Both models weigh around 3,600 pounds, but the Subaru can tow up to 2,700 lbs. while the Santa Fe tops out at 2,000 lbs. Another factor to consider is the standard all-wheel drive on the Subaru Outback compared to the front-wheel drive Santa Fe. You can get the Hyundai Santa Fe with AWD, but it will be at an added cost. 

Each SUV is a 5-seater, and they have comparable passenger space. But if you need more cargo room, the Outback has a bit more with 75.6 cubic feet vs. 72.1 cubic feet with the second row folded. And Subaru offers a ton of accessories for the Outback. 

Economic Advantages

And speaking of costs, the starting prices of these models are pretty close, $28,750 for the Santa Fe and $28,395 for the Outback. But when we look at what you get for the price tag, the Outback brings more features at this price point, not to mention better fuel economy – 26/32 mpg vs 25/28 mpg city/highway. 

Infotainment features, such as Bluetooth and device integration, are similar, but HD and Satellite Radio aren’t even available on the base Santa Fe. Both come standard on the Outback. The vehicles have nearly identical comfort features like power mirrors and keyless entry, but only the Outback comes standard with climate control.

And although the price tags are similar, Subarus will hold their value longer. Edmunds estimates that the Hyundai will depreciate by about $16,600 over five years, while the Subaru will decline by about $11,600 over the same period. That’s $1,000 saved each year!

Safety

Both models get the safety features you’d expect, but Subaru has received Top Safety Picks from the IIHS for six years straight! 

Visit the dealership of Fiesta Subaru

Now that you know more about the Outback, we invite you to take a test drive to compare it firsthand against the Santa Fe. Stop by 7100 Lomas Blvd in Albuquerque, New Mexico at your convenience and see what Fiesta Subaru offers.