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Subaru Outback vs Hyundai Santa Fe

Red Hyundai Santa Fe on the street.

Both the Subaru Outback and the Hyundai Santa Fe are crowd favorites for the choice of 5 seater SUVs as they are well-respected for their drivability, practicality, and spacious features. They both feature top-of-the-range technology and even the standard models will feel like you are driving luxury.

Choosing between the Subaru Outback and the Hyundai Santa Fe takes some consideration and research. Both cars are excellent for families or people with active lifestyles. They differ quite a bit in appearance, and each model of the brands differs slightly in what they offer.

The Subaru Outback arguably has a more sedan feel and comfortably sits 4-5 people and has high-quality safety features such as the EyeSight Driver-assist and lane-centering technology. It is priced competitively and is cleverly designed to suit every driver’s need.

Subaru Outback

Gray Subaru Outback parked in the garage.

The Subaru Outback comes in a range of models to choose from that start at $26 945 to $39 945. The standard models come with cloth seats, an advanced media system that is compatible with Apple Car, and Android Auto.

There are a total of 4 USB ports within the car and a touch screen media system. The Outback comes standard with Eyesight Driver Assist, and lane centering as well as autonomous braking. You can choose to add on additional safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, reverse autonomous braking, and rear cross-traffic detection.

The basic models feature a 2.5L 4-cylinder Subaru Boxer engine and the more advanced models feature turbocharged engines. Its safety features are top-rated and highly respected. It has 5 seats and is a spacious interior that comfortably fits anybody within it.

Realistically, the backseat will only seat 3 people on the smaller side or children and can comfortably fit two adults. It is well suited for outdoor adventures as it is raised as well as it features plastic paneling making it cheap and easy to repair any damage.

There is a ride range of Subaru Outback’s to choose from, starting from the Outback to the Outback Touring XT. The basic editions have clothed seating with the option to upgrade to leather seating while luxury editions come standard with leather seating.

The Outback, Limited, Premium and Touring are fitted with the 2,5 liter Subaru Boxer four cylinder engine. The premium models such as the Onyx Edition XT, Wilderness Limited, and Touring XT have the 2,5 liter Subaru Boxer four cylinder engine with Turbocharge.

The premium models also come standard with 12 speakers 576 Watt Harman Kardon technology.

Subaru claims that due to its added safety features within the car, such as the EyeSight Driver Assist technology, rear-ended accidents have been decreased by 85%.

Each model comes standard with a 5-year unlimited km warranty, which covers all non-wear and tear items within the vehicle should they defect during the 5-year warranty. They however do not come standard with a service or maintenance plan.

You can include a service or a maintenance plan in your financing options – which ensures that all services and parts are covered for the duration of the plan you choose. The Outback has a shorter maintenance interval period, so it is well worth adding a service or maintenance plan into your package.

Typically there are two options available – a 3 year/37 500 km plan or a 5 year/ 62 500 km plan. It is also possible to extend these plans should you require this.

The Outback has plenty of options to choose from and even the standard models can be upgraded to your preferences. It will perfectly suit any family’s needs and is an excellent car for adventuring.

It is a well-respected car, however, the maintenance costs are the only aspect that may need to be taken into consideration before purchasing one of these models. Overall, it is an incredible car to purchase and any driver will be happy behind the steering wheel of an Outback.

Hyundai Santa Fe

Hyundai Santa Fe on display at a motor show.

Hyundai’s upgraded 2021 Santa Fe is an entirely new facelift to the model and features upgraded safety technology. It offers a smooth ride and a quiet drive as it has incredible sound insulation. The interior is quite spacious and has comfortable seating for both the front and back seats.

It has a total of 7 seats, and each model comes standard with a full range of driver-assist safety features. This includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, rear automatic emergency breaking system among others.

The Hyundai Santa Fe has rated 5 stars on its safety features and is well respected within that. The media system is user-friendly and provides a total of 5 USB ports within the car. Leather seats are standard in all models within this range. It further has wireless charging and the media system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Santa Fe is driven by a 2.2 liter 4 cylinder turbo diesel engine and is controlled by an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission system. On average, the fuel consumption claimed by Hyundai is 7.7L/100 km.

It has both 4 wheel drive and all-wheel drive. You have the choice of a hybrid option as well. There are 4 driving mode’s available – Comfort, Sport, Smart, and Eco. The off-road driving modes include Sand, Snow, and Mud.

Pricing starts from $27 446 for standard models and varies to a maximum of $61 700 for higher-end models with the additional features included within the car.

The Santa Fe is a more luxurious model and comes standard with more luxurious features.

Conclusion

Subaru Outback parked on the field with mountain background.

The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a lot more in their standard models in comparison to the Subaru Outback. However, the Subaru Outback is more suited for off-roading adventures. The Santa Fe is a more luxurious model.

Choosing between these two cars comes down to which one will suit your lifestyle better. They are both incredible cars that come standard with the newest technology. The better car for you depends on what you require your car to be able to do.

References:

Alex on Autos: Battle For The Best!! | Subaru Outback vs Hyundai Santa Fe

Alex on Autos: 2021 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid: Which One is the Best?

The Car Connection: Compare 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2021 Subaru Outback

CarsGuide: Hyundai Santa Fe VS Subaru Outback

Cars.co.za: Hyundai Santa Fe (2021) Review

Motor1.com: What’s Included With Your Subaru Warranty? (2022)

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