Let’s Compare: 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. the 2024 Subaru Forester

Since 1967, Hyundai has set a standard for improving mobility for drivers worldwide. The automaker released its first SUV, the SANTA FE, in 2000, and it became Hyundai’s bestseller. Because of its everlasting popularity, the SANTA FE is back for an exciting fifth generation in 2024.

You can trust Hyundai of Auburn to uphold Hyundai’s impeccable standards of high-quality vehicles and customer satisfaction. Our team in Auburn, Alabama, can’t wait for the new SANTA FE to hit the US market in early 2024. It’ll offer the latest in convenience and technology. But how does it stand up to its competition?

New Hyundai Santa Fe For Sale

The 2024 Hyundai SANTA FE vs. the 2024 Subaru Forester

The Hyundai SANTA FE driving across the sand by Hyundai Motor Group is licensed with Pexels License

The 2024 Hyundai SANTA FE will dominate the midsize SUV market, offering an equally impressive exterior and interior with sharp lines. The 2024 Subaru Forester is a smaller compact crossover with nice exterior paint colors and a rounded, sporty design. Both SUVs offer innovative safety features to keep you and your passengers safe wherever you go in the Auburn, Alabama, area.

But when it comes to seating capacity, the SANTA FE has the Forester beat. It offers seating for seven passengers compared to the Forester’s five. Regarding powertrains, the SANTA FE overpowers the Forester with more horsepower in both gas and electric engine options. Consider these comparisons along with the following specs in this overview to better understand how these two SUVs compare.

Trim Levels and Pricing

While exact trims for the 2024 Hyundai SANTA FE haven’t been announced yet, expect a hybrid trim to be available matching the 2023 model year. Hyundai hasn’t released official pricing for the 2024 SANTA FE, but we anticipate the base model will come with an affordable price tag around the mid-$30,000 MSRP range. The higher-level trims will likely start around $45,000 MSRP.

The 2024 Subaru Forester has six trims: Base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring. The base model starts at $27,095 MSRP. Bump up to the mid-level adventure-ready Wilderness trim for $34,920 MSRP. Choose the Forester’s top-level Touring trim for the most exclusive features for $37,395 MSRP.

Engine Offerings and Performance

We anticipate the 2024 Hyundai SANTA FE will feature a powerful 2.5-liter, four-cylinder turbo engine. This midsize SUV’s turbo engine reaches 277 horsepower and offers 311 lb-ft of torque. A 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid engine will likely be available, delivering 226 combined net horsepower. The hybrid engine will pair with all-wheel drive only, while the 2.5-liter turbo engine will be available in all-wheel or front-wheel drive. EPA fuel economy estimates are not yet available.

The only engine option available on the 2024 Subaru Forester is the standard 2.5-liter, four-cylinder Subaru Boxer engine. This engine manages to deliver 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The 2024 Forester is only available in a symmetrical all-wheel drive. This Subaru SUV doesn’t offer a hybrid engine, but the manufacturer confirms a good fuel economy of 33 mpg on the highway and 26 mpg in the city.

Exterior Stylings

Want a vehicle that’ll turn heads? Choose the 2024 Hyundai SANTA FE. The new generation of this SUV features a fantastic makeover with bolder exterior features and a stunning brown paint color. The LED headlights offer a signature letter H look, giving the SANTA FE an elevated appearance to complement its updated sharp, boxy shape. The length and wheelbase extend to 190.2 inches and 110.8 inches, respectively, offering more passenger and cargo room in the interior.

For a rugged, sporty look with refined curves, consider the 2024 Subaru Forester. Go for nature-inspired exterior paint colors such as Autumn Green Metallic or Cascade Green Silica. Or choose the more traditional Crystal White Pearl. Regarding length, the Forester’s wheelbase is 105.1 inches long, and its length is 182.7 inches, slightly limiting the interior’s spaciousness.

Interior Dimensions and Design

Enter a relaxing, open-concept interior when you get into the 2024 Hyundai SANTA FE. The midsize SUV’s redesigned interior features an upscale steering wheel and a curved panel on the dash that houses a digital display screen. A column-mounted shifter opens the center console, providing extra space for you and your passengers to store devices and beverages.

The most exciting interior feature is the re-introduction of third-row seating for the 2024 SANTA FE, accommodating seven passengers. This addition is essential for large families or bringing your friends along for your next road trip. Unfortunately, the 2024 Subaru Forester only seats five passengers and offers less cargo capacity than the 2024 SANTA FE. Still, this compact crossover offers underfloor cargo storage on select trims.

Infotainment and Technology

Standard technology features on the Hyundai SANTA FE include a dual 12.3-inch touch screen featuring a digital instrument cluster and infotainment system. The 2024 Forester has an available 8-inch touch screen that connects with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. If you prefer a larger touch screen, stick with the 2024 SANTA FE. This midsize SUV also has the Forester beat regarding cool futuristic features. Unique tech elements in the 2024 Hyundai SANTA FE include the available wireless charging pads in the center console and the ultraviolet light sanitizing tray that keeps small items germ-free.

Safety Features

You can’t go wrong with either SUV regarding advanced safety features because both go above and beyond to keep you and your passengers safe. The 2024 Forester gives you an extra set of eyes on the road with Subaru EyeSight. This safety system utilizes automatic emergency steering and pre-collision braking to help mitigate accidents.

The Hyundai SANTA FE offers convenient driver assistance features such as automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and automated emergency braking to prevent collisions. If you want extra safety features, choose the 2024 SANTA FE. Its auto-locking doors prevent passengers from stepping into traffic, and radar-based rear seat reminders provide priceless peace of mind.

Choose the Best SUV for Your Driving Needs

No vehicle compares to the size, quality, and convenience the 2024 Hyundai SANTA FE offers. Once it hits the streets in the first quarter of 2024, it’ll maintain its title as Hyundai’s bestselling SUV. Interested in learning more? Contact our experienced sales team at Hyundai of Auburn, and we’ll answer all your questions. We also have used Santa Fe inventory!  Get started with the car-buying process today with online financing or our payment calculator to better understand your budget. We can also set you up with a test drive and schedule routine maintenance to keep your new Hyundai SANTA FE in top shape after your purchase.