When we at Classic Subaru of Atlanta meet drivers who are in the market for a small SUV, the Subaru Forester and the Hyundai Santa Fe are often two top contenders. If you're deciding between these two vehicles, it's helpful to make a side-by-side comparison.
Interior
Both the Forester and the Santa Fe can hold a maximum of five passengers. The Forester offers a bit more headroom, making it a great option if you're taking friends along for the ride. In terms of total passenger volume, the Forester offers 111.9 cubic feet, and the Santa Fe offers 110.7 cubic feet.
Are you looking for an SUV that's flexible enough for everyday trips and longer adventures around Atlanta? The Forester and the Santa Fe both feature split-folding back seats, so you can take people and gear. However, the Forester offers an impressive 76.1 cubic feet of storage space with both sections lowered, while the Santa Fe offers 71.3 cubic feet.
Exterior
The Forester and the Santa Fe boast a similar shape, but they're quite different in terms of style. The Santa Fe features smoother contours and a more streamlined look. In contrast, the Forester has a more rugged, sportier style, thanks to the aggressive contours and sharp accents. Raised roof rails are available on the base model and standard on all other trim levels; these rails make it easy to add carrier attachments for kayaks, skis, bikes, and more. On the Santa Fe, the base model is not available with rails.
If you're planning to take your SUV over rough roads, ground clearance matters. The Forester offers 8.7 inches of clearance, while the Santa Fe comes in at 7.3 inches. Every trim level of the Forester also comes standard with LED headlights; the Santa Fe doesn't offer this feature on the base model, and it's only an option on the next level.
Performance
Whether you're driving in the city or checking out some of the tougher roads in Atlanta, performance is an important consideration. Both the Forester and the Santa Fe offer similar powertrains. The Forester engine, however, features the signature BOXER layout, which features horizontal pistons. In comparison to the vertical pistons in the Santa Fe's inline four-cylinder layout, the Boxer engine delivers a smooth, responsive feel. Plus, since the unique design enables it to sit lower in the vehicle, it provides improved stability.
2020 Subaru Forester Powertrain
- 2.5-liter Subaru BOXER engine
- 182 horsepower
- 176 pound-feet of torque
2020 Hyundai Santa Fe Powertrain
- 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine
- 185 horsepower
- 178 pound-feet of torque
In terms of traction, the Forester has a clear advantage-every model comes standard with Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive. This system ensures exceptional traction in any type of weather in Atlanta. It also features a unique design that improves weight distribution across the SUV, resulting in a balanced ride. When you're taking on tough terrain, this increases stability and control. The base-level Santa Fe is available with all-wheel drive, but it isn't a standard feature.
Is efficiency a priority for you? The Forester, thanks to its ultra-efficient Boxer engine, delivers a remarkable 33 mpg on the highway and 26 mpg in the city-even with the standard all-wheel drive. If you choose the Santa Fe with all-wheel-drive, you'll get just 27 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg in the city. Even the standard front-wheel drive can't match the Forester's efficiency, providing 29 mpg on the highway and 22 in the city.
Features
Curious about the features that come standard on the Forester and Santa Fe? Here's some of our Atlanta drivers' favorite features on each:
Forester
- Subaru STARLINK multimedia with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Standard EyeSight driver assist technology
- Adaptive cruise control
- Trailer stability assist technology
Santa Fe
- Touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Hyundai SmartSense
- Smart cruise control
Visit Classic Subaru of Atlanta to Test Drive a Subaru Forester Today
Need to see more before you make the final decision? Give our Atlanta dealership a call, and we'll answer all of your questions and set you up with a test drive in the Forester.
