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Hyundai Tucson vs Subaru Crosstrek

2026 Hyundai Tucson vs 2026 Subaru Crosstrek — two small SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

Hyundai Tucson

2026 Hyundai Tucson

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV
VS4 – 3Hyundai Tucson wins 4 of 7 categories
Subaru Crosstrek

2026 Subaru Crosstrek

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV

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The short version

The Hyundai Tucson is more fuel-efficient: 38 vs 36 MPG combined in its best version.

That works out to about $100 a year less in fuel for the Hyundai Tucson (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

The Hyundai Tucson is the bigger car, about 6 inches longer.

Across all model years since 2005, the Subaru Crosstrek has had fewer recall campaigns (17 vs 29).

The two cars

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (1.6L 4-cyl turbo and 2.5L 4-cyl), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive. It measures about 182 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,468 lb (4dr SUV AWD).

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is a small SUV offered with a 2.5L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive. It measures about 176 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,285 lb (Convenience/Touring 4dr SUV).

Buying used? The 2021 Tucson and the 2015 Crosstrek have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2016 Tucson and the 2019 Crosstrek.

Basics

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
Fuel
Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl
All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

38 MPG
Best combined MPG
36 MPG
38 city
City / highway MPG (best)
36 city
$1,750
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$1,850

Performance & space

187 hp
Horsepower (most powerful)
180 hp
182.3 in
Length
176.4 in
73.2 in
Width
70.9 in
64.2 in
Height
63 in
3,340 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
3,285 lb

Safety & reliability

13
Driver-assist features standard
11
6
Recalls (2026)
3
29
Recalls, all years since 2005
17
99
Owner complaints (latest year)
11

Interest

22,259
Wikipedia views, 30 days
11,593

Buying used

2021
Best used year
2015
2016
Year to avoid
2019

Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →

Which one should you choose?

Choose the Hyundai Tucson if…

  • You want lower fuel bills (38 vs 36 MPG)
  • You want more room (6 in longer)
  • You want more standard driver-assist tech

Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if…

  • You want something easier to park (6 in shorter)
  • You put reliability history first (17 vs 29 recalls since 2005)

Pros & cons of each

2026 Hyundai Tucson

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 38 MPG combined — 47% better than the average 2026 small SUV (25.9 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
  • 6 recallsMore than similar models (about 1). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

2026 Subaru Crosstrek

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 36 MPG combined — 39% better than the average 2026 small SUV (25.9 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Full 2026 Hyundai Tucson specs →Full 2026 Subaru Crosstrek specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →