For learning purposes, can someone tell me the reasons Santa Fes are better over Subaru? Specifically the 2023 model.
IMHO, there is no question on comfort, the Santa Fe wins. I also prefer the dashboard experience on the Santa Fe more. I feel like my Outback is a little more prepared for rugged excursions and I’m less afraid something will break if I’m riding over rocks and dirt. I’m interested to see what kind of rugged add-ons I can add to make the Santa Fe a little more tough, but overall I’m more happy about the smooth ride and gas savings in the Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy.
Just traded in my Outback for a 2024 Santa Fe.
The Outback is a fine car. I rarely had engine trouble. I loved it. We went with the Santa Fe because it had more tech and we got more size for the price. The Santa Fe is longer than the Outback.
Subaru has a CVT transmission; Santa Fe has an 8-speed automatic, as the good lord intended.
2023 means that defects have been worked out.
With both, I’d want to see maintenance records.
What warranty?
Check parts availability. I have a 24 Tucson and have been waiting 6 weeks so far for an infotainment screen.
Look at Car and Driver and Consumer Reports reviews.
These were my top two choices. I’m big and old, so ultimately Santa Fe legroom was the deciding factor. Very comfortable for bigs.
You mean the older Santa Fe design? They just did a major new overhaul in 2024 for the Santa Fe… really a totally different beast (I have a 2023). But if you are comparing a 2023 Santa Fe vs a 2023 Outback, I’d say they are about even… I might even go with the Outback. But if you are comparing the 23 Outback vs a 24+ Santa Fe… there’s no comparison, the new Santa Fe is MUCH more refined, better equipped, and more modern.
What is the actual learning purpose here regarding a 2023 Santa Fe? Just for discussion or are you considering buying a used one? If so, which trim? Compared to which Subaru model?
Just traded in my Wilderness. Comfort, infotainment system, and warranty are all pluses.
I loved my 2023 Limited Hybrid and was sad when it was totaled (flood damage). I love my 2025 Calligraphy Hybrid. Both were very comfortable to me and drive well.
But it’s really a personal preference thing. Drive both and see what you like.
My brother has a Crosstrek and my dad has a Forester. I have a 2020 Santa Fe.
Subaru interiors are not as comfortable or refined as the second trim level of a Santa Fe. One thing I love about the Forester is the visibility; huge windows! The engine is also much more responsive on Subarus. Basically, Subaru has more performance while Hyundai has comfort and convenience. Safety, I think, is a wash; Subaru is famous for safety, but Hyundai has top marks as well. And actually, Subaru safety features can get annoyingly intrusive.
@AccentAdmirer4
Can confirm the eye tracking on my Subaru is way more annoying than my Santa Fe.
Are you talking about the 2023 Santa Fe? Or the 2023 Outback? Or the same year for both? The 2023 Santa Fe is fairly outdated and not as reliable as the Outback. Subaru has a better resale value. The CVT is something to get used to.
Check with your auto insurance carrier to make sure they will cover the 2023 Santa Fe and ask them which car is the better choice regarding insurance. That alone can make your mind up.