DecodedCarsHyundai Tucson vs Subaru Solterra
2026 Hyundai Tucson vs 2026 Subaru Solterra — two small SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
That works out to about $1,100 a year less in fuel for the Subaru Solterra (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
The Subaru Solterra is the bigger car, about 2 inches longer.
Across all model years since 2005, the Subaru Solterra has had fewer recall campaigns (5 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 Solterra is a small SUV powered by electricity and all-wheel drive. It measures about 185 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,365 lb.
Buying used? The 2021 Tucson and the 2024 Solterra have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2016 Tucson and the 2023 Solterra.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Hyundai Tucson if…
It doesn't clearly beat the Subaru Solterra on any measure we track.
Choose the Subaru Solterra if…
- You want an EV with more range (288 miles)
- You want more power (up to 233 vs 187 hp)
- You put reliability history first (5 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 Solterra
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Full 2026 Hyundai Tucson specs →Full 2026 Subaru Solterra specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →