Hyundai Tucson vs Subaru Outback
What's the difference?

Hyundai Tucson

$23,888 - $57,980

2024 price

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Subaru Outback

$48,990 - $62,690

2026 price

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Summary

2024 Hyundai Tucson

2026 Subaru Outback

By Emily Agar

By Byron Mathioudakis

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.6L

Flat 4, 2.5L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

5.3L/100km (combined)

8.1L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Lots of drivetrain options, no matter grade level
Well-specified for grade
Hybrid powertrain proves frugal

Brilliant packaging
Dynamic sophistication
Ease, comfort and fun

Dislikes

Drive experience is mixed
Higher price point than before
Safety tech improved but still intrusive

Average warranty
Divisive design
No manual option

2024 Hyundai Tucson Summary

For the first time in Australia, the mid-sized Hyundai Tucson is being offered with a hybrid powertrain – which combines its spritely turbo-powered engine with a fuel efficiency-improving electric motor. And it might be enough to swing you to becoming a hybrid fan.

The new powertrain makes the Tucson a proper competitor against Australia’s darling, the Toyota RAV4 but the Nissan X-Trail e-Power and Kia Sportage remain strong rivals.

This week I’m family-testing the mid-spec Elite Hybrid with the N Line option pack to see how the newly updated Tucson handles family life.

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2026 Subaru Outback Summary

It’s 2026 and over 30 years and through six generations the Subaru Outback as we knew it… is gone.

Gone is the defiantly wagon-esque crossover style that was one of the first, as well as likely the most-successful, for the boxy beast you see here.

RIP, original Subaru Outback.

But, don’t worry, folks, because, except for a couple of issues, things only get better by and large, with the big new seventh-gen model.

And, in the most important ways, the 2026 Outback is a true Subaru at heart, so let’s dive straight in!

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Deep dive comparison

2024 Hyundai Tucson 2026 Subaru Outback

Verdict

The updated Hyundai Tucson Elite Hybrid N Line offers families space, features and easy-enough handling for everyday stuff and the occasional weekend adventure pursuits.

The price point is higher than the previous non-hybrid model but you get a lot of bang for your buck and my family was comfortable this week.

Verdict

Over 30 years and seven generations of Outback in Australia, the latest might just be the best.

It's great to drive, even better to sit in, very easy to live and willing to go further than most equivalent large SUVs at its price point.

The styling is definitely divisive, with purists unhappy that the long, crossover wagon silhouette is now gone, but what we have instead is a family-friendly vehicle that pleases on so many fronts.

We’d go as far as saying the latest Outback might be the most-rounded Subaru currently available, and great value to boot. And the base AWD is all the SUV most people will ever need.

That’s not bad for something this square!

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Hyundai Tucson vs Subaru Outback What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Hyundai Tucson vs Subaru Outback
What's the difference?