As urban population centers become more crowded and more couples and small families move in, they’re bound to search for the best compact crossover. That’s because a compact crossover offers a great blend of space, practicality, and road footprint on tighter streets and smaller parking lots. The compact crossover market is chock full of options, and the 2023 Hyundai Tucson and 2023 Subaru Forester are just two of many.
The 2023 Tucson is based on the fourth generation, which debuted in 2020 and received a refresh in 2022. The 2023 Forester is a bit older, based on 2018’s fifth-generation model. It received a facelift in 2021, but that was primarily cosmetic, with no notable powertrain or interior changes.
Let’s do a Tucson vs. Forester comparison to find out which one is the best compact crossover. We'll be checking out their interior, performance, and safety offerings in this Hyundai vs. Subaru shootout.
If you'd like to know more about the 2023 Tucson, get on the phone with our team at Bob Brady Hyundai in Decatur, IL, and we’ll be glad to assist.
The 2023 Tucson and 2023 Forester can comfortably carry up to five adults. While the 2023 Forester offers slightly more passenger space, the 2023 Tucson more than counters that with a roomy 38.7 cubic foot trunk. This is fantastic compared to the mere 28.9 cubic feet of the Forester. You'll also appreciate the funkier design of the 2023 Tucson that doesn’t affect ergonomics, while the 2023 Forester looks old in comparison.
The 2023 Tucson and 2023 Forester come with touch-screen infotainment systems that offer Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ support across the range. The 2023 Tucson's screen is larger, at 8 inches, compared to the smaller 6.5-inch unit on the Forester. There's also a 10.3-inch upgrade for 2023 Tucson buyers who desire even more screen real estate, plus a premium Bose sound system option for audiophiles.
Granted, the 2023 Forester offers dual-zone climate control on all variants. However, the same can be said of nearly all 2023 Tucson trims, save for the base variant. It's offered as an option, so you aren't missing out.
Three powertrains are offered for the 2023 Tucson, which includes two hybrid variants. Let's look at the non-hybrid variant first. This sees a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine delivering 187 horsepower. It comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission that drives the front wheels. If you need more traction, opt for Hyundai's HTRAC all-wheel-drive system.
Now, on to the hybrids. There's a regular hybrid with a 1.6-liter turbo four plus an electric motor that delivers a system total of 226 horsepower. If you choose the plug-in hybrid variant, you receive the same powertrain, albeit with a beefier electric motor. The net result is a system total of 261 horsepower. Both hybrid variants come with a six-speed automatic transmission and Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel-drive system as standard.
The 2023 Forester range is decidedly more restrictive, as you’re stuck with a 182-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a sluggish Lineartronic CVT gearbox. There are three all-wheel-drive systems to choose from. There's no hybrid variant of the 2023 Forester on offer for the United States, although it's offered in other markets.
In terms of towing, the 2023 Tucson wins with a maximum rated towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, while the 2023 Forester can only handle up to 1,500 pounds.
The 2023 Tucson and 2023 Forester are extremely safe vehicles, but the 2023 Tucson storms ahead. It bagged an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, which is challenging to come by. Both compact crossovers offer at least six airbags, stability control, traction control, automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and child safety locks as standard.
If you’re buying a compact crossover, you can close your eyes and select the 2023 Hyundai Tucson. It’s the better compact crossover by a significant margin over the 2023 Subaru Forester. Achieving an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award isn’t easy either. Plus, you can rest assured that your family will be as safe as possible in a 2023 Tucson. It’s also got a nicer and roomer cabin, plus a great range of powertrains. So drop by Bob Brady Hyundai in Decatur, IL, and take the new Tucson for a test drive.
