You may have noticed more and more compact crossovers taking over cities. That’s because as cities get crowded, streets get narrower, and parking spaces shrink, larger vehicles become an irritation. Compact crossovers offer a fantastic blend of space, practicality, and road footprint. No surprise that there’s a plethora of options, including the 2023 Hyundai Tucson and the 2023 Subaru Forester.
The 2023 Tucson is based on the fourth generation of Hyundai’s venerable compact crossover. Introduced in 2020, it received an early facelift in 2022. The 2023 Forester hails from the fifth-generation model. Introduced back in 2018, it got a facelift in 2021.
Let's compare the 2023 Tucson vs. Forester in terms of interior, performance, and safety characteristics. This will allow us to find out which one is ahead in the best compact crossover race. If you want to know more about the new Tucson, contact the friendly sales team of Tuscaloosa Hyundai in Tuscaloosa, AL.
The 2023 Hyundai Tucson can carry up to five adults in comfort, as can the 2023 Subaru Forester. While the 2023 Forester may offer a slightly roomier passenger cabin, the increase is negligible in practice. More critically, the 2023 Tucson offers a spacious 38.7 cubic foot cargo space, while the 2023 Forester only provides 28.9 cubic feet. That's a significant difference.
While the 2023 Forester offers dual-zone climate control as standard on all trims, the 2023 Tucson offers it as well on all except the base trim. You can still option it there, so there's no significant difference. You'll also enjoy the 2023 Tucson's fresher and funkier dash and interior design, while the 2023 Forester's interior looks at least five years old, if not older.
You won’t be left wanting for infotainment choices, with the 2023 Tucson and 2023 Forester coming with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ across the range. However, you will appreciate the 2023 Tucson's larger 8-inch touch screen, which makes the 6.5-inch unit on the 2023 Forester seem dated and fiddly. Furthermore, you can also have a 10.3-inch screen on the 2023 Tucson, plus a nice Bose speaker system if you venture into the options list.
The 2023 Tucson range sees three powertrains on offer. The base powertrain is a naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower. Coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it sends drive to the front wheels. However, you can specify Hyundai's HTRAC all-wheel-drive system if desired.
Next, there are two hybrid variants, and both use a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor. The regular hybrid offers a decent 226 horsepower of combined output. Select the plug-in hybrid, and you'll receive 261 horsepower of combined output thanks to a beefier electric motor. The hybrids come with a six-speed automatic transmission, and Hyundai's HTRAC all-wheel-drive system is standard fitment.
In comparison, the 2023 Forester looks dated. You've only got a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder that develops 182 horsepower. A Lineartronic CVT gearbox sends power to one of three all-wheel-drive systems that you can choose from. You won't find a peppier turbocharged boxer engine or a hybrid variant for the United States market. That's a shame.
Given their powertrain options and specifications, it's no surprise that the 2023 Tucson can tow up to 2,000 pounds, while the 2023 Forester can only tow a maximum of 1,500 pounds.
The 2023 Tucson has scored an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, which is challenging to secure. The 2023 Forester doesn't have such an accolade. Both compact crossovers feature at least six airbags, automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, daytime running lamps, child safety locks, and stability control as standard safety features.
There's no question about it; the 2023 Tucson is our pick in this Hyundai vs. Subaru matchup. It storms ahead of the 2023 Forester in all three of our evaluation criteria. Why not drop by Tuscaloosa Hyundai in Tuscaloosa, AL, and test drive the new Tucson? Then, you'll see how great it is.
