Trying to decide between the 2025 Tucson (Preferred/Trend) and the 2025 Forester (Touring in Canada, Premium in the US). The financing offers I got from dealerships put them at about the same monthly cost.
Tucson Pros:
Way more cargo space with the seats up, almost 40 percent more
Infotainment system is way better
Has physical buttons for temp control
More practical interior layout for the driver and front passenger
Comes with a panoramic sunroof
Leatherette seats instead of cloth
Longer basic warranty (5 years vs. 3)
Wireless charging actually works
Forester Pros:
Better on gas
Holds value better over time
More reliable
Adaptive cruise control feels smoother and reacts better to cars in front
Rear parking assist with sound
Trying to figure out which is the better buy in the long run. What do you guys think?
@irmah
Yeah, no brand is perfect, but Hyundai has had way too many issues lately. There are so many videos of people getting their money back or having to replace engines with under 50K miles.
Meanwhile, Subaru is sticking with tried-and-tested parts in the new model. I’m biased because I’ve owned seven Subarus over 35 years, but the visibility, safety, and resale value make it a no-brainer for me.
I was stuck between these two as well, and I went with the Forester. No regrets at all.
The always-on AWD is a big plus, the ground clearance is solid, and the massive windows make visibility so much better. Also, personal preference, but I just think the Forester looks way better than the Tucson.
I didn’t realize the cargo space difference was that big. I got a 2024 Forester in November, and I’m really happy with it. Still has physical buttons too.
I was mostly looking at Japanese brands for reliability, and I think Hyundai still offers a 10-year warranty in the US.
@Bailey
Yeah, that was a surprise to me too. We currently have a 2016 Forester, and I was shocked to see they reduced the cargo space in this generation.
I looked at Hyundais but ended up with a Forester. I was considering a Tucson, but honestly, it never felt worth the price.
Subarus hold value way better. Hyundais, unless you’re looking at something like a Palisade Calligraphy, depreciate way too fast.
The Forester doesn’t have every fancy feature, but it feels solid, handles bad weather way better, and just drives really well. I’d go Forester over Hyundai any day.
That said, Hyundais don’t hold up as well over time. I’ve been in the car industry for years, and I stick to Japanese brands—Honda, Toyota, Mazda, Subaru. Hyundai had a solid run around 2006-2007, but the quality has gone downhill in the last few years.
Also, if you want your car to last, change your oil the first time at 800 km. It helps get rid of tiny metal shavings from the engine.
If you want, I can share a proper maintenance schedule to help make the car last longer.
