Which is the best Small SUV for shoppers now? Check out the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek versus the 2024 Hyundai Tucson. Both are good picks, but one is the best.
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Which is the better small SUV for shoppers? The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek or the 2024 Hyundai Tucson? Kelley Blue Book (KBB) gave their analysis and picked one. I'll give you my analysis and more reasons why the Crosstrek wins hands down.
First, what does Kelley Blue Book say about the two small SUVs?
"Hyundai designed the Tucson to ensure you have plenty of interior space for people and things to head around town. The Crosstrek, with its full-time all-wheel drive (AWD), raised ground clearance, stiffer chassis, and improved safety technology, is ready to head to the great outdoors."
"With room for five passengers, the Hyundai Tucson and Subaru Crosstrek offer outstanding styling, impressive technology, and a comfortable cabin."
What does Kelley Blue Book say about the 2024 Hyundai Tucson?
"The Hyundai Tucson stands out in a crowded field with its bold styling and class-leading warranty. The 2-row, 5-passenger SUV is also one of the most spacious vehicles in its class. It has ample room for passengers and cargo. Cargo space behind the second row is near the top of the competition."
"Powered by a 187-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, it offers enough get-up-and-go for the daily commute. Its EPA-reported 28 combined mpg helps keep fuel costs down. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard, but an upgrade to all-wheel drive (AWD) is available."
"Technology is critical in this class, and the Tucson provides plenty of safety and convenience tech. The brand added seat belt reminders for the rear seats, rear side airbags, and steering wheel haptic feedback for lane-keep assist and blind-spot monitoring. A hybrid and PHEV are available but compared separately. Pricing starts at $28,875, including destination charges."
KBB Hyundai Tucson Highlights
SmartSense:
The standard safety tech suite in the Hyundai Tucson bundles driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and more.
Remote parking:
The Tucson's optional Remote Smart Parking Assist allows you to get in and out of tight parking spots using your key fob. This feature works even if you're not inside the car. It's a class-exclusive feature you won't find on Tucson's rivals.
Super warranty:
If you want to keep your vehicle for a while, Hyundai's class-leading warranty makes that possible. A 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty support the Tucson. Additionally, Hyundai throws in a 3-year/36,000-mile complimentary maintenance plan.
What does Kelley Blue Book say about the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek?
"Subaru updated the Crosstrek for 2024 to improve its ride and handling. The new SUV features new steering mechanicals and a stiffer body. With Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive adjusting the torque going to the wheels and hill-descent control, the Crosstrek makes easy work of rugged trails."
"All of that gets taken to another level with the addition of the Wilderness trim and the option of a 152-hp 4-cylinder engine or an 182-hp version. Subaru also made serious improvements to the front seats, which have more padding and larger bolsters. Pricing starts at $26,540, including destination charges."
Subaru Crosstrek Highlights
Good tech:
Except for the base model, the Subaru Crosstrek features an interior-dominating, vertically oriented 11.6-inch touchscreen and robust infotainment offering. That's bigger than the biggest screen you can get in the Hyundai Tucson. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also available, as is wireless phone charging.
Off-road ready:
Subaru's AWD system is among the most capable in the segment. It's improved for 2024 with faster response times. Unlike the Hyundai Tucson, the Subaru Crosstrek offers AWD as standard on every trim. Plus, the Crosstrek enjoys 8.7 inches of ground clearance.
Two powertrains:
It's good to have options. Some Subaru products have a reputation for needing more power, so having a second, more powerful engine alleviates those concerns.
Which Is Best, Crosstrek or Tucson?
KBB says, "The Hyundai Tucson and Subaru Crosstrek are good-looking SUVs offering two different experiences. The roomier Tucson is a good choice if you're looking for a spacious, comfortable vehicle to get around town with good power and fuel economy. However, if you're ready to head for the hills regardless of the weather, the full-time AWD Subaru Crosstrek with higher ride height and off-road-ready handling is the way to go."
KBB Does Not Mention The Crosstrek X-Mode
In addition to Subaru's excellent Symmetrical all-wheel-drive technology, Crosstrek has X-Mode for severe weather capability. Crosstrek Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trim levels also have dual-function X-Mode for all-terrain capability.
The Crosstrek will get you further away from civilization than any small SUV you can buy.
KBB Does Not Mention The Crosstrek Wilderness
I was surprised KBB did not mention the all-new outdoor-themed Crosstrek Wilderness trim. It's more rugged than the standard model, with 9.3 inches of ground clearance and substantial upgrades that make it off-road ready right from the factory.
The trail-capable Wilderness has an upgraded suspension, all-terrain tires, more prominent wheel arch cladding, a metal front skid plate, unique hex-design LED fog lights, and an anti-glare hood decal in a matte-black finish.
Add Crosstrek Wilderness' 2.5-liter Boxer engine's responsive 182 horsepower and 178 lb.-ft. of torque, and it's a formable off-road warrior right off the showroom floor.
Kelley Blue Book got this one right. The Crosstrek is the best choice for the most active customers who use their small SUV for more than a commuter vehicle during the week and a grocery hauler on the weekends.
Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this Subaru Crosstrek vs. Hyundai Tucson report. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.
MORE SUBARU CROSSTREK NEWS
- Kelley Blue Book released a list of new cars with the best resale margins. Subaru retailers can tout the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek as one of its highest-value picks. Here is why it's the best pick now.
- The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is the most versatile new small SUV you can buy today. It wins hands down in areas where others fear to go. Check out three impressive attributes.
I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News and Subaru reporter since 2012. I’ve invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.
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Photo credit: Subaru, Hyundai
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