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You’re in the market for an SUV, but are stuck between two brands: Subaru and Hyundai. Both offer several different models to choose from but how do you know which brand has better SUVs? Fortunately for you, we’re here to help.

2020 Hyundai Santa Fe on display
Hyundai Santa Fe SUV on display at Brussels Expo | Sjoerd van der Wal/Getty Images

Subaru’s lineup of SUVs

When it comes to SUVs, Subaru knows just how to please. Whether you opt for the Subaru Ascent, Forester, Crosstrek, or the Subaru Outback, you can count on an SUV from Subaru to be safe, reliable, and long-lasting. 

Opt for a vehicle like the 2020 Outback, and be the proud owner of a car recognized by Kelley Blue Book for having the Best Resale Value in its class for 2020. Or, opt for the 2020 Forester, which Kelley Blue Book says has the lowest 5-Year Cost to Own in its class for 2020. 

As a brand, Subaru has earned plenty of its own accolades too. Subaru is a three-time Best Overall Brand winner, according to Kelley Blue Book. It’s also been recognized as the Most Trusted Brand for six years running.

Even more enticing? Subaru claims that 97% of its vehicles that were sold in the last ten years are still on the road today.

Hyundai’s lineup of SUVs

Subaru isn’t the only brand offering up SUVs as part of its 2020-2021 lineup. Hyundai’s lineup has several models to choose from, ranging from the 2021 Tucson to the 2021 Palisade. Whether you’ve got your heart set on three-rows of seating or an SUV like the NEXO Fuel Cell, which Hyundai says boasts an EPA-rated range of 380-miles this year’s lineup has got you covered.

Like Subaru, Hyundai has earned itself plenty of awards and accolades too. The 2020 Palisade was named a Best New Car of 2020 by Autotrader. The 2020 Kona Electric has also been called the 2020 Best Electric Vehicle by U.S. News & World Report. The 2020 Tucson was ranked #1 in Initial Quality with Compact SUVs by J.D. Power too.

How do Subaru and Hyundai compare?

Overall, Hyundai does offer a more extensive selection of SUVs to choose from. While Subaru’s lineup includes four different models, Hyundai has seven SUVs to choose from. Hyundai’s lineup is far more varied than Subaru’s and, includes both a hydrogen fuel-cell SUV and an electric SUV.

Safety features and ratings are also worth considering. Both Subaru and Hyundai offer an array of safety features, including driver assist features like driver attention warnings, automatic pre-collision braking, and blind-spot detection. Several models from both automakers have earned themselves a 5-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration too.

If warranty coverage is important to you, then Hyundai is the clear winner. Every SUV in this year’s lineup comes standard with a 5-year/ 60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty, and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty. Buy a Subaru SUV, and warranty coverage includes a 3-year/36,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty, and a 5-year/ 60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty.

Unlike Subaru, Hyundai also offers complimentary maintenance for 3-years or 36,000-miles, whichever comes first. When it comes to Subaru, complimentary maintenance is only available in specific regions.

Should you buy a Subaru? Or is a Hyundai SUV a better choice?

The question remains: should you buy a Subaru SUV? Or does picking an SUV from Hyundai make for a better deal? While Subaru’s lineup has been recognized for both its quality and longevity, Hyundai offers more models to choose from. Further consider that complimentary maintenance is standard on all new Hyundai SUVs, and Hyundai offers more extensive warranties, and opting for a Hyundai SUV makes for a better choice.

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