2026 Outback vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe

If you're looking for a new midsize SUV in the Indianapolis, Indiana, area, the 2026 Subaru Outback and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe are excellent options. The Outback offers two rows of seats, while the Santa Fe has three rows. Both offer powerful engines, spacious interiors, and a long list of tech features to keep occupants safe and comfortable. Our Speedway Subaru team created this 2026 Outback vs. 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe comparison to give you all the information you need to choose the one that suits your lifestyle.

2026 Subaru Outback and 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Performance and Engine Specifications

Power and performance are key considerations when choosing between the 2026 Outback and the 2026 Santa Fe. Here are the performance and engine specifications of both SUVs:

Subaru Outback

The new Outback has two engine options, depending on the trim. The standard engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder BOXER engine that delivers 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Select trims have a 2.4-liter direct-injection turbocharged Subaru BOXER engine that produces a powerful 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. All models come with Subaru's legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, except the Wilderness trim. The latter offers 9.5 inches of ground clearance, making it ideal for moderate off-roading when getting to your campsite at Mohawk Camp Ground.

Hyundai Santa Fe

All non-hybrid Santa Fe trims come with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This SUV comes standard with front-wheel drive, with the option to upgrade to all-wheel drive for added traction on slippery roads.

Technology and Infotainment Systems

Both the Outback and the Santa Fe come with cutting-edge technology and infotainment features to keep you comfortable and entertained on long trips.

Subaru Outback

All 2026 Outback models come with Subaru's 12.1-inch multimedia infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. The top Wilderness trim offers the same infotainment system, with available built-in navigation. As you move up the trim levels, you get additional features like a power rear gate, a Harman Kardon premium sound system, and a wireless charging device.

Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2026 Santa Fe features a 12.3-inch infotainment touch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless connectivity. A six-speaker sound system is standard, while a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a dual wireless charging pad are standard on higher trims and optional on base models.

Interior Space and Comfort Analysis

Here's how the interiors of the 2026 Outback and 2026 Santa Fe compare in terms of space and comfort:

Subaru Outback

The Outback is a two-row SUV that seats five passengers. Thanks to its flexible seating configurations, this SUV has up to 80.5 cubic feet of storage space. You'll find attractive features on the upper trim levels, including perforated Nappa leather-trimmed seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated rear outboard seats.

Hyundai Santa Fe

The Santa Fe has three rows of seats. It can seat seven people with the two rear bench seats, or six with second-row captain's chairs. Heated and ventilated front seats with Nappa leather upholstery come on the higher trims, as does a relaxation feature for the driver's seat found on the top-tier Santa Fe Calligraphy.

Design and Exterior Styling Comparison

The Outback is all-new for 2026, ditching its station wagon body for a boxier SUV-like silhouette. Still fresh from its 2024 redesign, the Santa Fe's exterior carries over into 2026 unchanged. Here's more about the design and exterior styling of both SUVs:

Subaru Outback

The 2026 Outback differs from earlier models. Subaru added two inches to its height, giving the Outback more interior headroom. You'll notice that the Outback is slightly wider than the 2025 model. Instead of a station wagon appearance, the new Outback has a boxier SUV appearance. A new integrated ladder makes it easier to access the top roof rails for loading and unloading your gear at Wildwood Lake.

Hyundai Santa Fe

The Santa Fe SUV has a taller and boxier stance, though the large pillars and smaller rear window hinder rear visibility. The roof rails let you carry extra gear, and all trims come with a hands-free power liftgate to make loading and unloading supplies easier.

Which SUV is Right for Your Indianapolis, Indiana, Lifestyle?

The 2026 Subaru Outback is a dependable SUV that comes standard with Subaru's proprietary Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system and a flat four-cylinder engine. The capable Outback is ideal for a day trip into Chicago or a weekend getaway to White River State Park. When you compare the Hyundai Santa Fe vs. the Subaru Outback, the Santa Fe has more room for a larger family with seating for six or seven people. Their pricing is comparable, so your choice ultimately comes down to personal preference.

If the 2026 Outback best fits your lifestyle, our professional sales team will help you choose the ideal trim for your driving needs, and our finance department will help you find an auto loan or lease deal that suits your budget.

Test Drive A New Subaru Outback at Speedway Subaru Today

Are you excited to experience the new 2026 Subaru Outback? Browse Speedway Subaru's extensive inventory, or visit our dealership at 1930 W. 16th St. to see this handsome midsize SUV in person. Contact us today to schedule a test drive and learn more about how the new Outback can enhance your driving experience.