2024 Subaru Outback vs. Hyundai Santa Fe: The Ultimate Connecticut SUV Showdown
When it comes to choosing the perfect SUV for Connecticut’s diverse terrain and unpredictable weather, two contenders often rise to the top: the 2024 Subaru Outback vs Hyundai Santa Fe. But which one truly reigns supreme? Let’s dive into a comprehensive comparison, focusing on fuel efficiency, pricing, and standard features that matter most to Connecticut drivers.
Fuel Efficiency: Outback Takes the Lead
In the world of SUVs, fuel efficiency is a crucial factor, especially for Connecticut drivers who face a mix of city and highway driving. The 2024 Subaru Outback vs Hyundai Santa Fe clearly outshines its competitor in this arena.
Buddy Blichfeldt, an expert from Quality Subaru in Wallingford, CT, explains, “with the Outback standard 2.5L engine, you get 26 miles per gallon in the city, and you get 33 miles per gallon on the highway. So, if you compare that with the Hyundai Santa Fe, it’s not even a fair comparison because now you’re looking at fuel economy ratings of 19 in the city for the Santa Fe XRT AWD and 26 on the highway.”
This significant difference means that Outback drivers can enjoy longer trips with fewer stops at the pump, saving both time and money in the long run.
Pricing: More Bang for Your Buck with Outback
When it comes to pricing, the 2024 Subaru Outback vs Hyundai Santa Fe offers Connecticut drivers exceptional value. Blichfeldt points out, “The starting MSRP on the Santa Fe is over $35,000. The starting MSRP on the Outback is just over 30,000, it’s $30,240. So you have a $5,000 gap there.”
This price difference becomes even more substantial when you consider the standard features included in each model. The Outback comes with all-wheel drive as a standard feature, while it’s an additional cost for the Santa Fe. Blichfeldt adds, “And now when you add the all-wheel drive feature to the Santa Fe, now you’re looking at close to a $7,000 gap in price right there.”
Standard Features: Outback’s Impressive Package
The 2024 Subaru Outback vs Hyundai Santa Fe doesn’t just win on price and fuel efficiency; it also comes packed with an impressive array of standard features that Connecticut drivers will appreciate.
All-Wheel Drive
One of the most significant advantages of the 2024 Subaru Outback vs Hyundai Santa Fe is its standard all-wheel drive system. Blichfeldt emphasizes, “Subaru, it’s all wheel drive is the standard feature for that. So, when you’re looking at that right off the bat, you have to pay extra to get all wheel drive in a Santa Fe where it’s standard in the Outback.”
This feature is particularly valuable for Connecticut drivers who face snowy winters and varied terrain throughout the year.
EyeSight Technology
Safety is a top priority for SUV buyers, and the Outback delivers with its standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. Blichfeldt explains, “All of the safety features that you have, they’re not optional, they’re standard. So when you look at the Subaru EyeSight technology and what it does in terms of keeping you from getting into an accident, that’s all standard.”
Ground Clearance
For those Connecticut adventures that take you off the beaten path, the Outback offers superior ground clearance. “Our ground clearance is 8.7 inches, where the ground clearance on the Santa Fe is only seven inches. So we have 1.7 inches more,” Blichfeldt notes. This extra clearance can make a significant difference when navigating rough terrain or deep snow.
Comfort and Design: Outback’s Thoughtful Approach
While specs and numbers are important, the overall comfort and design of an SUV play a crucial role in the driving experience. The 2024 Subaru Outback vs Hyundai Santa Fe shines in this area as well.
Blichfeldt shares his personal experience: “The Outback, I will say, is just so incredibly comfortable. I’ve taken multi-hour trips in the vehicle and never am I complaining about pain in my body. It’s just a very, very comfortable seat and a very comfortable ride.”
He also praises the Outback’s interior design, particularly the placement of the infotainment system. “I really like the Subaru design versus our competitors. It seems that the competitors are all going toward a system where they have, they place all of the infotainment much higher up on the dashboard. It’s almost like a tablet, you know, that’s sticking up out of the dash. Whereas the Subaru is in a much better position so that you have a much broader view of the road.”
Performance and Capability: Outback’s Unique Advantages
When it comes to performance, the 2024 Subaru Outback offers unique advantages that set it apart from the Hyundai Santa Fe.
Engine Options
The Outback provides more flexibility with its engine options. Blichfeldt explains, “The Subaru Outback vs Hyundai Santa Fe, you have a choice. You can get a regular four-cylinder engine or you can get a turbocharged if you’re looking for more power. So right off the bat, what that means is you have a choice if you want more power or if you want better fuel economy.”
Unique Engine Design
The Outback’s engine design contributes to its superior handling and ride quality. Blichfeldt points out, “We are the only vehicle right now in this category that has the engine, which is a horizontally opposed four cylinder engine, which means the engine pistons oppose each other. It’s like the motor lays sideways.”
This unique design lowers the vehicle’s center of gravity, improving handling and stability – crucial factors for Connecticut’s winding roads and varying weather conditions.
Resale Value: Outback’s Long-Term Advantage
For many Connecticut buyers, the long-term value of their vehicle is a crucial consideration. The 2024 Subaru Outback vs Hyundai Santa Fe shines in this area as well.
Blichfeldt explains, “That’s the big thing, keeping their prices in a great place from the beginning really helps the resale value because the demand is so strong for the vehicle new. It makes the demand strong for a used. There’s not an oversupply of the vehicles.”
This approach to pricing and production helps maintain the Outback’s value over time, making it a smart investment for Connecticut drivers.
In conclusion, while both the 2024 Subaru Outback and Hyundai Santa Fe are capable SUVs, the Outback emerges as the superior choice for Connecticut drivers. With its better fuel efficiency, lower price point, impressive standard features, and unique performance advantages, the Outback offers unbeatable value. As Buddy Blichfeldt from Quality Subaru in Wallingford, CT, puts it, “I think our vehicle compares superior to everything in its class.” For Connecticut drivers looking for a reliable, efficient, and capable SUV, the 2024 Subaru Outback is hard to beat.
FAQ
Is the 2024 Subaru Outback good for Connecticut winters?
Yes, with standard all-wheel drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the Outback is excellent for Connecticut winters.
How does the Outback’s fuel efficiency compare to the Santa Fe?
The Outback offers significantly better fuel efficiency, with 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway compared to the Santa Fe XRT Awd’s 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.
What safety features come standard on the 2024 Outback?
The Outback comes standard with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.
Is the Subaru Outback more expensive than the Hyundai Santa Fe?
No, the Outback has a lower starting MSRP of $30,240 compared to the Santa Fe’s starting price of over $35,000.
Does the 2024 Outback offer good resale value?
Yes, due to strong demand and controlled production, the Outback typically maintains excellent resale value.
