Why the Subaru Outback Outpaces the Hyundai Santa Fe: A McDaniels Subaru Comparison

When shopping for a capable and reliable SUV, two popular contenders often come up: the Subaru Outback and the Hyundai Santa Fe. Both offer comfort, modern technology, and solid performance—but at McDaniels Subaru, we believe the Outback delivers more where it really counts: safety, versatility, all-weather performance, and long-term value.

Here’s why the Subaru Outback continues to lead the pack—and why McDaniels Subaru is your trusted guide to finding the perfect one.

Standard All-Wheel Drive, No Extra Cost

• Every Subaru Outback comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, giving you year-round confidence whether you’re navigating wet roads in Columbia or planning a weekend escape to the mountains.

• The Hyundai Santa Fe? You’ll need to upgrade to a higher trim and pay extra to add AWD—making the Outback the smarter value from the start.

Adventure-Ready Capability

• With up to 9.5 inches of ground clearance and available dual-function X-MODE®, the Outback is built to go beyond the pavement. Whether you're tailgating at a Gamecocks game or heading to Lake Murray, the Outback is up for the task.

• The Santa Fe offers all-wheel drive as an option but lacks the trail-tested engineering that makes the Outback a go-to for outdoor enthusiasts.

Unmatched Safety Comes Standard

• Subaru’s EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology is standard on every Outback trim and includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and pre-collision braking. That’s peace of mind you don’t have to pay extra for.

• While Hyundai’s SmartSense system offers some comparable features, not all come standard across every Santa Fe trim level.

More Space, More Flexibility

• The Outback’s longer cargo area, low lift-over height, and wide rear hatch make it easy to load gear, groceries, or your four-legged friend. Plus, rear passengers enjoy generous legroom—perfect for road trips or carpools.

• The Santa Fe provides solid comfort but can’t quite match the Outback’s interior space and cargo-carrying practicality.

Built to Last, Backed by Value

• Subaru has a long-standing reputation for vehicles that go the distance. In fact, 96% of Subaru vehicles sold in the last 10 years are still on the road today. That’s not just reliability—it’s lasting value.

• The Hyundai Santa Fe has improved over the years, but when it comes to long-term dependability and resale value, Subaru remains a step ahead.

Explore Your Outback Options at McDaniels Subaru

At McDaniels Subaru, we don’t just sell vehicles—we help match you with the right Subaru for your lifestyle. Whether you're looking for the adventure-ready Outback Wilderness, the tech-savvy Limited XT, or something in between, our team is here to guide you through every step with honest advice and personalized service.

Stop by our showroom in Columbia, SC or explore our inventory online to discover why more drivers are choosing the Subaru Outback over the competition.

McDaniels Subaru — Go Where You Want. Love What You Drive.

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**Make sure in that last sentence about exploring our inventory online that the link I added to it goes into the blog or copies over really.  If not, here is the link - https://www.mcdanielssubaru.com/new-inventory/index.htm?search=&model=Outback&sortBy=year+desc

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Subaru Crosstrek vs. Honda HR-V: Why Crosstrek Comes Out on Top

If you're in the market for a compact SUV that’s big on versatility, fuel efficiency, and all-around capability, the Subaru Crosstrek and Honda HR-V are two names that likely top your list. While both offer practical features and modern styling, the Crosstrek brings more to the table—especially for drivers who want a vehicle that’s as adventurous as it is reliable.

At McDaniels Subaru, we know how important it is to find the right fit for your lifestyle. Here’s why the Subaru Crosstrek stands out as the smarter, more capable choice over the Honda HR-V.

1. Standard All-Wheel Drive That Doesn’t Cost Extra

• Every Subaru Crosstrek is equipped with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, giving you enhanced traction and control in rain, snow, and off-road conditions. Whether you're commuting in Columbia or heading into the Carolina backcountry, the Crosstrek keeps you confidently in command.

• With the Honda HR-V, all-wheel drive is an added cost—and only available as an option. If you want standard AWD without the upcharge, Crosstrek wins.

2. Rugged Capability and Ground Clearance

• The Crosstrek offers up to 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it ideal for gravel roads, trailheads, and everything in between. Its X-MODE® system enhances grip in slippery conditions, perfect for unpredictable Southern weather.

• The HR-V, on the other hand, is built more for city streets. With lower ground clearance and no real off-road features, it’s simply not designed to explore beyond the pavement like the Crosstrek is.

3. Proven Safety and Confidence on Every Drive

• Subaru’s EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology is standard on most Crosstrek trims and includes automatic pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane centering. These features help the Crosstrek consistently earn top safety scores.

• The HR-V offers Honda Sensing® features, but not with the same level of standardization or all-around visibility Subaru is known for—especially in challenging driving conditions.

4. Smart Interior Layout and Versatility

• The Crosstrek’s well-designed cabin offers ample cargo space, intuitive technology, and a comfortable, elevated ride height. With 60/40-split rear seats and available water-repellent StarTex® upholstery, it’s built for active lifestyles—pets, gear, mud, and all.

• The HR-V has a tidy interior, but lacks the rugged utility and premium material options that make the Crosstrek adventure-ready inside and out.

5. Long-Term Value and Dependability

• Subaru vehicles are built to last—with 96% of Crosstreks sold in the last 10 years still on the road today. That’s a legacy of reliability and resale value that few brands can match.

• Honda has a good reputation for dependability, but when it comes to long-term ownership and capability, Subaru continues to lead the way.

Shop Online or Test Drive Today at McDaniels Subaru

Whether you're a weekend adventurer, a daily commuter, or somewhere in between, the Subaru Crosstrek is ready to meet the moment—and McDaniels Subaru is here to help you make it yours.

 Browse our inventory online
 Schedule your test drive
 Visit us in Columbia, SC to experience the Crosstrek difference in person

Come see why drivers throughout the Midlands are choosing the Crosstrek over the competition—and why McDaniels Subaru is your trusted local Subaru retailer.

McDaniels Subaru — Love where your Crosstrek takes you.