What is the best year for a Hyundai Tucson?

Avoid 2016 and 2017 — those model years logged 1,605 and 1,065 complaints respectively during the Theta II engine recall era. The 2021 Tucson stands out as the cleanest mature year at 67 complaints and a 10/10 NHTSA safety score. The 2022 new-generation launch had 356 complaints, settling to 116 in 2023 and 81 in 2024. For the current generation, 2024 is the strongest pick.

How much does Hyundai Tucson insurance cost?

Tucson insurance averages about $1,975/year — roughly $165/month. One of the more affordable rates in the compact class.

Is the Hyundai Tucson or Toyota RAV4 cheaper to maintain?

The Tucson and RAV4 are nearly identical in maintenance cost — $426 versus $429, a difference of $3 annually. Both carry a reliability score of 8. The RAV4 has a slight edge in major repair probability (10% vs. 12%); the two match on repair frequency (26% each). Effectively a tie on ownership cost.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a Hyundai Tucson?

Major repair probability of 12% is slightly above the class average. The 2016-2017 engine recall history is the biggest risk factor for used buyers in that range — warranty coverage is worth taking seriously for those years. For 2021 and newer, the risk profile is much more moderate.

Is the Subaru Outback expensive to maintain?

The Outback costs $607/year to maintain — $86 above the compact segment average of $521. Repair frequency of 37% is above the class average of 30%. Reliability score of 7 is below the class average of 8. Major repair probability of 12% is slightly above the 11% norm. Above-average cost and repair profile across all metrics.

What is the best year for a Subaru Outback?

The 2023 Outback is the strongest used pick — 84 complaints, 10/10 NHTSA safety score, 9 severe issues. Strongly avoid 2018-2020, which generated 799, 1,025, and 889 complaints respectively, driven by widespread oil consumption and EyeSight system issues. The 2021-2022 range remained elevated. 2023 marks the clear turning point.

How much does Subaru Outback insurance cost?

Outback insurance averages about $1,964/year — roughly $164/month. One of the lower insurance rates in the compact class despite above-average maintenance costs.

Is the Subaru Outback or Honda Passport cheaper to maintain?

The Honda Passport is $86/year cheaper — $521 versus $607 for the Outback. The Passport also has a higher reliability score (8 vs. 7) and lower repair frequency (28% vs. 37%). The Outback's differentiators are its standard AWD and wagon body style, which are meaningful depending on use case.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a Subaru Outback?

The 2018-2020 generation's documented complaint history makes extended warranty strongly recommended for those model years. Major repair probability of 12% and repair frequency of 37% are both above compact class averages. For 2023 and newer, the profile improves considerably — but the Outback's overall cost premium makes a repair fund or warranty worth planning for.

Hyundai Tucson vs Subaru Outback

Two compact SUVs compared on the numbers that matter — maintenance cost, reliability, and insurance.

// VERDICT

Our verdict

Buy the Hyundai Tucson — lower 5-year cost and better reliability.

Buy the Subaru Outback if its specific features or size suit your needs better.

// COST HEAD TO HEAD

Maintenance and ownership cost

	Hyundai Tucson	Subaru Outback
Annual maintenance	$426winner	$607
5-year total cost	$2,130winner	$3,035
Reliability score	8 / 10winner	7 / 10
Major repair risk (5yr)	12%	12%
Cargo space	80.3 cu ft	—
Starting price (new)	$31,300winner	$34,995
Best years to buy	2020	—

// RELIABILITY

Which is more reliable?

	Hyundai Tucson	Subaru Outback
RepairPal score	8 / 10winner	7 / 10
NHTSA complaints / 100k	284.9winner	287.6
Years to avoid	2011, 2012, 2016	2018, 2019, 2020
Value retained · 3 yr	76.3%	79.2%winner
Value retained · 5 yr	57.7%	61.4%winner
Value retained · 7 yr	47.3%	48.8%winner

// COMMON PROBLEMS

What breaks — and what it costs

	Hyundai Tucson	Subaru Outback
Engine	38.3%	8.1%winner
Electrical	6.0%winner	18.7%
ADAS	10.5%	7.0%winner
Brakes	8.9%	4.0%winner
Steering	0.9%winner	3.6%
Fuel system	2.8%	1.3%winner
Tires/Wheels	0.8%winner	1.0%
Glass/Windows	1.4%winner	26.3%
Airbags	1.4%winner	5.4%
Lighting	1.0%winner	3.3%

One major repair on either model can run $1,500–4,000. A warranty caps your exposure, especially on known problem years.

// INSURANCE

Which is cheaper to insure?

	Hyundai Tucson	Subaru Outback
Avg annual premium	$1,975	$1,964winner

// FULL MODEL PAGES

GAS

Hyundai Tucson

$426/yr maint · 8 reliability

Full model page

GAS

Subaru Outback

$607/yr maint · 7 reliability

Full model page

// FAQ

Common questions

The Tucson averages $426/year in maintenance — $95 below the compact segment average of $521. Repair frequency of 26% is below the class average of 30%. Major repair probability of 12% is slightly above the 11% segment average. On balance, it's a below-average cost ownership with a near-average repair risk profile.

How we calculated this. Maintenance costs and reliability scores from RepairPal. Complaints and recalls from NHTSA. Fuel economy from the EPA. Insurance averages from CarEdge. Pricing from KBB. Depreciation from iSeeCars. Full methodology →