2025 Hyundai Palisade vs. 2025 Subaru Ascent Comparison

“One of these is not like the other” might be appropriate if we were comparing Hyundai and Subaru. Hyundai is an upstart in the United States compared to Subaru and its long tenure here. Hyundai is known for affordable vehicles, while Subaru is recognized as a tough, off-road-ready competitor. Both are relative newcomers to the competitive class of midsize 3-row SUVs suited to American tastes.

The Palisade got a midcycle refresh for the 2023 model year, making a smart-looking, very capable vehicle look and perform even better. Subaru has amassed one of the industry’s most loyal owner bases and gave the Ascent a little makeover for 2023. There are some differences between these two, and we explore them below.

2025 Hyundai Palisade

On the outside, there are basically no changes for the Hyundai Palisade, as it just went through an update for 2023. However, it is the top of the brand’s sport-utility mountain, offering an impressive combination of looks, performance, comfort, and technology — critical to success in the midsize 3-row SUV segment. Notably, it’s in the final model year of its current generation with an all-new model on the way for 2026.

Hyundai Palisade Highlights

Confident power: The Hyundai Palisade is powered by a 291-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine matched with an 8-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). All-wheel-drive power helps when the Palisade is in tow mode.

Easy access to tech: Few things are more frustrating than trying to wend your way through a series of menus on a small touchscreen. Fortunately, that’s not a problem with the massive 12.3-inch screen in the Palisade.

Outstanding warranty: Hyundai’s 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty offer you peace of mind — for a decade. Hyundai also throws in a 3-year/36,000-mile complimentary maintenance plan.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Palisade models near you.

2025 Subaru Ascent

People love Subaru. Even people who don’t buy them look at them like cute dogs on someone else’s leash. However, those who do buy the brand tend to stick with it for a long time. The Subaru Ascent, which seats eight people, gave those who were stuck in the 5-passenger Forester a place to go after outgrowing that smaller SUV.

While the Palisade may be a bit more stylish, the Ascent plays to its brand strength: capability. It features eight trim levels, and all-wheel drive is standard for everyone. Subaru has a strong reputation for safety, and Ascent does nothing to change that perception, securing a Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Subaru Ascent Highlights

Rough and tumble: The Ascent isn’t the fastest, the largest, or the most nimble midsize SUV, but when road conditions become difficult, it shines. With standard all-wheel drive, plenty of ground clearance, and X-Mode with hill descent control, it’s ready to go in rain or shine — and especially snow.

No sounds of silence: The Ascent’s cabin is a nice place to be. It’s comfortable and roomy, with plenty of technology to improve your drive and loads of sound-deadening material. This makes the available Harman Kardon sound system, with its 13 speakers and a subwoofer pumping out 792 watts of clear, crisp sound — the sounds of your choice.

Safety first: Safety is harped on a lot regarding the Ascent because it’s a Subaru, but it is a safe vehicle. With a 5-Star overall rating from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, this is a safe SUV, and the value of getting what you pay for cannot be underappreciated.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Ascent models near you.

Similarities

The Palisade and Ascent are close regarding cabin space and infotainment technology, but each has unique and appealing exterior styling.  

Pricing

The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Hyundai Palisade vehicles and New 2025 Subaru Ascent vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.

Specifications

	2025 Hyundai Palisade	2025 Subaru Ascent
Popular Powertrains
Engine	3.8-liter 6-cylinder	2.4-liter turbo 4-cylinder
Horsepower	291 hp @ 6,000 rpm	260 hp @ 5,600 rpm
Torque	262 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm	277 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm
Transmission	8-speed automatic, FWD	CVT, AWD
Fuel Economy	19 city/26 hwy/22 combined mpg	20 city/26 hwy/22 combined
Also Available	AWD
Specs
Basic Warranty	5 years/60,000 miles	3 years/36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	10 years/100,000 miles	5 years/60,000 miles
NHTSA Overall Safety	5-Star	5-Star
Max Seating Capacity	7	8
Wheelbase	114.2 inches	113.8 inches
Overall Length	196.7 inches	196.8 inches
Width	77.8 inches	76.0 inches
Height	68.9 inches	71.6 inches
Turning Diameter	38.7 feet	38.0 feet
Headroom, Front	40.7 inches	41.2 inches
Headroom, 2nd Row	40.1 inches	40.0 inches
Headroom, 3rd Row	37.8 inches	36.2 inches
Legroom, Front	44.1 inches	42.2 inches
Legroom, 2nd Row	42.4 inches	38.6 inches
Legroom, 3rd Row	31.4 inches	31.7 inches
Shoulder Room, Front	61.2 inches	61.1 inches
Shoulder Room, 2nd Row	60.8 inches	60.3 inches
Shoulder Room, 3rd Row	55.2 inches	57.0 inches
Cargo Volume	18.0/45.8/86.4 cubic feet	17.8/43.5/75.6 cubic feet

Conclusion

Let’s look at a few things here, starting with the Hyundai Palisade boasting a more powerful engine, a better warranty, more room inside, and just more choices overall. The Subaru Ascent gives you all-wheel drive no matter which trim you buy.

All things being equal, having more choices and power gives this race to the Palisade by a nose.