In the bustling jungles and the serene mountain landscapes, one question echoes aloud – Hyundai Palisade vs. Subaru Ascent: which reigns supreme? Each vehicle is a unique blend of rugged adventurer and elegant city cruiser, boasting features to elevate both your off-road escapades and city commutes. Let’s dissect these features and help you determine your family’s next all-round vehicle.
The Palisade boasts a modern aesthetic, a superior standard infotainment package, additional cargo space, as well as more power. In contrast, the Ascent is more cost-effective, offering better fuel efficiency and a classic design. Both models provide reliability and safety, receiving high ratings from IIHS and NHTSA. All in all, each brings unique strengths to the table, appealing to different preferences and priorities in the SUV market.
The Three-Row SUV Category Has Been a Very Competitive Market for Years Now
For years now, the three-row SUV category has not just survived but thrived, carving out a significant niche in the automotive landscape. The need for a family vehicle that can seat everyone in comfort, all while accommodating your belongings, has fueled this demand in the past decade, making three-row SUVs a common sight on famous US routes.
In this fiercely competitive segment, these four-wheelers are celebrated for offering more than just space. They ascend into the realms of offering a towering view of the road – a feature that’s all about enhancing the driver’s control and confidence. Moreover, as technology and vehicle evolution continue to develop at a breakneck pace, these SUVs are at the forefront of integrating advanced tech and safety features.
Both Hyundai and Subaru Offer Some of the Most Popular Picks in This Segment
Both of these automotive giants have skillfully responded to the rising demand in the three-row SUV category with models that encapsulate the essence of spaciousness, comfort, and technological innovation. Before we get into more detail about how they did that, here are the trim level options that come with each of these four-wheelers:
It’s a Battle Between a Contemporary Look and a More Classic Feel When It Comes to the Exterior
When it comes to choosing your next vehicle, it’s not all about looks. However, exterior design often strikes the first chord of connection with potential buyers, and in this aspect, personal preference is the be-all and end-all.
This captivating duel can’t be more apparent than in this segment. The sleek, modern aesthetics of Hyundai’s model clashes with Subaru’s embodiment of timeless elegance. Which one comes on top? Well, it’s up to you to decide.
The Palisade Makes a Clear Statement With Its Fresh and Contemporary Design
The integration of LED lighting accentuates the Palisade’s contemporary flair, complementing the distinct honeycomb grille and silver trims. The SUV is also adorned with plenty of features that blend aesthetics and functionality seamlessly, including:
- The sleek design of turn signals,
- Automatic headlights,
- Roof-mounted Center High-Mount Stop Light (CHMSL),
- Solar front glass.
The Ascent Sticks With a More Classic Look
While the 2023 model year brought refreshed exterior styling for the Ascent, the design still embraces a classic feel reminiscent of the iconic station wagon. It’s a nod to the timeless elegance that is signature to Subaru’s design philosophy.
Wheels of 18 inches grace the Base and Premium trim levels, while climbing up the ladder brings a robust 20-inch alloy frame. The implementation of LED Steering Responsive Headlights (SRH) enhances visibility and safety while driving at night, with the upper trims further embellished with LED fog lights. The raised roof rails not only accentuate its classic appeal but offer pragmatic solutions for additional cargo carriage, further blending design and functionality, just like its contender.
Hyundai Palisade vs. Subaru Ascent – Which SUV Offers More Passenger and Cargo Space?
Space, as previously highlighted, is a cardinal factor that can make or break the decision for potential SUV buyers. Families, adventurers, and city dwellers alike often find themselves balancing the scales between passenger comfort and cargo capacity.
Before we delve any further, here’s a size overview of these four-wheelers:
| Measurement | 2024 Hyundai Palisade | 2024 Subaru Ascent |
| Length | 196.7 in | 196.8 in |
| Width | 77.8 in | 76 in |
| Height | 68.9 in | 71.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 114.2 in | 113.8 in |
| Seating Capacity | 8 | 8 |
| Cargo Capacity | 18 cu/ft | 17.8 cu/ft |
*For the metric system, an inch is 25.4 mm
Both Vehicles Offer Comfortable Space for up to Eight Passengers
As you can see from the table above, these SUVs are pretty comparable when it comes to size, with the Hyundai having a slight edge over its contender. However, both vehicles are not shy to flaunt their generous seating for up to 8 passengers.
With 44.1 inches of front-row legroom and an expansive 42.4 inches in the second row, the Palisade offers a few extra inches that could elevate the comfort experience. The difference might seem insignificant in the front, but rear passengers are graced with noticeably enhanced stretch and comfort.
The Palisade Offers a Bit More Cargo Space Than Its Competitor
Hyundai’s SUV reigns supreme when it comes to cargo capacity as well, boasting up to 18 cubic feet of space with all seats and expanding to 86.4 cubic feet when the second row takes a bow. Its counterpart, although not far behind, offers 17.8 cubic feet with everyone on board and matches the maximum capacity when the second seating row is folded.
The Palisade Is Better Equipped When It Comes to Standard Infotainment Features
In today’s digitally-driven world, the infotainment system has become a staple of modern vehicles, integral to their performance and comfort features. It’s not just about staying entertained during the drive – it’s also about staying connected, informed, and safe.
In this domain, Hyundai once again takes the lead, offering a well-equipped package of standard infotainment features. However, it’s worth noting that the exact ensemble of features is influenced by the trim level you’re eyeing, adding layers of customization to meet diverse preferences and needs. To get a clearer picture, here’s an overview of what these SUVs offer straight out of the gate:
Which SUV Comes Out on Top as the More Reliable Choice?
When it boils down to the quintessential family city car, reliability isn’t just a feature – it’s a necessity. Luckily, both contenders in our spotlight have established reputations in this department. After all, safety is the number one driver’s responsibility.
The Ascent Comes Equipped With a Special Safety Package
Subaru’s SUV boasts high safety ratings and recognition, including the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ award and a 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Every trim level is imbued with the EyeSight driver-assistance package, a suite of features like lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring, to name a few.
The Palisade Also Has a Well-Earned Reputation When It Comes to Reliability
Hyundai’s four-wheeler mirrors this commitment to safety, also flaunting the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award and an NHTSA 5-star rating. Standard safety is elevated with advanced features, including blind-spot collision assist and rear cross-traffic assist. Add in smart cruise control and lane-keep assist, and you have a vehicle that doesn’t just get you from one place to another but also does it with a commitment to safety.
Subaru Ascent vs. Hyundai Palisade – Power, Handling, and Fuel Efficiency
Now, we venture into the heart of the matter, where the rubber meets the road. While aesthetics and interior comforts are paramount, there’s nothing quite as important as the engine’s roar and its fuel consumption. Before we get into a detailed comparison, here’s an overview of the main specifications:
| Specification | 2024 Hyundai Palisade | 2024 Subaru Ascent |
| Type of Engine | 3.8L V6 | 2.4L Flat-4-cylinder Turbo |
| Engine Power | 291 hp at 6,000 rpm | 260 hp at 5,600 rpm |
| Engine Torque | 262 lb/ft at 5,200 rpm | 277 lb/ft at 2,000 rpm |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive (FWD) | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
| Transmission | 8A | CVT |
| Fuel Economy | 19/26/22 MPG | 20/26/22 MPG |
Now, let’s get into the power, handling, and fuel consumption of these automotive marvels, figuring out which one comes out on top:
Engine Performance
Under the hood of the Ascent, a 2.4-liter turbo flat-4 engine resides, harmoniously paired with a continuous variable transmission (CVT) that gracefully delivers power to every wheel. In contrast, the other contender boasts a 3.8-liter V-6 engine, allied with an 8-speed transmission, unfurling 291 hp and 262 lb/ft of torque. This configuration makes it much more powerful than its contender.
Driving Experience
The Ascent, armed with standard all-wheel drive (AWD), handles off-road driving with commendable ease. Its ride quality is a blend of comfort and agility, although the powertrain’s voice can rise at full throttle.
On the other hand, its counterpart delivers a cushioned ride that nullifies the road’s imperfections but is still quick and responsive when the situation demands. And when it comes to towing capacity, both contenders stand shoulder to shoulder, with the Hyundai having a slight edge at the base trim.
Fuel Efficiency
When it comes to the economy at the pump, the Subaru takes a slight lead, offering 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. Its counterpart is not far behind, so it’s good to know that either way you’ll be getting a considerably sized vehicle that’ll actually help you cut down the car expenses down the road.
The Ascent Is a More Cost-Effective Choice but Not by a Large Margin
When the conversations shift gears to cost-effectiveness, the Ascent emerges with a slight edge. The 2024 model of this vehicle has a starting MSRP hovering around the $34,000 mark. In comparison, the starting price tag of its contender is set at approximately $36,000 for the base 2024 model. Although the gap isn’t vast, it could tip the scales for buyers keeping a close eye on the budget.
Hyundai Offers Unparalleled Warranty Coverage in the Automotive Industry
It might come with a higher price tag, but Hyundai’s SUV has warranty offerings that are heralded as industry benchmarks. Buyers are cushioned with a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, accompanied by a 10-year/100,000-mile drivetrain coverage. On top of that, you get 5 years of roadside assistance, which is definitely an offer worth considering.
The Palisade Outshines Its Competitor but That Doesn’t Make It the Perfect Choice for You
When it all boils down, Hyundai’s SUV comes out on top as the better overall choice, from the space it offers to the power it boasts. But hey, that doesn’t stamp out the Ascent’s glow. At the end of the day, it’s not just about the bells and whistles, the horsepower, or the MPG – it’s about how you feel when you’re behind the wheel. So, take them both for a spin, and then, just maybe, you’ll hear the subtle whisper of the car that wants to be yours.
