2025 Subaru Ascent vs. 2025 Hyundai Palisade
If you're shopping for a spacious, three-row SUV that delivers both comfort and capability, the 2025 Subaru Ascent and the 2025 Hyundai Palisade are likely on your radar. Both models offer impressive passenger space, advanced features, and refined styling. But which one is better suited for your lifestyle? At Granite Subaru, we believe the 2025 Subaru Ascent delivers standout value with its rugged design, all-weather performance, and family-friendly flexibility. Let's take a closer look at how these two SUVs compare to help you get started with your research.
Exterior Design and Features
The 2025 Subaru Ascent brings a bold and functional design to the midsize SUV segment, blending rugged capability with refined styling. Its sculpted front fascia, LED steering responsive headlights, and standard 18-inch alloy wheels create a confident and athletic stance that is perfect for drivers who want style and substance. Higher trims feature 20-inch machine-finished wheels and chrome exterior accents that elevate its premium feel. The Ascent also comes standard with raised roof rails, adding utility and adventure-readiness right off the lot.
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade offers a sleek and upscale design with a cascading grille and integrated LED lighting elements. It leans more toward luxury aesthetics, with softer lines and a more urban appeal. While the Palisade also offers some great features, it lacks the same outdoors-oriented design elements that make the Ascent ideal for active lifestyles.
For drivers who need a vehicle that's not only stylish but ready for everything from school drop-offs to weekend adventures, the Subaru Ascent stands out with its practical, adventure-ready exterior and signature Subaru versatility.
Interior Design and Features
Inside, the 2025 Subaru Ascent is designed with families and long-haul comfort in mind. It seats up to eight passengers with standard second- and third-row bench seating, or seven with available captain's chairs. With up to 75.6 cubic feet of cargo space and wide rear door openings, the Ascent offers excellent flexibility for gear, groceries, and luggage. High-quality materials, durable upholstery options, and available second-row sunshades enhance everyday usability.
The Hyundai Palisade also offers seating for up to eight, with a slightly more upscale aesthetic featuring quilted leather options on higher trims. While the Palisade provides comparable space, its rear cargo area can feel less accommodating when all seats are in use, and its narrower rear door openings may be less convenient for families loading kids or cargo.
Overall, the Ascent's smart interior layout, spacious design, and user-friendly features make it the more versatile option.
Power and Performance
Under the hood, the 2025 Subaru Ascent comes equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter BOXER engine that delivers 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a Lineartronic CVT and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, the Ascent provides confident traction in all conditions - whether you're navigating snowy mountain roads or wet city streets. It also boasts an impressive towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, making it a strong contender for families who like to bring along boats, trailers, or campers.
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. While it offers a slightly higher horsepower rating, it lacks the low-end torque and fuel efficiency of the Ascent's turbocharged setup. The Palisade's maximum towing capacity also tops out at 5,000 pounds, but it requires an available all-wheel drive system, whereas all-wheel drive is standard on every Subaru Ascent.
When it comes to performance in real-world conditions, the Ascent's combination of standard AWD, turbocharged efficiency, and proven Subaru engineering gives it a clear edge in capability, control, and fuel economy.
Technology and Convenience Features
The 2025 Subaru Ascent is packed with thoughtful technology designed to keep your family connected and comfortable on every journey. Every trim comes standard with Subaru's Starlink Multimedia system, featuring a high-resolution 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Tri-zone climate control, a rear vision camera, USB-A and USB-C ports for all three rows, and available Wi-Fi connectivity ensure that every passenger stays plugged in and content.
Higher trims of the Ascent add premium features like a panoramic power moonroof, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, a power rear liftgate, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system.
The Hyundai Palisade offers a comparable infotainment setup, with a 12.3-inch display and available features like wireless device charging and premium audio. However, many of the Palisade's more advanced convenience features are locked behind upper trims, whereas Subaru offers a robust list of features even in mid-tier models.
With its intuitive layout, user-friendly technology, and family-focused conveniences available across a range of trims, the 2025 Subaru Ascent once again stands out as the more accommodating and value-packed option.
Safety Features
When it comes to keeping your family protected, the 2025 Subaru Ascent continues to set the bar high with its suite of standard safety technologies. Every Ascent is equipped with Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes advanced features like pre-collision braking, lane departure and sway warning, and adaptive cruise control. New for 2025, enhancements to EyeSight offer even smoother responsiveness and greater detection accuracy in low-visibility conditions. The Ascent also includes standard rear seat reminder, rear vision camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system with individual tire display.
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade also offers a comprehensive list of safety features, but many advanced driver-assist technologies are not standard across all trims. Hyundai's system is competent, but Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive paired with its proven safety record and standard active safety systems make the Ascent the more dependable choice, especially in unpredictable driving conditions
Shop the 2025 Subaru Ascent at Granite Subaru
If you're looking for a three-row SUV that delivers superior safety, everyday versatility, and the confidence to tackle any road, the 2025 Subaru Ascent is the clear winner. With standard all-wheel drive, advanced technology and convenience features, and a design that supports busy families and weekend adventurers alike, the Ascent rises above the competition.
Visit Granite Subaru today to explore our selection of 2025 Subaru Ascent models. Our team is here to help you find the perfect trim and features to match your lifestyle. Schedule your test drive today and discover why the Subaru Ascent is the smart choice for drivers in search of comfort, capability, and long-term value.
