“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. However, in recent years, each has produced a midsize, 3-row SUV needed to be competitive in America.
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 bases and gave the Ascent a little makeover for 2023. There are some differences between these two, and we explore them below.
2024 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.
However, it did get a new trim level, the Calligraphy Night edition. It has a blacked-out exterior, including wheels, with AWD added as standard.
Pricing starts at $36,400.
Hyundai Palisade Highlights
Big power: The Hyundai Palisade is powered by a 291-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine matched with an 8-speed automatic transmission and front- (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). That kind of power helps when the Palisade is in tow mode if yours has AWD.
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: Kia’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 for sale near you.
2024 Subaru Ascent
Let’s cut to the chase: 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 Ascent, which seats eight people, gave those stuck in the smaller Forester a place to go after they outgrew that smaller ute.
While the Palisade may be a bit more stylish, the Ascent plays to its brand strength: capability. It features eight trim levels, and AWD is standard on every one. Subaru cars are seen as safe vehicles, and Ascent does nothing to change that perception, securing a Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Pricing for the Ascent starts at $34,195.
Subaru Ascent Highlights
Rough and tumble: The Ascent isn’t the fastest, the largest, or the most nimble midsize ute, but when road conditions become difficult, it shines. With standard AWD, plenty of ground clearance, and X-Mod with hill descent control, it’s ready to go in rain or shine — and especially snow.
No sounds of silence: The cabin of the Ascent is a nice place to be. It’s comfortable and roomy, with plenty of technology to make your drive better, as well as plenty of sound-deadening material. This makes the available Harman Kardon sound system and its 13 speakers and a subwoofer pump out 792 watts of clear, crisp sound — the sounds of your choice.
Safety first: This gets harped on a lot regarding the Ascent because it’s a Subaru, but it’s a safe vehicle. With a 5-star overall rating from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (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 for sale near you.
Similarities
They are close regarding space in the cabin and infotainment technology, but the exterior styling for each is unique and appealing.
Conclusion
Let’s look at a few things here, starting with the fact the Hyundai Palisade boasts a more powerful engine, a better warranty, more room inside, and just more choices overall. The Subaru Ascent gives you AWD no matter what you buy, and it’s more than $2,000 cheaper at the low end.
All things being equal, having more choices and power gives this race to the Palisade by a nose.
| 2024 Hyundai Palisade | 2024 Subaru Ascent | |
| Starting Price | $36,400 | $34,195 |
| 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 | CVT |
| Fuel Economy | 19 city/26 highway/22 combined mpg | 20 city/26 highway/22 combined |
| Also Available | FWD, AWD | |
| 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 | TBD | 5 stars |
| 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, Rear | 40.1 inches | 40.0 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 44.1 inches | 42.2 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 42.4 inches | 38.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 61.2 inches | 61.1 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 60.8 inches | 60.3 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 18.0/86.4 cubic feet | 17.8/75.6 cubic feet |
