2025 Subaru Ascent vs. 2025 Hyundai Palisade
The midsize SUV market continues to evolve, and two strong contenders stand out for 2025: the Subaru Ascent and Hyundai Palisade. Both vehicles cater to families and adventure-seekers alike, offering three rows of seating, modern features, and refined styling. Choosing between these two requires a deeper look at their respective strengths in design, safety, technology, and performance.
This comparison outlines the differences and similarities between the 2025 Subaru Ascent and the 2025 Hyundai Palisade to help you decide which SUV fits your lifestyle best.
Design & Style
The 2025 Subaru Ascent maintains a rugged and versatile appearance, combining its bold grille design and chiseled body lines with a balanced stance suited for both urban and off-road environments. LED steering-responsive headlights and 18- or 20-inch alloy wheels add a premium touch across various trims. The interior emphasizes space and comfort, offering seating for up to eight and a clean dashboard layout with intuitive controls and high-quality materials throughout the cabin.
In comparison, the 2025 Hyundai Palisade leans more toward a luxury aesthetic, especially in its higher trims. The exterior features a more refined look, with an intricate grille design and available 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Palisade impresses with its upscale materials, ambient lighting, and options like Nappa leather upholstery. It also offers both seven- and eight-seat configurations. While both vehicles are stylish and well-built, the Ascent carries a more adventure-ready vibe, whereas the Palisade feels more tailored to upscale daily commuting.
Technology & Safety
The Ascent integrates a suite of advanced technology features designed for convenience and peace of mind. Every model includes the EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, which offers features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and pre-collision braking. A standard 11.6-inch STARLINK® Multimedia touchscreen provides access to wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation on select trims. Additional safety enhancements like reverse automatic braking and a 360-degree surround view monitor are available.
On the technology front, the 2025 Palisade offers a 12.3-inch infotainment display with built-in navigation, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Hyundai also includes a robust set of safety features through its SmartSense suite, including blind-spot collision avoidance, forward collision warning, and Safe Exit Assist. The Palisade offers unique features such as Driver Talk (a cabin intercom system), but in terms of core safety technologies, both vehicles perform equally well. However, the Ascent edges out slightly in off-road safety systems and real-world visibility enhancements.
Performance
The 2025 Subaru Ascent is powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a Lineartronic® CVT and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, the Ascent is engineered for a confident and balanced ride across changing road conditions. With up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, it stands out for families who prioritize weekend adventures and year-round versatility.
Meanwhile, the 2025 Hyundai Palisade features a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 engine, generating 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offers optional HTRAC All-Wheel Drive and a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds as well. While it delivers smooth performance for everyday driving, the Palisade’s ride feels more suited to highway cruising than trail-ready travel. The Ascent’s all-weather handling and better ground clearance provide greater flexibility for varied driving environments.
The Bottom Line
Choosing between the 2025 Subaru Ascent and the 2025 Hyundai Palisade ultimately comes down to lifestyle and driving priorities. If you’re looking for a versatile, all-weather SUV with a proven safety reputation and capability for both family travel and weekend getaways, the Ascent delivers on all fronts. It balances practical design with performance-driven engineering and advanced driver assistance features that enhance every journey.
On the other hand, the Palisade is an appealing choice for drivers who value luxury styling, tech-forward interiors, and comfort-oriented features. It excels in refinement and road presence, offering a slightly more polished cabin experience. Both SUVs are compelling, but one may align better with those seeking adventure-ready capability without compromising family comfort.
Schedule a Test Drive Today
Ready to experience the 2025 Subaru Ascent in person? Contact us at Competition Subaru to schedule your test drive and discover everything this SUV has to offer. Whether you’re comparing trims, exploring financing options, or learning more about our current offers, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Let us show you why families continue to trust our team and vehicles for every stage of the journey.