2022 Hyundai Palisade vs Subaru Ascent

Consumers have been drawn to 3-row SUVs for their capability, size, practicality and modern amenities. In today's automotive market the 2021 Hyundai Palisade & Subaru Ascent stand out in this category of vehicles earning a sizable consumer following over the past few years. But despite these two models' many similarities buyers should know exactly what they're getting when purchasing an SUV from either brand - so let’s take look at why renting or buying one model might just be right for you.

 

The Powertrain

All five Ascent trims run on the same type of engine having a 2.4-liter version that has four cylinders and a turbocharger. The engine is capable of making 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, which is a solid amount. It's also paired with a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission that comes with an eight-speed manual mode and paddle shifters, in case a driver wants to exercise more control.

With the Subaru Ascent, you can tackle any terrain with confidence. Its standard symmetrical all-wheel drive system provides dependable traction and stability on road or off. When it gets tough out there, X-MODE takes control to give drivers extra grip in slippery conditions - plus additional technologies like traction control and active torque vectoring are always at work boosting your performance capabilities.

The entry-level Ascent has a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds. All of the others in the lineup, when properly equipped, can haul up to 5,000 pounds. This gives people much more flexibility in terms of what they bring with them on their trips. Trailer Stability Assist is standard, too. It's able to sense when the trailer seems unstable, and if so, it can apply braking pressure to specific wheels in order to get things under control again.

Hill Descent Control is another included component on every Ascent which can be very handy when the SUV is making its way down steep hills. It is very easy to pick up unwanted speed in this situation, and this program can limit acceleration and make it so that the driver does not have to ride the brakes as much.

The Hyundai Palisade is ready for any challenge with its robust 3.8L V6 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission featuring SHIFTRONIC manual shifting control, providing an output of 291 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft of torque without sacrificing agility or performance. For added versatility on slippery surfaces, all-wheel drive comes optional - complete with Snow mode and AWD Lock to ensure unbeatable traction in harsh conditions.

Like the Ascent, the Hyundai has Downhill Brake Control to limit its speed, but this is only found on all-wheel-drive Palisades. Regardless of the drivetrain, the Palisade has Hillstart Assist Control, a program that can hold pressure on the brakes while the driver gets ready to move forward. In addition, the Hyundai SUV has Trailer Sway Control. Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds, which is comparable to the Ascent.

The Palisade offers an intuitive Drive Mode Select, allowing drivers to tailor their driving experience with a simple twist of the knob. For those who want efficiency — Eco mode is ready and waiting! Those seeking a more aggressive ride will appreciate Sport's energetic feel while Smart puts next-level intelligence into play, automatically recognizing your tendencies like gear shift intervals to contour itself around you.

Before moving on to other areas of discussion, here's a quick note about fuel efficiency. The Palisade can earn up to 19/26 (city/highway) miles per gallon with front-wheel drive and 19/24 miles per gallon with all-wheel drive. Lower trims of the Ascent earn 21/27 miles per gallon, and the upper half of the lineup achieves 20/26 miles per gallon. Neither vehicle is particularly impressive in this regard, though the Ascent is slightly more fuel efficient.

Drivability

The Subaru Ascent and Hyundai Palisade are two vehicles that immediately stand out with their size. At 196 inches in length, they're on the larger side of cars out there. But what makes them truly unique is their comparably small differences - not only a mere 0.7 inch difference between lengths but also an impressive 8-inch discrepancy when it comes to ground clearance. With this variability combined with firm durability, you can be sure these models will take whatever terrain throws at them while providing extra support for those who need it most.

With a seating capacity to fit eight, the Palisade and Ascent both provide plenty of space for family or friends on any road trip. While standard models feature two front seats plus two spacious bench seats in the middle and back rows - enough room for up to three passengers each - more premium trims are even better suited for comfort with plush captain's chairs replacing one of those benches, giving travelers ample legroom so that no matter how far they go their ride remains comfortable.

Out of the five available Ascent trims, two have options for either eight- or seven-passenger seating. The base trim is only offered as an eight-seat vehicle, and two trims are exclusively available with seven seats. Three out of the four Palisade trims come standard with captain's chairs, with one of those trims having an optional second-row bench seat.

The Palisade offers quite a spacious experience, with ample legroom in the first and second rows of up to 44.1 inches and 42.4 inches respectively - truly generous! Though if you're looking for third-row seating, opt instead for the Ascent which boasts 31.7 inch leg space despite its second row offering slightly less room than that of the Palisade at 38.6 versus 42.2 inches providing more comfort all round without compromising on interior space too much.

For ultimate cargo carrying capability, the Palisade and Ascent are a perfect pair! These vehicles provide 86.4 cubic feet of space once both rows have been folded down. You can upgrade to include an easy access button for your second row plus a hands-free liftgate that'll make hauling heavy items totally effortless. And for those who choose the Ascent model, don't worry: despite not having quite as many options as its partner in crime when it comes to ease of use features, this still holds up with 17.8 cubic feet behind each seat to create total capacity reaching nearly identical count of 86.5 cube feet.

The two SUVs can be upgraded with several other features to make things more convenient. They can both have proximity key entry with push button start, automatic-dimming rearview mirrors, and automatic climate control. The Ascent actually comes standard with tri-zone automatic climate control, while the base trim of the Palisade has a manually operated system and the other trims have dual-zone automatic climate control.

Enjoy an array of cutting-edge technology with the Palisade and Ascent! Even on entry level trims, these impressive vehicles offer eight inch touchscreens while higher trim levels bump you up to a luxurious 10.25 inches, plus options like Android Auto & Apple CarPlay connectivity, integrated navigation systems for ultimate convenience and Harman Kardon sound systems to fill the cabin with 12 speakers that make every road trip spectacular. It's all waiting in your perfect ride.

Subaru has put in four USB ports in its first few Ascent trims. The higher ones benefit from having an additional pair of USB ports that third-row passengers can use. Like Hyundai, Subaru uses Harman Kardon sound equipment, and the top Ascent trim has an audio system that consists of 14 Harman Kardon speakers.

Take your driving experience up a notch with the Ascent's two advanced touchscreen options. The entry-level trim features a 6.5 inch display, granting you access to SiriusXM radio and HD Radio as well as Bluetooth technologies like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for true luxury on wheels! Upping the ante is an 8-inch touchscreen available in higher trims - complete with integrated navigation services at its highest level of sophistication.

The Palisade is perfect for keeping everyone connected and in the loop, even during a busy family road trip! It features an intercom system that projects your driver's voice through all of the rear speakers, ensuring clear communication without raising voices over engine noise. Now you can catch up with each other from start to finish on any journey.

Safety

Subaru is revolutionizing the way we drive, leading a safety movement that's spurring other car companies to follow suit. With features like blind-spot monitoring and an ultra-progressive 180 degree front view monitor so drivers can see around corners - driving has never been more secure! Thanks to advanced protection technology from Subaru, much of the road ahead promises newfound peace of mind for all motorists.

Hyundai is a company that's been making great strides and has been able to equip its vehicles with many impressive components. The Palisade comes standard with blind-spot and rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist programs, along with a driver attention warning program and a feature that lets people know when they can safely exit the vehicle after parallel parking. It has a rear occupant alert system, which can hopefully prevent an incident from occurring in which a pet or small child is left alone in the back seat. Higher Palisade trims have a more advanced form of adaptive cruise control called Highway Driving Assist, and they can have to surround-view monitors and heads-up displays.

Which Has the Best Value?

The Palisade offers something for every budget, with a base price of just $33,600. Step up to the reasonably priced trim level below $36K and you get features like dual panel sunroofs and Nappa leather seating that add value to your ride. Take it one step further into luxury terrain by choosing either Limited or Calligraphy models starting at just under 46 grand – where premium amenities await such as memory systems for driver’s seat convenience plus side mirror adjustments you can count on.

The Ascent is the perfect family vehicle, starting at an affordable $32,795. Mid-level trims offer incredible value between $35k and 40k with luxurious upgrades available in the Touring model for just under 46 grand – which includes a panoramic moonroof, cream of the crop leather upholstery and easy to use navigation.

The Ascent may seem more attractive with a much more reasonable price tag. It boasts a solid engine and a nice technology package, however, the Palisade feels more luxurious. Hyundai included a few elements on the Palisade that aren't available on the Ascent, which will undoubtedly be noticed by some buyers.

 

Which is Better?

When it comes to choosing a vehicle that offers an exciting ride at the right price, you can never go wrong with either the Hyundai Palisade or Subaru Ascent. The Palisade features technological sophistication and luxurious interior upgrades guaranteed to give any adventure some extra pizzazz; meanwhile, the comparatively affordable Ascent boasts standard all-wheel drive capabilities for an unbeatable driving experience no matter where your destination may be - plus enough room on board for family or friends.