Hyundai
Palisade
Subaru
Ascent
Hyundai Palisade vs Subaru Ascent: 2025 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Hyundai Palisade comes out ahead of the Subaru Ascent on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Palisade
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. The vehicle is widely praised for its exceptional value proposition, offering a high level of comfort, spaciousness, and premium features (e.g., ventilated second-row seats, advanced driver assistance systems, abundant storage) at a competitive price point. Many owners express strong satisfaction with the smooth ride, family-friendly design, and technology content.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a definitive "best" trim. The Calligraphy trim is noted by the manufacturer as the expected volume seller and represents the fully-featured version.
Known issues
- ⚠Excessive engine oil consumption (primarily 2020-2021 models): Severe oil burning, often requiring engine replacement under warranty, typically manifesting around 60,000 miles. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Transmission failure: Complete transmission failure reported as early as 87,000 miles; also includes reports of lagging, slipping between gears, and losing power, making the vehicle unsafe to drive. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Fuel system/engine performance issues: Intermittent loss of acceleration despite engine revving (codes P0087, P0661, P021A0 cited), potentially linked to failing fuel injectors or sensors. Frequency: recurrent.
Ascent
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. The vehicle is widely praised for its safety, all-weather capability with standard symmetrical all-wheel drive, spacious and usable third row, strong towing capacity for the class, and car-like handling. The turbocharged 2.4L FA24 engine is frequently noted for being robust and providing good power.
Best version to buy
Model year 2021 or newer. Specific feedback on trims is limited, but the Limited trim is mentioned positively for its feature set.
Known issues
- ⚠CVT transmission reliability: failures, recalls, whining noise, inability to handle heavy load or towing, concerns about long-term durability. Primarily affects 2019-2020 models. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Disappointing fuel economy: real-world combined mileage reported around 22 MPG, which is considered poor for the class. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Interior build quality and materials: interior rattles, use of hard plastics, compromises to meet price point. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Hyundai Palisade is the better choice for most buyers.
It has more power on its best-equipped version than the Subaru Ascent, based on the data above. If efficiency matters more to you than outright power, the Subaru Ascent is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Hyundai Palisade or the Subaru Ascent?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Hyundai Palisade and the Subaru Ascent. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Hyundai Palisade or the Subaru Ascent?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Hyundai Palisade or the Subaru Ascent?
Fuel consumption data is limited for one or both models. Check the specs table above for the figures available on each catalogued version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Hyundai Palisade or the Subaru Ascent?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Hyundai Palisade than the Subaru Ascent. See the known issues comparison above.