Close 2026 Subaru Ascent vs. 2026 Hyundai Palisade
2026 Subaru Ascent vs. 2026 Hyundai Palisade
If you are comparing midsize three-row SUVs, the 2026 Subaru Ascent and 2026 Hyundai Palisade offer two different takes on family-friendly versatility. This page brings together pricing, performance, passenger space, cargo room, convenience features, safety equipment, and ownership details so you can compare them side by side before choosing which SUV fits your needs.
At McCarthy Subaru of Lawrence, we know many shoppers in this segment want strong safety, comfortable seating, practical cargo space, and confidence for daily driving and family trips. The 2026 Subaru Ascent stands out for standard all-wheel drive, strong safety scores, rugged capability, and competitive space, while the Hyundai Palisade counters with a more upscale interior vibe, strong rankings, and generous comfort features.
View our new Subaru Ascent inventory, explore our finance department, schedule service, or contact our team when you are ready for the next step.
Quick Comparison
| Category | 2026 Subaru Ascent | 2026 Hyundai Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $40,795 | $39,435 |
| Overall Score | 8.6 / 10 | 9 / 10 |
| Critics' Rating | 7.3 / 10 | 9.6 / 10 |
| Fuel Economy | 19 city / 26 highway | 19 city / 25 highway |
| Seating Capacity | 8 | 8 |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Key Differences
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade has the edge in overall ranking, critics' score, and interior impression based on the U.S. News comparison data you provided. It also offers a segment-leading warranty, more total passenger volume, and slightly larger cargo figures in several seating configurations.
The 2026 Subaru Ascent counters with standard all-wheel drive, stronger safety scoring in the source comparison, a more rugged character, and slightly better highway fuel economy. Buyers choosing between these two will often decide whether they prioritize the Palisade's more premium presentation or the Ascent's built-in all-weather confidence and Subaru capability.
What You Need to Know
2026 Subaru Ascent
The 2026 Subaru Ascent is a three-row SUV aimed at families who want safety, utility, and standard all-wheel drive. In the comparison details you shared, it earns high safety marks, offers lots of room, and stands out for a more rugged overall personality than many midsize SUVs.
The Ascent uses a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four making 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT and standard AWD. It also matches the Palisade's 5,000-pound towing capacity while delivering 19 city / 26 highway mpg in the source figures, giving buyers a solid balance of power and efficiency for a family SUV.
2026 Hyundai Palisade
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is positioned as the more upscale and highly rated option in this comparison. U.S. News gives it stronger overall and critics' scores, and its cabin is noted for an upscale vibe with roomy seating even in the third row.
Under the hood, the Palisade uses a 3.5-liter V-6 with 287 horsepower and front-wheel drive in the trim shown. It offers plenty of standard convenience and entertainment features, including navigation, rear parking aid, and rear seat audio controls in the comparison details you supplied. For shoppers who want a comfort-first family SUV with premium touches, the Palisade is a strong choice.
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Ascent | Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.3 gallons | 19.0 gallons |
| EPA Fuel Economy City | 19 mpg | 19 mpg |
| EPA Fuel Economy Highway | 26 mpg | 25 mpg |
Interior & Storage Space
| Measurement | Ascent | Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger Capacity | 8 | 8 |
| Passenger Volume | 153.2 cu ft | 161.9 cu ft |
| Cargo Volume To Seat 3 | 17.8 cu ft | 19.1 cu ft |
| Cargo Volume To Seat 2 | 43.5 cu ft | 46.3 cu ft |
| Cargo Volume To Seat 1 | 75.6 cu ft | 86.7 cu ft |
| Front Legroom | 42.2 in | 44.2 in |
| Second Legroom | 38.6 in | 43.0 in |
Features & Convenience
| Feature | Ascent | Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Standard | Standard |
| Power Liftgate | Standard | Not listed as standard in the trim shown |
| Remote Engine Start | Optional | Standard |
| Navigation System | Not listed | Standard |
| Heated Front Seats | Standard | Not listed as standard in the trim shown |
Safety & Driver Assistance
| Feature | Ascent | Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | Standard | Standard |
| Cross-Traffic Alert | Standard | Standard |
| Lane Departure Warning | Standard | Standard |
| NHTSA Overall Safety Rating | 5 stars | Not listed in the source comparison |
Why McCarthy Subaru of Lawrence?
McCarthy Subaru of Lawrence offers a straightforward place to research, compare, and shop for the 2026 Subaru Ascent. From new Subaru inventory and online finance tools to service support and trade-in resources, our dealership is built to help local and regional shoppers move from research to ownership with confidence.
Our Why McCarthy message emphasizes customer satisfaction and values such as teamwork, opportunity, integrity, adaptability, and community. If the Ascent's standard all-wheel drive, strong safety focus, and family-ready versatility line up with what you want from a three-row SUV, our team can help you compare trims, review availability, value your trade, and explore financing options.
Learn more on our Why McCarthy page, shop new Ascent inventory, or get started with our finance department.
Helpful Links
Continue your research with these helpful pages: Ascent inventory | Finance | Service | Contact | Subaru showroom
External Sources
This comparison page was informed by the following source: U.S. News comparison tool
Frequently Asked Questions
Which SUV has standard all-wheel drive, the 2026 Subaru Ascent or 2026 Hyundai Palisade?
In the comparison details you provided, the 2026 Subaru Ascent includes all-wheel drive, while the 2026 Hyundai Palisade trim shown uses front-wheel drive.
Which SUV has better warranty coverage?
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade has the stronger warranty package in the source comparison, including longer basic and powertrain coverage than the 2026 Subaru Ascent.
Which SUV has more cargo room?
Based on the figures you shared, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade has more cargo room behind the third row, behind the second row, and with all rear seats folded than the 2026 Subaru Ascent.
Which SUV has better fuel economy?
The numbers in your comparison show the 2026 Subaru Ascent with a slight highway fuel economy advantage at 26 mpg highway versus 25 mpg highway for the 2026 Hyundai Palisade, while both are listed at 19 mpg city.
Why choose the 2026 Subaru Ascent?
The 2026 Subaru Ascent is a strong fit for buyers who want standard all-wheel drive, strong safety credentials, competitive space, rugged character, and family-ready utility in a three-row SUV.
Can I shop 2026 Subaru Ascent inventory online?
Yes. You can explore new 2026 Subaru Ascent inventory online at McCarthy Subaru of Lawrence, then contact our team for trim availability, financing questions, and next-step help.
Where is McCarthy Subaru of Lawrence located?
McCarthy Subaru of Lawrence is located at 2101 W 29th Terrace, Lawrence, KS 66047. You can reach the dealership at (785) 503-3297 for sales, service, finance, and inventory support.