2025 Hyundai Palisade vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$37,200 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade bursts onto the scene as the power player, boasting a robust 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, offering a truly muscular feel for a three-row Crossover starting at $37,200. In contrast, the rugged 2026 Subaru Outback appeals with its surprising practicality and efficiency, commanding superior mileage at 27 combined MPG thanks to its lighter build and intelligent AWD system. This matchup pits raw performance against sensible capability: the Palisade is significantly larger at 196.7 inches long, whereas the Outback provides nearly double the utility with a cavernous 34.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Palisade's 18 cu ft. While the Outback sips fuel efficiently, the Palisade's massive 111 hp advantage ensures highway passing power is never in question, making this decision a direct trade-off between muscle and mileage.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Outback

The 2026 Subaru Outback wins for commuters due to its superior 27 combined MPG, leading to lower running costs over daily drives.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Hyundai Palisade

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade's larger dimensions and likely superior three-row passenger volume make it the better choice for larger families needing space.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Hyundai Palisade

The Palisade delivers thrilling acceleration thanks to its 291 hp engine, far outclassing the Outback's 180 hp output.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Outback

The 2026 Subaru Outback offers exceptional value starting $2,205 cheaper than the Palisade while delivering better fuel economy.

Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...

You prioritize straight-line speed and effortless passing, capitalizing on the 291 hp engine.
You need the absolute maximum interior volume suggested by its 196.7-inch length and larger overall footprint.
You prefer the engagement of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

You want to maximize fuel savings, benefiting from 27 combined MPG versus the Palisade's 22.
You absolutely require superior utility, as the Outback offers 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You value standard All-Wheel Drive for maximum stability in diverse weather conditions.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Palisade	Subaru Outback
Length	196.7"	191.7"
Width	77.8"	74.0"
Height	68.9"	67.5"
Wheelbase	114.2"	108.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	—
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	3.8 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	291 hp @ 6000 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	262 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/26 MPG	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	357.2/488.8 mi.	450.0/558.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.8 gal.	18.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	12.1 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Speaker System	—	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	2	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
Front Head Room	40.7 in.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	44.1 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.2 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	58.1 in.	55.5 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
Rear Head Room	40.1 in.	40.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	42.4 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	60.8 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.7 in.	55.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R18	225/60R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	7 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and 2026 Subaru Outback.

How significantly does the horsepower difference impact real-world driving between these two crossovers?

The difference is substantial; the Palisade offers 291 hp while the Outback delivers only 180 hp, meaning the Palisade will feel vastly quicker and more responsive when merging or climbing grades. This 111 hp gap suggests the Palisade has a much stronger performance ceiling.

Which vehicle is a better long-term investment based purely on fuel economy?

The 2026 Subaru Outback is the clear economic winner here, achieving 27 combined MPG compared to the Palisade's 22 combined MPG. This difference saves money every single week for commuters or families driving long distances.

Since both are crossovers, how does their size affect maneuverability and parking?

The Outback is noticeably more compact, measuring 191.7 inches long and 74.0 inches wide, which should make navigating tight city spots easier than the larger 196.7-inch Palisade. The Outback's smaller footprint is an advantage in urban environments.

Does the difference in standard drive type matter between the two models?

Yes, the Outback comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, which enhances traction in slippery conditions, while the Palisade comes standard in Front Wheel Drive. For drivers concerned with adverse weather, the standard AWD on the Outback is a major differentiator.

How does the starting MSRP compare for these two models?

The 2026 Subaru Outback offers a lower entry price point at $34,995 compared to the 2025 Hyundai Palisade starting at $37,200. This $2,205 price gap can be significant when budgeting for a new vehicle purchase.

If I frequently carry luggage or gear, which vehicle provides more utility?

The 2026 Subaru Outback is the utility champion in this comparison, offering 34.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, almost double the 18 cubic feet found in the 2025 Hyundai Palisade.