2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2025 Subaru Ascent
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2025 Subaru Ascent often boils down to balancing initial cost against standard capability. Buyers looking to save nearly $5,700 upfront will find the Santa Fe starting at an MSRP of $34,300 compared to the Ascent's $39,995. Performance-wise, the Santa Fe boasts slightly more punch with 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, though it achieves slightly better fuel economy at 24 combined MPG versus the Ascent's 22 MPG. However, the Ascent is longer at 196.8 inches and significantly taller at 71.6 inches, contributing to its larger 17.8 cu ft cargo capacity versus the Santa Fe’s 14.6 cu ft. While both use regular unleaded, the crucial difference remains: the Ascent comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, whereas the base Santa Fe is FWD.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2025 Santa Fe is the commuter champion due to its $5,695 lower starting price and slightly better 24 combined MPG efficiency.
2025 Subaru Ascent
The 2025 Ascent wins for families by offering greater overall utility with its taller stance and 17.8 cu ft of standard cargo space.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
Enthusiasts will favor the Santa Fe for its superior power output, delivering 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe offers better pure monetary value by providing more horsepower for significantly less money at the base MSRP.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...
- You prioritize maximizing horsepower, as the Santa Fe offers 277 hp.
- Keeping the initial purchase price low is critical, given the Santa Fe's $34,300 MSRP.
- You prefer driving with a traditional 8-speed automated manual transmission instead of a CVT.
Choose the Subaru Ascent if...
- You regularly encounter snow or slippery conditions, thanks to its standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You need maximum storage, as the Ascent provides 17.8 cu ft of cargo volume.
- You prefer a larger physical footprint, as the Ascent is 196.8 inches long and 71.6 inches tall.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Santa Fe | Subaru Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 190.2" | 196.8" |
| Width | 74.8" | 76.0" |
| Height | 67.7" | 71.6" |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 113.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 277 hp @ 5800 rpm | 260 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 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 automated manual | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/29 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 354.0/513.3 mi. | 386.0/501.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.7 gal. | 19.3 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 11.6 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Speaker System | — | 6 |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.1 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.4 in. | 42.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.5 in. | 61.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.5 in. | 57.8 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.6 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 42.3 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 60.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.9 in. | 57.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/60R18 | 245/60R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | 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 Santa Fe and 2025 Subaru Ascent.
Which crossover handles foul weather better: the 2025 Santa Fe or the 2025 Ascent?
The 2025 Subaru Ascent is generally better equipped for foul weather because its base model comes standard with All-Wheel Drive. The base Santa Fe is equipped with Front Wheel Drive, which might not be sufficient for heavy snow or severe off-pavement driving.
How much more practical is the Ascent in terms of space?
The Ascent offers significantly more vertical and overall cargo room. It boasts 17.8 cu ft of cargo capacity, noticeably larger than the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft, and is considerably taller at 71.6 inches.
Is the higher price of the Ascent justified by better performance?
Not strictly on horsepower; the Santa Fe is the faster vehicle with 277 hp versus the Ascent's 260 hp. The Ascent's $5,695 higher MSRP is primarily for the standard AWD system and larger physical dimensions.
Do these crossovers require premium fuel?
Both the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2025 Subaru Ascent are designed to run on regular unleaded fuel, which helps keep long-term running costs down.
What is the transmission difference between the two models?
The Santa Fe utilizes an 8-speed automated manual transmission for its power delivery. In contrast, the Ascent employs a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).
How do the base fuel economy ratings compare for highway driving?
For highway cruising, the base Santa Fe has an edge, achieving 29 MPG. The Ascent trails slightly behind with a highway rating of 26 MPG.
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