2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2026 Subaru Ascent
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe bursts onto the scene with a potent 277 horsepower engine, delivering spirited acceleration that promises to make daily driving less mundane, all while sporting an attractive starting MSRP of $34,300. Conversely, the larger 2026 Subaru Ascent, priced at $40,795, leans into rugged capability with its standard All-Wheel Drive system and towering 71.6-inch height, though it produces slightly less torque at 277 lb-ft compared to the Santa Fe's 311 lb-ft. While the Santa Fe manages 24 combined MPG, the Ascent trails slightly at 22 combined MPG, suggesting higher running costs for the larger crossover. The Ascent also boasts superior utility with 17.8 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft, making these two crossovers distinct propositions in capability versus accessible power.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe is the clear winner for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 24 combined MPG versus the Ascent's 22 combined MPG.
2026 Subaru Ascent
The Ascent caters better to families with significantly more overall space, evident in its 17.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe offers more aggressive straight-line performance with 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, outpacing the Ascent's 260 hp and 277 lb-ft.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe provides a compelling performance package at a significantly lower entry price, undercutting the Ascent's MSRP by $6,495.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...
- You prioritize lower running costs, as the Santa Fe achieves 24 combined MPG.
- You want the most power, leveraging the Santa Fe's 311 lb-ft of torque.
- Your budget is tighter, benefiting from the Santa Fe's $34,300 starting MSRP.
Choose the Subaru Ascent if...
- All-weather security is mandatory, as the Ascent includes standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You require maximum hauling space, utilizing the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You prefer a taller, potentially more commanding presence, as the Ascent stands 71.6 inches high.
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 | ✓ | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| 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 2026 Subaru Ascent.
How does the 2025 Santa Fe's power compare to the 2026 Ascent?
The Santa Fe leads in raw output, delivering 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, which outperforms the Ascent's 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This suggests the Santa Fe will feel quicker off the line than the larger Ascent.
Is the 2026 Ascent worth the higher price tag over the Santa Fe?
The Ascent commands a $6,495 higher MSRP, starting at $40,795, but it compensates with standard All-Wheel Drive and superior cargo volume (17.8 cu ft vs. 14.6 cu ft). Your decision rests on whether AWD and space outweigh the Santa Fe's lower cost.
Which crossover is more fuel-efficient for highway driving?
The 2025 Santa Fe is slightly more efficient on the highway, posting 29 MPG compared to the Ascent's 26 MPG. While both use regular unleaded fuel, the Santa Fe's FWD configuration likely contributes to its marginally better mileage figures.
What is the difference in size and footprint between these two crossovers?
The Ascent is the physically larger vehicle, measuring 196.8 inches long and 76.0 inches wide, while the Santa Fe is shorter at 190.2 inches long. Furthermore, the Ascent's ride height is notably taller at 71.6 inches versus the Santa Fe's 67.7 inches.
Are the transmissions significantly different in daily driving?
Yes, the Santa Fe uses an 8-speed automated manual transmission optimized for quick shifts, whereas the Ascent employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), which prioritizes smooth, unstepped acceleration.
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