2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 Subaru Ascent
Comparison Overview
Deciding between a fuel-sipping PHEV and a larger, traditionally powered crossover can be tough. The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid ($39,730 MSRP) offers efficiency focused on daily driving, boasting 32 miles of electric range and a 35 MPG combined rating. Conversely, the larger 2026 Subaru Ascent ($40,795 MSRP) prioritizes traditional utility, though its 22 MPG combined is significantly lower than the Tucson's. The Tucson delivers slightly more combined horsepower at 268 hp compared to the Ascent's 260 hp, but the Ascent counters with more torque at 277 lb-ft versus the Hyundai's 258 lb-ft. For buyers needing extra space, the Ascent is substantially larger at 196.8 inches long, whereas the Tucson is quite compact at 182.7 inches. The 13 MPG combined difference is the most significant financial consideration.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
The Tucson's 32 miles of electric range makes daily commuting potentially emission-free and vastly cheaper than the Ascent's standard gasoline operation.
2026 Subaru Ascent
The 2026 Subaru Ascent is the clear choice for growing families due to its larger exterior dimensions, including greater height and length, suggesting superior interior room.
2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
While both have AWD, the Tucson provides marginally higher horsepower (268 hp vs 260 hp) and a more modern transmission setup.
2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
The Tucson offers superior running costs due to the 13 MPG combined efficiency gap and a slightly lower initial MSRP of $39,730.
Choose the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid if...
- Your daily driving route is consistently under 32 miles, allowing you to maximize the PHEV electric benefit.
- Fuel economy is a top priority, as the 35 MPG combined beats the Ascent's 22 MPG combined.
- You prefer a slightly less imposing vehicle size, evidenced by the Tucson's shorter 182.7-inch length.
Choose the Subaru Ascent if...
- Maximum passenger or cargo volume is non-negotiable, as the Ascent is physically larger in all dimensions.
- You need the benefit of the Ascent's higher torque figure of 277 lb-ft for towing or heavier hauling.
- You prefer the reliability of Subaru's standard All-Wheel Drive system combined with a traditional crossover footprint.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid | Subaru Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.7" | 196.8" |
| Width | 73.4" | 76.0" |
| Height | 66.3" | 71.6" |
| Wheelbase | 108.5" | 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 | 1.6 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | plug-in hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 268 hp | 260 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 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 | 6-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 35/35 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 35 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 388.5/388.5 mi. | 386.0/501.8 mi. |
| EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe) | 80/73 MPGe | — |
| EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe) | 77 MPGe | — |
| EPA Electric Driving Range | 32 mi. | — |
| EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi) | 44 | — |
| Charging Time (240V) | 2.0 hr. | — |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 11.1 gal. | 19.3 gal. |
| DC Fast Charging Port Type | SAE J1772 | — |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 40.1 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.1 in. | 42.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.6 in. | 61.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.5 in. | 57.8 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.5 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.0 in. | 60.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.9 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 |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Underbody Mounted |
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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 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 Tucson Plug-In Hybrid and 2026 Subaru Ascent.
How much more cargo space does the Ascent offer compared to the Tucson?
The 2026 Subaru Ascent offers significantly more cargo capacity at 17.8 cu ft, although this number might seem misleading as the Tucson’s cargo figure of 31.9 cu ft suggests a comparison where the Tucson is measured differently or is generally roomier behind the second row.
Is the higher horsepower in the Tucson worth the tradeoff for the Ascent's torque?
The Tucson leads in peak power with 268 hp, but the Ascent boasts superior pulling power at 277 lb-ft of torque versus the Tucson's 258 lb-ft. Torque is often more crucial for moving a vehicle from a stop or when fully loaded.
Which car is better for long road trips without frequent charging stops?
The 2026 Subaru Ascent is the better choice for long trips where charging is sparse, as it relies solely on regular unleaded gas and has a lower combined MPG of 22. The Tucson requires plugging in to realize its best efficiency metrics.
What is the MSRP difference between the Tucson PHEV and the Ascent?
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid has a starting MSRP of $39,730, which is slightly less expensive than the 2026 Subaru Ascent starting at $40,795.
Do both SUVs come standard with All-Wheel Drive?
Yes, both vehicles are equipped with All-Wheel Drive capabilities. However, the Tucson utilizes a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission while the Ascent uses a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).
Can the Tucson truly save money on gas given its lower MPG numbers?
Yes, while the Tucson's combined MPG is 35, the ability to drive 32 miles solely on electricity before engaging that system drastically cuts down on daily gasoline consumption compared to the Ascent's consistent 22 MPG combined rating.
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