2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

$39,995 · Crossover

$40,075 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between a tried-and-true family hauler like the 2025 Subaru Ascent and the tech-forward 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid often comes down to priority: space and traditional power versus fuel economy and electric flexibility. The Ascent starts slightly cheaper at $39,995 and boasts significantly more road presence at 196.8 inches long, offering a substantial 17.8 cu ft of cargo space behind the third row. However, the Tucson PHEV, priced at $40,075, completely changes the running cost equation with a combined 35 MPG rating, easily outpacing the Ascent's 22 MPG combined. While the Ascent offers 277 lb-ft of torque to the Tucson's 271 lb-ft, the Hyundai delivers 268 hp compared to Subaru's 260 hp. For those covering long daily distances, that 13 MPG fuel difference is a major factor favoring the Tucson's hybrid system and 32-mile electric range.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The 2026 Tucson Plug-In Hybrid wins for commuters due to its significantly better 35 MPG combined rating and 32 miles of all-electric range.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Ascent

The 2025 Ascent is the better choice for large families needing maximum size, evidenced by its longer 196.8-inch length compared to the Tucson's 182.7 inches.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson PHEV wins slightly for performance enthusiasts because it offers marginally more horsepower at 268 hp compared to the Ascent's 260 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

Despite a similar MSRP, the Tucson provides superior long-term value through its dramatic fuel efficiency improvement, getting 35 MPG versus the Ascent's 22 MPG.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

You prioritize passenger or cargo volume and need the largest vehicle possible (196.8 inches long).
You prefer the reassurance of standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive without worrying about electric range limitations.
You need slightly more pulling power on tap, as the Ascent produces 277 lb-ft of torque against the Tucson's 271 lb-ft.

Choose the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid if...

Your daily commute is under 32 miles, allowing you to utilize the full electric range frequently.
You want to drastically reduce fuel costs, capitalizing on the 13 MPG difference in combined efficiency (35 MPG vs. 22 MPG).
You prefer a slightly smaller vehicle footprint (73.4 inches wide vs. 76.0 inches wide) for easier city parking.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru Ascent	Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
Length	196.8"	182.7"
Width	76.0"	73.4"
Height	71.6"	66.3"
Wheelbase	113.8"	108.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Subaru	Hyundai
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Subaru	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	2.4 L	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	flat 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	260 hp @ 5600 rpm	268 hp
Torque	277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	271 lb-ft
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	Subaru	Hyundai
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Subaru	Hyundai
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/26 MPG	35/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	35 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	386.0/501.8 mi.	388.5/388.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.3 gal.	11.1 gal.
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.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	—	SAE J1772

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Subaru	Hyundai
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	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Extended Cabin Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Subaru	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	11.6 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	4 months	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Subaru	Hyundai
Front Head Room	41.2 in.	40.1 in.
Front Leg Room	42.2 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.1 in.	57.6 in.
Front Hip Room	57.8 in.	54.5 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	6-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Subaru	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.6 in.	41.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	60.3 in.	56.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.5 in.	53.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Subaru	Hyundai
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R	235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

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

Warranty

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Ascent and 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid.

Which vehicle has more space for passengers and gear?

The 2025 Subaru Ascent is the larger vehicle overall, measuring 196.8 inches long compared to the Tucson's 182.7 inches, which generally translates to better passenger room. While the Tucson offers 31.9 cu ft of cargo space, the Ascent's stated cargo capacity of 17.8 cu ft suggests it is likely measuring behind a third row, making it the traditional space contender.

How big is the fuel economy difference between these two AWD crossovers?

The difference is significant: the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid achieves a combined 35 MPG, whereas the standard gasoline Ascent only nets 22 MPG combined. This is a 13 MPG advantage for the Hyundai on paper.

Can the Tucson PHEV eliminate gasoline use for my daily driving?

Yes, the 2026 Tucson PHEV has a 32-mile all-electric range. If your daily round trip commute is consistently under this distance, you could drive primarily on battery power, saving substantial amounts of the regular unleaded fuel the Ascent requires.

Do both cars use the same type of fuel?

Both the 2025 Subaru Ascent and the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid use regular unleaded fuel, which simplifies fueling stops and avoids the premium fuel requirement found in some hybrids.

How close are the horsepower ratings for these two competitors?

The power outputs are very close: the Tucson PHEV leads slightly with 268 hp, while the Ascent produces 260 hp. Both vehicles utilize AWD and offer automatic transmissions to manage their respective power deliveries.

Is the $180 price difference between them meaningful?

The $40,075 Tucson costs only $80 more than the $39,995 Ascent. Given the Tucson's massive fuel economy advantage and electric capability, that small difference in MSRP is easily offset by potential annual fuel savings.