2026 Hyundai Palisade vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$39,435 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between a powerful family hauler and an efficient all-weather wagon often comes down to prioritizing space versus long-term running costs. The 2026 Hyundai Palisade, starting at $39,435, offers significantly more pep with 287 hp and a robust 260 lb-ft of torque. However, this power comes at a price, both upfront and at the pump; its 21 MPG combined trails the 2026 Subaru Outback's impressive 27 MPG combined by a notable 6 MPG margin. Furthermore, the Outback offers substantially more utility with 34.6 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Palisade’s 19.1 cubic feet, though the Palisade is physically larger at 199.2 inches long. Buyers needing standard AWD grip and fuel savings will lean toward the Outback, while those needing sheer presence and available towing capacity will appreciate the Palisade's extra 107 horsepower.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback wins for commuters due to its superior 27 MPG combined fuel economy, making daily trips cheaper.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Outback

The Outback is the better family hauler as it provides nearly double the usable space with 34.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Hyundai Palisade

The Palisade is the choice for driving enthusiasts, boasting 287 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Outback's 180 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Outback

The Outback provides better overall value by costing $4,440 less while offering better fuel efficiency and more cargo room.

Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...

You frequently need to tow or desire effortless highway merging due to its strong 287 hp engine.
You require a physically larger footprint (199.2 inches in length) for a more commanding road presence.
Your budget comfortably absorbs the higher $39,435 MSRP and slightly lower 21 MPG combined efficiency.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

Saving money at the pump is a priority, thanks to its class-leading 31 highway MPG.
You prioritize hauling gear, as the 34.6 cu ft cargo capacity dwarfs the Palisade's 19.1 cu ft.
You value standard All-Wheel Drive capability over outright power for variable road conditions.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Palisade	Subaru Outback
Length	199.2"	191.7"
Width	78.0"	74.0"
Height	69.5"	67.5"
Wheelbase	116.9"	108.1"

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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	287 hp @ 6400 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	260 lb-ft @ 5000 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)	19/25 MPG	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	21 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	361.0/475.0 mi.	450.0/558.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.0 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	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	12.1 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
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	41.5 in.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	44.2 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.4 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	58.8 in.	55.5 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
Rear Head Room	40.7 in.	40.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	43.0 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.0 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.7 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 Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in	18 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R	225/60R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside 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.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	7 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Which vehicle is better for snowy winter driving?

The 2026 Subaru Outback is generally better equipped for snow because it comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, offering better traction in slick conditions. The Palisade comes standard with Front Wheel Drive, though AWD might be available on higher trims.

How big is the difference in driving performance?

The difference is substantial; the Palisade makes 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while the Outback only produces 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, meaning the Palisade will feel much quicker off the line.

Is the higher price of the Palisade justified by its features?

The Palisade costs $4,440 more than the Outback, but the primary justifications are its significantly higher power output and larger overall body dimensions, not necessarily superior standard utility.

Which crossover has more space for luggage?

The 2026 Subaru Outback is the clear winner for cargo, offering 34.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, which is nearly double the Palisade's 19.1 cubic feet.

Are both cars limited to premium fuel?

Fortunately, both the 2026 Hyundai Palisade and the 2026 Subaru Outback are designed to run efficiently on regular unleaded fuel, saving owners money regardless of the choice.

Which transmission provides a smoother ride for passengers?

The Outback uses a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) aimed at maximizing efficiency and smooth acceleration, whereas the Palisade uses an 8-speed automatic which shifts distinctly, a matter of preference for daily driving smoothness.