2026 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2026 Subaru Ascent

$34,800 · Crossover

$40,795 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant disparity between the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe (Car 1) and the 2026 Subaru Ascent (Car 2) is the $5,995 difference in Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the Santa Fe starting at $34,800 versus the Ascent's $40,795. Performance metrics show the Santa Fe leading in power, offering 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque compared to the Ascent's 260 hp and 277 lb-ft. Fuel economy slightly favors the Hyundai, achieving a 24 MPG combined rating versus the Ascent's 22 MPG combined, despite the Santa Fe utilizing FWD against the Ascent's standard AWD. However, the Ascent compensates with superior utility, boasting a taller stance at 71.6 inches (vs. 67.7 inches) and offering a larger maximum cargo capacity of 17.8 cu ft compared to the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft. The Santa Fe uses an 8-speed automatic, while the Ascent employs a CVT.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Santa Fe is the winner for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 24 MPG, which offers better running costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Ascent

The Ascent wins for families due to its significantly greater overall size, including 7.1 inches more height and 3.2 cubic feet more cargo space.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Santa Fe appeals more to enthusiasts by delivering higher output with 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Santa Fe provides a better initial value proposition, costing $5,995 less while offering higher horsepower.

Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...

Budget constraints prioritize a lower entry price, starting at $34,800.
Maximum engine output is desired, evidenced by its 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque.
Fuel efficiency is a priority, as it achieves a 24 MPG combined rating versus 22 MPG for the competition.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

All-weather capability is required, as the Ascent comes standard with All-Wheel Drive.
Maximum utility is needed, reflected in its 17.8 cu ft cargo capacity.
A commanding road presence is preferred, thanks to its larger dimensions, specifically 71.6 inches in height.

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 shiftable automatic	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	Underbody 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2026 Subaru Ascent.

What is the primary drivetrain difference between the 2026 Santa Fe and the 2026 Ascent?

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe comes standard with Front Wheel Drive (FWD) paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Conversely, the 2026 Subaru Ascent includes standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) mated to a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).

How do the horsepower and torque figures compare for these two crossovers?

The 2026 Santa Fe produces more power with 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The 2026 Ascent offers slightly less output, generating 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.

Is the Ascent significantly larger than the Santa Fe in overall dimensions?

Yes, the Ascent is physically larger across several key metrics; it is 6.6 inches longer (196.8 vs 190.2 inches) and 3.9 inches taller (71.6 vs 67.7 inches) than the Santa Fe.

Which vehicle offers better cargo capacity for hauling needs?

The 2026 Subaru Ascent provides superior cargo volume, offering 17.8 cubic feet, which is notably more than the 14.6 cubic feet available in the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe.

Considering the starting price, what is the immediate cost differential?

There is a substantial MSRP difference of $5,995 between the two models. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe starts at $34,800, making it the significantly more affordable option upfront than the $40,795 starting price of the 2026 Subaru Ascent.

Do these vehicles require different fuel grades?

Both the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2026 Subaru Ascent are designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline, meaning neither requires premium fuel for operation.