Subaru Dislikes Hyundai's Interior and Passenger Space

Subaru's Journey in the 3-Row SUV Market

Subaru has been part of the 3-row SUV market for a considerable time, even though they weren't the first to enter this segment. The Acura MDX was the pioneer in 2000, and Subaru introduced its B9 Tribeca in 2006. While the brand is known for its loyal customer base, the Tribeca didn’t perform well in the U.S. market. Sales were sluggish, and by 2012, Subaru decided to stop selling it in the United States. Only 367 units were sold in 2013, making it one of the worst-selling vehicles in American history. Although it continued to be available in Europe and Asia until 2017, the Tribeca never gained much traction in the U.S.

A New Attempt with the Ascent

After several years, Subaru made a comeback in the 3-row SUV market with the introduction of the Ascent in 2017. This time, the brand hit the right notes with a design that combined elements from the Forester and the Outback. The Ascent offered more space and a third row, which resonated well with consumers. It quickly became a success and continues to do so today. In 2018, Hyundai entered the market with the Palisade, replacing the Santa Fe XL. The Palisade also found a strong audience, and the two models have been competing for the same customers over the past seven years, especially those looking for a third row.

Comparing Price and Value

When it comes to price, both the Hyundai Palisade and the Subaru Ascent offer excellent value. The Palisade starts at $40,430 and goes up to $55,555 for the top Calligraphy trim. The Ascent, on the other hand, starts at $41,415 and tops out at $53,470 for the Touring version. The difference in starting prices is minimal, especially when considering dealership markups.

Other three-row SUVs in this price range include the Chevrolet Traverse, Kia Telluride, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Ford Explorer. There are also less expensive options like the Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan Pathfinder, and Kia Sorento. However, the Subaru holds a unique advantage: a strong reputation among loyal customers. This loyalty makes it difficult to convince a Subaru owner to switch to another brand, even if the price is slightly higher.

Power and Space Considerations

Both the Palisade and the Ascent offer sufficient power for their size. The Palisade features a 3.8-liter V6 engine that produces 291 horsepower, while the Ascent comes with a 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer four-cylinder engine that delivers 260 horsepower. The V6 provides a more natural driving experience for an SUV of this size, but personal preference plays a role here. Both models have a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, though many would trust the V6 more for heavy towing.

In terms of cargo and passenger space, the Palisade edges out the Ascent. When the third row is in use, the Palisade offers 18 cubic feet of space compared to the Ascent’s 17.8. With the third row folded, the Palisade provides 45.8 cubic feet versus the Ascent’s 43.5. Even when both the second and third rows are folded, the Palisade’s longer wheelbase gives it an advantage, offering 86.4 cubic feet of space compared to the Ascent’s 75.6. Legroom in the third row is similar, with the Palisade offering 31.4 inches and the Ascent 31.7 inches. However, the Palisade feels more spacious due to better seat quality and amenities.

Third Row Experience

While neither SUV is ideal for adults on long trips, both are suitable for short journeys or transporting children. The larger window sizes in the third row help reduce feelings of confinement and prevent motion sickness. Both models require sitting sideways to fit, but teenagers or middle schoolers would find them comfortable.

Final Thoughts

Both the Palisade and the Ascent are excellent full-sized SUVs for their price, offering a wide range of standard features, safety, style, tech-forward interiors, ample space, and ease of driving. They make great family companions. The Palisade offers more cargo space, making it a practical choice for families. The Ascent, however, excels in areas like AWD performance, which is crucial for those living in snowy regions. Additionally, the Palisade will soon have a hybrid option, while the Ascent does not. Although the 2026 Ascent model has been updated with more interior space, it hasn’t been widely available yet. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on individual needs and preferences.