For this 2025 Subaru Ascent Comparison, we’ll try to answer the most frequently asked questions. You can decide for yourself which one is right for your family.

What are the 2025 Subaru Ascent Upgrades?  

The Subaru brand dropped the more affordable Base trim from 2024. As a result, the Premium trim level is the entry level, and that means more driver assistance and a larger touchscreen are standard. An emphasis on style produced more expensive trims, including a new Bronze edition and the Onyx Edition Touring.  

What are the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Redesign Changes?

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe showcases a dramatic redesign, making it notably bigger and more capable than before. This new generation boasts a bold, boxier design and introduces a host of enhanced amenities and cutting-edge technologies, providing a truly elevated experience for drivers and passengers alike.

How Many Seats in the 2025 Subaru Ascent?

As the entry point, Ascent Premium trim levels seat 8 with an option for 7. Level two is the 7-person Onyx Edition. Level three is the Ascent Limited with either seating configuration. The Ascent Bronze Edition, Touring and Onyx Edition Touring all have the 7-person layout. The 8 person layout is 2-3-3 while the 7-person layout is 2-2-3.

How Many Seats in the New Hyundai Santa Fe?  

The 7-person layout is standard in the Santa Fe SE, SEL, XRT, and Limited while the Calligraphy seats 6 with center-row captain’s chairs. The SEL Hybrid and Limited Hybrid seat 7 while the Calligraphy Hybrid seats 6. Layouts are either 2-3-2 or 2-2-2.  

Does the Santa Fe Have More Cargo Space Than the Ascent?

Yes, the Santa Fe offers class-leading cargo space with 79.6 cubic feet maximum capacity, compared to the Ascent's approximately 75 cubic feet. This gives families noticeably more room for luggage and equipment. However, the Ascent has slightly more standard space behind the 2nd row and behind the third row. Of course, you may be packing for 8 people in the Ascent while you only need to pack for 7 people in the Santa Fe.

Which Has More Horsepower, Santa Fe or Subaru Ascent?

The Ascent has a single engine choice that generates 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Santa Fe Hybrids remain competitive with combined 231 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. However, the best in the bunch is the standard gas engine. Santa Fe drivers command 277 horsepower and a whopping 311 lb-ft of torque.

Which Gets Better Gas Mileage, Ascent or Santa Fe?

The Santa Fe delivers significantly better fuel economy, achieving up to 29 MPG highway compared to the Ascent's 26 MPG rating. Front-wheel drive Santa Fe Hybrids earn 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway for a combined rate of 36 mpg. All-wheel drive Santa Fe Hybrids earn 35 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway for a combined rate of 34 mpg combined. The 2025 Subaru Ascent in Avondale AZ doesn’t offer a hybrid powertrain option.

Which SUV is Better Value, Santa Fe or Ascent?

The Santa Fe provides better value with a lower starting price, more generous standard features, and superior warranty coverage. It has more trim levels and offers all-wheel drive. The Ascent can claim an eighth seat, slightly more standard cargo space, and standard all-wheel drive, but it can’t claim as many features for your automotive dollar as the Santa Fe.

The two models have similar safety features. You can find their current safety scores by checking the NHTSA website.

For my personal use, Santa Fe vs Ascent which should I buy?

If you want a big SUV, but don’t have a big family, consider which of these rides meets the benchmarks of style, technology, and value. The Santa Fe is known for its distinctive curb appeal and interesting interior, compared to the starker Subaru style.

Furthermore, Hyundais are known for their advanced technology and value at every level of the trim ladder. This would point to the Santa Fe as the better 3-row SUV choice.

Santa Fe vs Ascent: Cost of Ownership Midsize SUV?

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offers a superior cost of ownership compared to the 2025 Subaru Ascent in Avondale. Not only does the Santa Fe often have a more competitive price point, but its excellent warranty coverage and better fuel efficiency, especially with the hybrid option, lead to significant savings over time.

Should I buy a Santa Fe or Ascent for my family?

Choose the Santa Fe if you prioritize superior fuel economy, more trim level choices, more powertrain choices, and more features for the price.

Choose the Ascent if you really need that eighth seat, you must have more towing capacity, or you like the plainer interior design. (All-wheel drive may be a priority, but it is available at basically the same price on the Santa Fe.)

Now that you know more, skip the Avondale Subaru dealership and head for Earnhardt Hyundai. We’ve got a selection of Santa Fes and can show you all of its exciting technology tools and toys!  

Schedule a test drive.