2022 Hyundai Palisade vs 2022 Subaru Ascent

The 2022 Subaru Ascent, particularly in its new Onyx Edition trim, embraced the trend of blacking out exterior trim, giving it a sporty appearance. This trim level featured blacked-out exterior trim and badges, black 20-inch aluminum wheels, a unique grille design, and special interior trim. The seats were wrapped in water-repellant StarTex synthetic leather, which, while practical, had a tendency to trap sweat. The interior was adorned with metallic trim on the dashboard and door panels, creating a modern and appealing look. However, the gray two-tone scheme with light gray stitching was the only option for the StarTex upholstery, which might not suit everyone's taste.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Palisade presented an elegant and striking exterior design, shedding any past criticisms of Hyundai's designs. The Palisade featured distinctive lines and shapes, a prominent grille, crisp shoulder lines, and a tasteful tailgate. The sculpted wheel arches and continuous strip of glass surfaces around the tailgate added visual interest. LED headlights, running lights, and accents provided a signature look, while 18-inch alloy wheels were standard on SE and SEL models. Inside, the Palisade was equally elegant, with high-quality materials and finishes adorning every surface. The horizontally arrayed screen, beefy center console, and spacious seating in all rows contributed to a near-luxury feel.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) as standard. The Ascent achieved an EPA fuel-economy rating of 22 mpg combined for versions with 20-inch wheels, though our testing loop averaged 20.5 mpg. The flat-four engine layout contributed to a lower center of gravity, enhancing handling. The CVT offered eight programmed ratios and manual shift control, providing brisk acceleration and commendable passing power. The Ascent could tow up to 5,000 pounds and featured Subaru’s X-Mode off-road traction control system, hill descent control, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

In comparison, the 2022 Hyundai Palisade came with a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The V6 engine featured gasoline direct injection, dual variable valve timing, and Atkinson-cycle capability, along with auto-stop-and-go settings to save fuel. The Palisade achieved EPA estimates of 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway/22 mpg combined for FWD models and 19 mpg city/24 mpg highway/21 mpg combined for AWD models. The V6 engine provided a baritone rumble and quick acceleration without turbo lag. The Palisade's four-wheel independent suspension and stabilizer bars contributed to its nice handling, and it could tow up to 5,000 pounds with trailer brakes.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent could carry up to eight people with a second-row bench seat, though the third row was best suited for children. The Ascent Onyx Edition featured water-resistant seat material, triple-zone climate control, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, and a wiper de-icer. Loading the second-row seat was easy, thanks to wide rear doors that opened nearly 90 degrees. The Ascent provided 17.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the third row, 47.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 86.5 cubic feet with both rows folded down. A shallow storage area under the floor added extra space.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade, designed as a minivan replacement, offered comfortable seating and easy access throughout the cabin. The third row provided comfortable seating with cupholders on each side, while the second-row captain's chairs were spacious and comfortable. The front row featured ample storage, including two compartments in the center console and door panel bottle holders. The Palisade offered 18.0 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, 45.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 86.4 cubic feet with both rows folded flat. An underfloor storage compartment added extra space, and roof rails could hold up to 220 pounds of cargo.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent in base trim came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, and satellite radio. Premium trim added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services, including a WiFi hotspot and remote engine starting. The system's voice recognition technology needed improvement, and the Onyx Edition's standard stereo speakers lacked sonic quality. Additional technology features for the Touring trim included a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree-view front camera.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade showcased Hyundai's technological leadership. The standard display audio system on SE and SEL models used an 800 x 480 resolution screen, while the Limited and Calligraphy models featured a 1920 x 720 color touchscreen and a 630-watt Harman Kardon premium audio system. The infotainment system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, HD Radio, and satellite radio. The Palisade offered multiple USB ports, a Qi wireless charging pad, and a 115-volt power outlet. The Limited and Calligraphy models added a head-up display, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a surround-view monitor.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent earned a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and received five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance. The Ascent came standard with Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance tech, including adaptive cruise control with lane-centering technology. However, EyeSight's performance was affected by direct sunlight, and the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology lacked refinement. Additional safety features included steering responsive LED headlights, automatic high-beam assist, and optional blind-spot monitoring and reverse automatic braking.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade also earned a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and received five-star ratings from the NHTSA. The Palisade featured seven airbags, three-point seat belts, LATCH anchors, active head restraints, and a comprehensive list of standard active safety and advanced driver assistance features. These included anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, blind-spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. Optional features included forward-looking parking sensors, ultrasonic rear occupant alert, and Highway Driving Assist.