Three-row SUV comparison · Delray Beach, Florida
2027 Subaru Ascent vs. 2027 Hyundai Palisade
The 2027 Palisade SE HTRAC offers more horsepower, more published passenger and cargo volume, a longer and wider body, and an eight-speed automatic. The 2027 Ascent counters with standard AWD, 17 more lb-ft of torque, 1.3 inches more clearance, seven- or eight-passenger Premium configurations and higher gas-AWD city/highway estimates in this match. Both reach a 5,000-pound towing maximum when properly equipped. Hyundai's separately offered hybrid is a material advantage the gasoline-only Ascent does not overcome when hybrid power is required.
Which 2027 three-row SUV should you put on your shortlist?
Choose the 2027 Ascent if you prioritize:
- Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and X-MODE on every trim
- A choice of seven- or eight-passenger Premium models at the same published starting MSRP
- 8.7 inches of ground clearance and higher gas-AWD city/highway estimates in this match
- A turbo engine with peak torque available at lower engine speed
Palisade advantages and the Ascent tradeoff:
- V6 and conventional eight-speed: Palisade has 27 more horsepower; Ascent supplies 17 more lb-ft and higher gas-AWD EPA estimates in this match.
- More published cabin and cargo volume: Ascent retains eight-passenger capacity in a shorter, narrower body and includes AWD.
- Longer and wider dimensions: Palisade adds physical space; Ascent is 2.4 inches shorter, 2 inches narrower and has 1.3 inches more clearance.
- A separately offered hybrid: Ascent has no 2027 hybrid. That is a material Palisade advantage for a shopper who requires hybrid power, and the current Ascent does not overcome it. Standard AWD, X-MODE and seven- or eight-seat Premium layouts are relevant Ascent strengths only if a gasoline SUV still fits the shopper's needs.
2027 gas AWD models: an exact-configuration comparison
The table compares the 2027 Subaru Ascent Premium 8-Passenger with the 2027 Hyundai Palisade SE configured with HTRAC AWD. Both are gasoline-powered, three-row, eight-passenger AWD configurations. The separate Palisade Hybrid is explained below and is not mixed into these figures.
| Decision point | 2027 Subaru Ascent Premium 8-Passenger 2.4L turbo / CVT / AWD | 2027 Hyundai Palisade SE 3.5L V6 / 8-speed / HTRAC AWD |
|---|---|---|
| AWD availability | Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive | HTRAC AWD is optional on SE |
| Published starting MSRP before destination or freight | $40,795; AWD is included | $39,735 applies to SE FWD; HTRAC AWD costs extra |
| Engine output | 260 hp / 277 lb-ft | 287 hp / 260 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Lineartronic continuously variable transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| EPA-estimated MPG, city / highway | 19 / 26 | 18 / 24 |
| Passenger seating | 8; second-row bench | 8; second-row bench |
| Passenger volume | 153.2 cu. ft. | 161.9 cu. ft. |
| Cargo volume behind second row / maximum behind first row | 43.5 / 75.6 cu. ft. | 46.3 / 86.7 cu. ft. |
| Ground clearance | 8.7 inches | 7.4 inches |
| Length / width / wheelbase | 196.8 / 76.0 / 113.8 inches | 199.2 / 78.0 / 116.9 inches |
| Maximum towing capacity | 5,000 pounds when properly equipped | 5,000 pounds with trailer brakes when properly equipped |
MSRP and equipment vary by configuration. Subaru's published Ascent price excludes destination and delivery. Hyundai's published Palisade price excludes freight and describes a front-wheel-drive SE; the HTRAC AWD option price is not shown in Hyundai's static specification table. EPA estimates are for comparison and actual mileage varies. Schumacher Subaru can quote and explain only the Subaru vehicles it sells.
Why the lowest advertised MSRPs are not an AWD-to-AWD comparison
Subaru lists the 2027 Ascent Premium at $40,795 before destination and delivery, with Symmetrical AWD already standard. Hyundai lists the 2027 Palisade SE at $39,735 before freight, but that headline price is for front-wheel drive. The HTRAC AWD configuration used in this page costs more than the published FWD base, and Hyundai's static specification page does not state that option price.
For a useful budget decision, compare an actual Ascent stock number with an exact Palisade SE HTRAC build or window sticker. Include destination or freight, factory options, accessories, taxes, registration and each seller's disclosed charges. Our Delray team can provide itemized pricing for a specific Ascent; it cannot quote or verify another retailer's Palisade price, fees, incentives or availability.
Which has more room: Ascent or Palisade?
Hyundai publishes more room for the Palisade: 161.9 cubic feet of passenger volume, 46.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and 86.7 cubic feet behind the front seats. Subaru publishes 153.2, 43.5 and 75.6 cubic feet for the Ascent Premium under the corresponding measurements. That is a real Palisade advantage. The Ascent counterbalance is the same eight-passenger capacity in a body 2.4 inches shorter and 2 inches narrower, along with standard AWD and 1.3 inches more ground clearance.
Numbers do not show whether a stroller fits with the third row occupied, how easily a child reaches the back, or whether the driver likes the outward view. Bring the passengers and cargo you actually carry. Keep all required seats upright, set the front seats for the regular drivers, and let third-row passengers test their own entry and exit.
AWD, clearance and gas mileage
Every 2027 Ascent includes Symmetrical AWD, X-MODE and 8.7 inches of clearance. HTRAC AWD is optional on the Palisade SE, adds terrain modes, and the SE has 7.4 inches of clearance. The exact gas AWD models compared here carry EPA estimates of 19 city and 26 highway MPG for Ascent Premium versus 18 city and 24 highway MPG for Palisade SE HTRAC.
Those figures make the Ascent the more efficient gas-AWD choice on paper, while the Palisade supplies 27 more horsepower. The Ascent counterbalance is 17 more lb-ft of torque, higher gas-AWD EPA estimates and 1.3 inches more clearance in this exact match. Use a back-to-back drive to judge throttle response, transmission behavior, braking, visibility and low-speed maneuvering. AWD supports traction; it does not make standing or moving floodwater safe to enter.
What if you are comparing the Palisade Hybrid?
Hyundai offers a separate 2027 Palisade Hybrid lineup. The 2027 Ascent lineup is gasoline-only. Hybrid pricing, combined output and fuel-economy figures therefore do not belong in the gas AWD table above.
This is a material current disadvantage for Ascent shoppers who require a hybrid. The gasoline Ascent does not erase that difference. Its standard AWD, 8.7 inches of clearance, seven- or eight-seat Premium configurations and Subaru driving layout should be evaluated only if a gasoline three-row SUV remains acceptable.
Subaru Corporation says it aims to apply electrification technologies—including battery-electric, hybrid and other electricity-using technologies—to all Subaru vehicles produced and sold worldwide by the early 2030s. That company-wide goal does not confirm an Ascent Hybrid, a 2029 model year or U.S. timing. Until Subaru makes a model-specific announcement, this page treats Palisade Hybrid availability as an unfilled Ascent disadvantage.
Can both tow 5,000 pounds?
Both manufacturers publish a 5,000-pound maximum for the gas configurations when properly equipped. Hyundai specifies trailer brakes for its 5,000-pound maximum. Real towing capacity depends on the vehicle configuration, passengers, cargo, hitch equipment and trailer setup.
Do not choose from the headline number alone. Check the exact vehicle's rating and available payload, the trailer's loaded weight and tongue weight, and all required equipment. Ask the Subaru team to review the Ascent window sticker and applicable towing guidance for the vehicle you are considering.
Plan a useful Ascent test drive in Delray Beach
Shoppers from Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Lake Worth and Deerfield Beach can make one visit answer the questions that a specification sheet cannot:
- Seat the household in all three rows and let regular third-row passengers test entry, exit, legroom, vents and charging access.
- Bring the stroller, beach gear, sports bags or luggage you expect to carry and keep every seat you need upright.
- Compare the seven-passenger captain's-chair layout with the eight-passenger bench before deciding which aisle and seating arrangement works.
- Check low-speed visibility and parking comfort, then evaluate merging response, CVT behavior, ride quality and driver-assistance controls at normal road speeds.
Visit Schumacher Subaru of Delray at 2102 South Federal Highway, Suite C, Delray Beach, FL 33483. Call Sales at 561-760-1512 or contact the team to confirm the Ascent you want to see is available and ready for a drive.
2027 Ascent vs. Palisade questions
Which SUV includes AWD in its base price?
The 2027 Ascent includes Symmetrical AWD on every trim. The 2027 Palisade SE starts with front-wheel drive and offers HTRAC AWD as an added option, so compare an HTRAC-equipped configuration before judging price.
Which has more cargo and passenger space?
Hyundai publishes higher passenger and cargo-volume figures for the 2027 Palisade. The Ascent counterbalance is eight-passenger capacity in a shorter, narrower body, with standard AWD and 8.7 inches of clearance. Test the real seating and loading arrangement your household uses, because maximum cargo numbers assume folded seats.
Does the 2027 Subaru Ascent offer a hybrid?
No. Hyundai's separate 2027 Palisade Hybrid is a material advantage if hybrid power is mandatory, and the current gasoline Ascent does not overcome it. Subaru's broader early-2030s electrification goal does not confirm an Ascent Hybrid, a 2029 model year or U.S. timing. If a gasoline SUV remains acceptable, compare Ascent's standard AWD, X-MODE, 8.7 inches of clearance and seven- or eight-seat Premium configurations on their own merits.
Can Schumacher Subaru price a Hyundai Palisade?
No. We use current manufacturer information to help shoppers understand the comparison, but our team sells and provides itemized pricing for Subaru vehicles. Hyundai selling prices, incentives and availability must be confirmed with a Hyundai retailer.
Where can I compare an Ascent near Boca Raton or Boynton Beach?
Schumacher Subaru of Delray is at 2102 South Federal Highway in Delray Beach. Contact the sales team before traveling so the exact year, trim and seating layout can be confirmed.
Compare the Subaru before choosing your next three-row SUV
Open the current Delray Ascent listings, select the year, trim and seating layout you want, then ask our team to confirm availability and explain that Subaru's itemized price. You do not need to own a Hyundai or have a trade to use this comparison.
