Santa Fe vs Ascent
The Santa Fe and the Ascent are aimed squarely at each other: same class, different badges. The two pull in different directions. The Santa Fe is built around engine & performance, while the Ascent is stronger on space & practicality.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Santa Fe wins
- Space & Practicality Ascent wins
- Off-road & Towing Ascent wins
- Engine & Performance5.5
- Off-road & Towing3.3
- Engine & Performance4.3
- Off-road & Towing5.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Ascent has 1,500 lb more towing capacity
Not a close call. The Ascent lists 5,000 lb and the Santa Fe lists 3,500 lb. That’s a substantial gap. If you tow regularly, the Ascent’s higher rating gives you more margin.
-
The Santa Fe has 17 hp more power
The Santa Fe has a modest edge on total system output: 277 hp against 260 hp for the Ascent. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
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The Ascent has room for 8 seats
It’s a small lead (8 seats versus 7 seats), but it’s real, and it goes to the Ascent. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
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The Santa Fe has 34 lb-ft more torque
The Ascent isn’t far behind at 277 lb-ft, but the Santa Fe’s 311 lb-ft still comes out ahead. The Santa Fe’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Santa Fe | Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 196.8 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 76 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 113.8 in |
Engine & Performance
Santa Fe leads
This is one of the Santa Fe’s strongest areas. On engine & performance, the Ascent falls well short. Choose the Santa Fe and you get 17 hp more power. The Santa Fe’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. On engine & performance alone, the Santa Fe gets the nod.
Total system output
Santa Fe: 277 hp Ascent: 260 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Santa Fe: 311 lb-ft Ascent: 277 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Space & Practicality
Ascent leads
Call it a small but real win for the Ascent in this area. The Ascent takes this one with room for 8 seats. The Ascent has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools. If this section decides it for you, choose the Ascent.
Seats
Santa Fe: 7 seats Ascent: 8 seats Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
Off-road & Towing
Ascent leads
Look at the off-road & towing table and one name keeps coming out on top: the Ascent. The Ascent steps ahead thanks to 1,500 lb more towing capacity. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at. The off-road & towing verdict goes to the Ascent.
Max towing
Santa Fe: 3,500 lb Ascent: 5,000 lb A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers.
Safety & Tech
We don’t score this area directly, because the safety & tech specs are labels rather than measurements. The table shows what each lists.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Santa Fe | Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.5L turbo I4 | 2.4L turbo flat-4 |
| Total system output | 277 hp (winner) | 260 hp |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft (winner) | 277 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed dual-clutch | CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Santa Fe | Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | N/A (not specified) | 22 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | N/A (not specified) | 20 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | N/A (not specified) | 26 mpg |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 19.3 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Santa Fe | Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 8 seats (winner) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Santa Fe | Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | N/A (not specified) | 8.70 in |
| Max towing | 3,500 lb Lowest towing capacity | 5,000 lb (winner) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Santa Fe | Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | Hyundai SmartSense | Subaru EyeSight |
| Basic warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Santa Fe | Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 196.8 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 76 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 113.8 in |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Santa Fe if…
- you want more power (277 hp vs 260 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (311 lb-ft vs 277 lb-ft of torque)
- you’re comfortable with how Hyundai does things
Choose the Ascent if…
- you want the higher towing capacity (5,000 lb vs 3,500 lb)
- you need more seats (8 seats vs 7 seats)
- you’re loyal to Subaru and happy with it
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Santa Fe or the Ascent?
There’s no single right answer. The Santa Fe leads on engine & performance and the Ascent on space & practicality.
Executive Summary
Hyundai makes the Santa Fe, Subaru makes the Ascent, and both want the same spot on your shortlist. Here’s where I land. I keep coming back to one thing: the Santa Fe gets 17 hp more power. Fairness check: the Ascent does come with 1,500 lb more towing capacity.
Think about your week. Heavy on engine & performance? The Santa Fe. More about space & practicality? The Ascent.
My pick: I can’t crown one. The Santa Fe wins on engine & performance, the Ascent on space & practicality, and your habits decide.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.