2023 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2024 Subaru Ascent

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe presented a more conservative exterior design compared to some of Hyundai's other models. While it maintained an attractive appearance, it lacked the standout looks that characterized other vehicles in the brand's lineup. This model continued with the same design as the 2022 version, available in four trim levels in Canada, all featuring standard all-wheel drive. The U.S.-spec Ultimate Calligraphy trim, tested in Stormy Sea paint, offered a high-quality interior with Nappa leather seats, providing comfort and a touch of luxury. The cabin, though dark and monotone, could be brightened with a beige or grey interior option. The Santa Fe's wide grilles and thin LED headlights were its most distinctive exterior features, while the interior boasted heated and cooled front seats and heated second-row seats, enhancing comfort during varying weather conditions.

In contrast, the 2024 Subaru Ascent struggled with its styling, featuring a bold grille design that some found visually unappealing. The Canadian lineup remained unchanged, offering trims from Convenience to Premier, with prices ranging from $44,674 to $57,674. The Premier trim, tested in the U.S., included premium Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and a surround-view camera. The interior materials were of good quality, but the design felt modular and lacked sophistication. Despite this, the Ascent was functional and practical, with features like a panoramic sunroof, navigation system, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system available on higher trims. The Ascent's design prioritized practicality over aesthetics, making it a reliable choice for families.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe offered two engine options: a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged version delivering 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged engine, available in the Urban and Ultimate Calligraphy trims, provided a significant performance boost, with immediate acceleration and no discernible turbo lag. The eight-speed "wet" dual-clutch automatic transmission contributed to a smooth driving experience, with no low-speed clunkiness. The Santa Fe's drive-mode selector allowed customization with Comfort, Sport, Snow, and Smart modes. While the non-turbo version could tow up to 907 kilograms, the turbo variant increased towing capacity to 1,587 kilograms, requiring trailer brakes for maximum capacity.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive, the Ascent excelled in various driving conditions, from city streets to off-road trails. It handled speed humps and rutted terrain with ease, though its performance on twisty mountain roads was limited by its weight and suspension tuning. The Ascent's fuel economy ratings were 12.3 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 9.4 on the highway, with a combined rating of 11.0. However, during testing, it returned 14.0 L/100 km in the city and 12.6 L/100 km overall. Despite its fuel consumption, the Ascent's 73-litre fuel tank allowed for a range of approximately 500 kilometres.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe prioritized spaciousness and comfort by offering a two-row configuration, unlike some competitors that squeezed in a third row. This decision resulted in generous rear-seat legroom of 1,060 millimetres and a competitive cargo space of 1,032 litres behind the second row. Folding the second row expanded the cargo area to 2,041 litres, with additional underfloor storage. The Santa Fe's interior featured an eight-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and rear window sunshades. Higher trims included a hands-free smart liftgate, ventilated front seats, and a head-up display. The panoramic sunroof and Remote Smart Parking Assist were standout features, though the wide centre console slightly compromised driver leg space.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent focused on practicality, with features like a dashboard shelf, large cupholders, and backpack pegs. The Premier trim offered comfortable Nappa leather seats, though the front passenger seat lacked a height adjuster. The rear doors opened nearly 90 degrees, facilitating easy access for loading children or cargo. The Ascent's roof rails supported a static load of 317 kilograms, suitable for a rooftop tent. While the second-row captain's chairs were comfortable, legroom felt snug compared to rivals. The third-row seats provided acceptable comfort for short trips, with air conditioning vents and storage space. Cargo space behind the third row measured 458 litres, expanding to 1,232 litres with the third row folded and 2,140 litres with the second row down.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in technology, offering a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and BlueLink connected services. The Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy trims featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system, though not graphically advanced, was logically arranged and highly customizable. Voice recognition capabilities were mixed, handling navigation commands well but struggling with music requests and climate control adjustments. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and wireless device charging.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent came equipped with the Starlink infotainment system, featuring an 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM. Higher trims offered a navigation system and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system. While the system functioned well, the display washed out in direct sunlight, and the native voice-recognition system was subpar. Physical buttons and knobs controlled essential functions, and Cabin Connect projected the driver's voice through the speakers. The Premier trim included a surround-view camera and a digital rearview camera.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and driver monitoring. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added Highway Driving Assist, enhancing adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Santa Fe received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with high marks in crashworthiness tests.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent emphasized safety with its high-strength steel platform and standard EyeSight package, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Ascent earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance, and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. However, the lane-centring assist technology was criticized for its performance, particularly on winding roads, where it struggled to maintain stability.