Subaru Forester Hybrid vs Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid presented a fresh design for its sixth-generation, adopting a more conventional and cohesive look compared to its predecessor. This redesign resulted in a blockier shape, reminiscent of a compact Ford Explorer, which some might argue diluted its distinctiveness. Despite this, the Forester maintained a rugged appearance with black plastic elements hinting at its off-road capabilities. Inside, the Forester Hybrid featured a modernized cabin with a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a digital instrument panel exclusive to the hybrid model. While hard plastics were prevalent, soft-touch materials were strategically placed for comfort, and the front seats offered ample support and ventilation, enhancing long-distance travel comfort.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid, available in Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy trims, integrated seamlessly into the existing Palisade lineup. The vehicle boasted a striking presence with a massive grille, LED lighting, and 20-inch alloy wheels. The interior was equally impressive, offering a rich sense of craftsmanship with organic shapes and thoughtful storage solutions. The Palisade Hybrid's cabin was designed for comfort, featuring H-Tex synthetic leatherette upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and advanced climate control options. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added luxurious Nappa leather upholstery and additional comfort features, making the Palisade a standout in its class.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre flat four-cylinder engine paired with a parallel hybrid system, producing a combined 194 horsepower. This setup included two motor/generators and a 1.1-kWh lithium-ion battery, providing standard all-wheel drive with a traditional driveshaft for better traction. While acceleration was adequate, the hybrid transmission sometimes made the vehicle feel slower than it was. The Forester Hybrid excelled off-road, thanks to its X-Mode drive programming and hill descent control, offering a balanced performance for both urban and adventurous driving.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid featured a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine combined with two electric motors and a 1.65-kWh battery, delivering a total of 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain was complemented by an advanced eight-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and efficient performance. The Palisade Hybrid's handling was enhanced by its ability to adjust power distribution for load leveling, although this was more theoretical than noticeable. The cabin remained quiet and comfortable, with noise-absorbing materials and acoustic glass minimizing road and engine noise.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid offered an unobstructed forward view from the driver's seat, thanks to thinner roof pillars. The cabin felt open and airy, with ample space for front and rear passengers. The panoramic sunroof added to the sense of openness, while the cargo area provided 779 litres of space, easily accessible via a hands-free power liftgate. Storage options included a wireless charging pad, cup holders, and USB ports for rear passengers.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid provided 2,455 litres of total cargo capacity, trailing some competitors but surpassing others. The second-row legroom was slightly compromised by the battery placement, but the cabin remained comfortable with dual-zone climate control and multiple USB-C power outlets. The Palisade Hybrid offered seating for eight with a second-row bench seat, while captain's chairs were available on higher trims. The interior was filled with convenient storage cubbies, enhancing its practicality for families.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid came equipped with an 11.6-inch vertical infotainment touchscreen featuring built-in navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was praised for its user-friendly interface and large on-screen buttons. The Forester Hybrid also included an 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and multiple camera views for off-road driving.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, supporting wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The vehicle included a Driver Talk intercom system and a 14-speaker Bose stereo on higher trims. A standout feature was the built-in dashcam on the Ultimate Calligraphy trim, providing front and rear views. The Palisade Hybrid also introduced "Stay Mode," allowing the use of climate control and infotainment while the engine was off.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid earned high safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA in most categories and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It came standard with Subaru's EyeSight suite, including collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. Additional features like blind spot monitoring and a driver attention monitor were available on higher trims.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid included a comprehensive suite of ADAS features, such as blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic assist, and automatic emergency braking. The blind-view monitor was standard on higher trims, enhancing safety during lane changes. While crash test results for the 2026 model were not available, the 2025 Palisade received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.