2019 Subaru Ascent vs. 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2019 Subaru Ascent and 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2019 Subaru Ascent and the 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE.
In comparing the 2019 Subaru Ascent's and the 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE's specifications and ratings, the 2019 Subaru Ascent has the advantage in the areas of resale value, interior volume and base engine power. The 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the 2019 Subaru Ascent's and the 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE's specifications and ratings, the 2019 Subaru Ascent is a better car than the 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE.
Pricing: A used 2019 Subaru Ascent ranges from $19,484 to $30,998 while a used 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE is priced between $14,997 to $25,819.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2019 Subaru Ascent loses 44.1 percent of its value and the 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE loses 45.7 percent of its value. This means the 2019 Subaru Ascent retains 1.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2019 Subaru Ascent’s base engine makes 260 horsepower, and the 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE base engine makes 185 horsepower. The Ascent is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 521 miles. The SANTA FE is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 545 miles. This gives the 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2019 Subaru Ascent. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the 2019 Subaru Ascent has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room and rear shoulder room. The 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE has the advantage in the areas of front leg room, rear leg room and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2019 Subaru Ascent and the 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$31,995
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$30,316
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$23,245 - $35,310
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$25,750
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$30,316
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$23,245 - $35,310
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$25,282
Price Range:
$19,484 - $30,998
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$24,868
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$16,878 - $34,673
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
342
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
81,992
# Good or Great Deals:
162
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$20,121
Price Range:
$14,997 - $25,819
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$24,868
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$16,878 - $34,673
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
699
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
78,450
# Good or Great Deals:
236
Subaru Ascent Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Hyundai SANTA FE Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.6 / 10
Retained Value:
7.7 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2019 Subaru Ascent
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
5.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6 - 8.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
5.3
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
5.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6 - 8.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
20.2%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
19.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1 - 33.1
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.8
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1 - 33.1
Subaru Ascent Rankings
Ranking
4 out of / 28Ranking
7 out of / 39Ranking
7 out of / 34Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
14 out of / 39Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
17 out of / 39Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
20 out of / 67Ranking
20 out of / 39Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 67Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 32Ranking
28 out of / 39Ranking
29 out of / 39Ranking
30 out of / 32Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
33 out of / 39Ranking
35 out of / 59Ranking
36 out of / 67Ranking
44 out of / 67Ranking
52 out of / 67Hyundai SANTA FE Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 39Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 39Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 28Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 39Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 34Ranking
7 out of / 39Ranking
8 out of / 39Ranking
8 out of / 16Ranking
10 out of / 39Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 21Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
14 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 39Ranking
18 out of / 39Ranking
18 out of / 39Ranking
21 out of / 67Ranking
21 out of / 67Ranking
22 out of / 32Ranking
23 out of / 32Ranking
23 out of / 30Ranking
26 out of / 39Ranking
27 out of / 39Ranking
28 out of / 39Ranking
34 out of / 59Ranking
36 out of / 67Ranking
50 out of / 67Summary Review
The Subaru Ascent joined the crossover SUV lineup at Subaru in 2018. It quickly earned the praise of reviewers.
Summary Review
Hyundai’s Santa Fe has evolved rapidly over its generations into one of the most satisfying to drive midsize crossover SUVs on the market. There are many versions of the Santa Fe, some with two rows and some with three, depending upon the model year and trim.
Pros and Cons
- Excellent on-road and off-road capability
- Seven or eight-seat configurations available
- Class-leading diver-assist technology
- Below-average reliability scores (unusual for a Subaru)
Pros and Cons
- New engines for 2021 including a hybrid
- Cutting-edge infotainment
- Excellent safety ratings
- Only two rows for 2021
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2019 Subaru Ascent Trim Levels
Base, Limited 7-Passenger, Limited 8-Passenger, Premium 7-Passenger, Premium 8-Passenger, Touring
2019 Hyundai SANTA FE Trim Levels
Limited 2.0T, Limited 2.4L, SE 2.4L, SEL 2.4L, SEL Plus 2.4L, Ultimate 2.0T, Ultimate 2.4L
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
260 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
277 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.059 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
185 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.049 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 27 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
405 / 521 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 29 / 25
Range (city/hwy):
414 / 545 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
Available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
40 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
60.3 inches
Cargo Space:
17.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
86.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
171.3 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
40.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.3 inches
Cargo Space:
35.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
71.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
146.6 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4430 lbs
Width:
85.7 inches
Height:
71.6 inches
Length:
196.8 inches
Wheelbase:
113.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3803 lbs
Width:
74.4 inches
Height:
66.1 inches
Length:
187.8 inches
Wheelbase:
108.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.3 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/60R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Beige
Not available
Blue
Not available
Green
Not available
Orange
Not available
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Twilight Black
Gray
Machine Gray
Silver
Symphony Silver
White
Quartz White
Beige
Earthy Bronze
Blue
Stormy Sea
Green
Rainforest
Orange
Lava Orange
Red
Scarlet Red
Interior Colors
Black
Slate Black
Beige
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black / Espresso/Gray
Beige
Beige/Black
