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Hyundai Santa Cruz vs Subaru Ascent - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (281 HP vs 260 HP), trunk space and price (28,800 $ vs 38,900 $ ) at a glance. See which model fits your needs and budget better – Hyundai Santa Cruz or Subaru Ascent?

Hyundai Santa Cruz vs Subaru Ascent: Key differences

Hyundai Santa Cruz

  • noticeably cheaper
  • very slightly more power
  • marginally more efficient
  • moderately lighter
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Subaru Ascent

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Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Santa Cruz

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Hyundai Santa Cruz is noticeably cheaper – starting at 28,800 $ , while the Subaru Ascent costs 38,900 $ . That’s a price difference of around 10,160 $.

When it comes to city fuel economy, the Hyundai Santa Cruz performs marginally better – achieving 22 mpg, compared to 20 mpg for the Subaru Ascent. That’s a difference of about 2 mpg.

Ascent

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Hyundai Santa Cruz offers very slightly more power – delivering 281 HP compared to 260 HP. That’s roughly 21 HP more horsepower.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Hyundai Santa Cruz delivers a bit more torque with 311 lb-ft compared to 277 lb-ft. That’s about 34 lb-ft more.

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Seats: Subaru Ascent offers more seats – 8 vs 5.

In terms of curb weight, Hyundai Santa Cruz is moderately lighter – 3,779 lbs compared to 4,449 lbs. The difference is around 670 lbs.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Hyundai Santa Cruz comes out clearly ahead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from $28,800
Santa Cruz

Hyundai Santa Cruz

  • Engine Type : Gasoline
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front Wheel, All Wheel
  • Power HP : 191 - 281 HP
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Hyundai Santa Cruz

The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a city-friendly pickup with SUV manners, serving up a smooth ride and a surprisingly upscale cabin while still handling weekend projects without the drama. It doesn’t try to out-macho the big rigs; instead it wins with smart packaging, easy parking, and just enough adventure vibe to make every grocery run feel like a mini road trip.

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Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent stands out in the world of midsize SUVs, offering a perfect blend of comfort and capability. With seating for up to eight passengers and an array of standard safety features, it caters to families seeking adventure without compromising on reliability. Its robust design and all-wheel-drive functionality make it a dependable choice for those who love exploring both urban and off-road terrains.

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Costs and Consumption
Price
28,800 - 42,800 $
Price
38,900 - 50,000 $
FuelEconomy City
18 - 22 mpg
FuelEconomy City
19 - 20 mpg
FuelEconomy Hwy
26 - 30 MPG
FuelEconomy Hwy
25 - 26 MPG
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
17.7 gal
Fuel tank capacity
19.3 gal

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Pickup
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
7 - 8
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
3,779 - 4,295 lbs
Curb weight
4,449 - 4,597 lbs
Trunk Volume
-
Trunk Volume
-
Length
195.9 in.
Length
196.8 in.
Width
75 in.
Width
76 in.
Height
66 in.
Height
71 in.

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Gasoline
Engine Type
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Drive Type
Front Wheel, All Wheel
Drive Type
All Wheel
Power HP
191 - 281 HP
Power HP
260 HP
Torque
181 - 311 lb-ft
Torque
277 lb-ft
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Engine Displacement
2.5 L
Engine Displacement
2.4 L
Gears
-
Gears
-

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
Brand
Hyundai
Brand
Subaru
What is the price of the Hyundai Santa Cruz?

Starting from 28,800 $.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. Prices shown are manufacturer suggested retail prices (MSRP). Taxes, registration fees and dealer charges are not included.