SUMMARY
- The 2025 Subaru Ascent and 2025 Hyundai Palisade compete for Las Vegas drivers, but the Ascent’s power, stability, and AWD dominate.
- Its rugged design, family friendly cabin, and advanced tech make it the best 3 row SUV for city and adventure driving.
- Experience the Ascent’s confidence and capability firsthand at Findlay Subaru of Las Vegas, where expert staff help you find your perfect SUV.
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Las Vegas roads throw everything your SUV might face at you — blazing desert heat, steep ember filled canyons, slick freeway stretches, sudden storms, and long family trips across the region. When you hunt for that best 3 row SUV to conquer that mix, the 2025 Subaru Ascent and 2025 Hyundai Palisade emerge as top contenders. Still, when you drive both through the valley, up Red Rock Canyon, and across the rougher terrain beyond the Strip, one rises above the other. This is a head to head in which Subaru Ascent vs Hyundai Palisade shows you why the Ascent earns your loyalty. And if you want to test drive one locally, Findlay Subaru of Las Vegas is your gateway to experiencing its edge first hand.
Pro tip: For Las Vegas drivers ready to upgrade, Findlay Subaru of Las Vegas offers exciting options to match every lifestyle. Explore our new Subaru promotions for the latest models, or browse our certified pre-owned inventory for top-quality vehicles with added peace of mind. You can also check out our used car deals for incredible value on reliable SUVs ready for your next adventure.
Power and Performance
When your route includes highway stretches, twisty mountain climbs, and occasional off pavement stretches, power and drivetrain behavior matter. The 2025 Subaru Ascent comes with a 2.4 liter turbocharged BOXER engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb ft of torque. That engine is paired with a Lineartronic CVT that includes an 8 speed manual mode through paddle shifters, allowing drivers to take more control when tackling sudden elevation changes or tight curves.
What gives the Subaru Ascent real traction on Vegas roads is its Symmetrical All Wheel Drive that comes standard across all trims, plus X MODE with Hill Descent Control for tricky downhill or loose road segments. That system continuously balances torque front to rear, making tight canyon turns or sudden wet patches feel more controlled and confident.
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade uses a 3.8 liter V6 producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb ft of torque, paired with an eight speed automatic transmission. It offers all wheel drive in many trims. While that extra horsepower gives the Palisade a slight edge in straight line punch, the Ascent’s torque curve feels more usable for real world conditions, especially in the unpredictable mix of Vegas terrains.
On the road around Las Vegas, the Subaru holds steadier under load whether climbing toward Mount Charleston or gliding through the switchbacks near Valley of Fire. Its all wheel drive system never feels caught off guard, and the planted sensation inspires confidence every mile.
Another advantage is the 5000 pound towing capacity, the strongest ever for a Subaru. That power makes it easy to haul bikes, small boats, or trailers for weekend escapes. The Palisade can tow as well, but the Ascent’s balance between torque, grip, and handling makes it feel stronger where it counts on roads that twist, climb, and challenge.
Design Features
Step inside and you feel the difference immediately. The 2025 Subaru Ascent was designed for families who live active lifestyles. It’s the largest Subaru ever, offering flexible three row seating in either seven or eight passenger layouts. The interior is durable yet refined, with practical details like strong upholstery, a smart center console layout, and enough storage to handle everything from sports gear to daily essentials.
Its exterior dimensions give it a commanding but manageable presence. With solid ground clearance and well proportioned body lines, the Ascent looks ready for desert adventures yet fits comfortably in city parking spaces. Power liftgates, roof rails, and available second row captain’s chairs add a touch of convenience to its rugged personality.
The Hyundai Palisade carries a sleeker, more premium appearance with upscale cabin materials, ambient lighting, and a polished finish that appeals to those who prefer a more elegant look. However, in the harsh desert environment of Las Vegas with dust, heat, and long drives, the Palisade’s finer materials can demand more care to maintain their look over time.
The Subaru Ascent leans into practicality. It’s built for families who value reliability, space, and function over flash. The cabin’s visibility is excellent, which makes navigating through busy Summerlin streets or merging on the 215 easier. And the interior remains quiet and composed, even on rough patches of road.
If your weekends include spontaneous road trips to the mountains or trails, the Ascent’s rugged construction feels more reassuring. It’s a vehicle that adapts to the unpredictability of Nevada terrain while keeping passengers comfortable and secure.
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Tech Capabilities
Technology has become a deciding factor for modern SUV buyers, especially in a city where commutes, road trips, and digital connectivity go hand in hand. The 2025 Subaru Ascent delivers with its SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia System and an 11.6 inch touchscreen that gives a clear tablet like experience. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make it easy to stay connected, while over the air updates keep the system current without a visit to the dealership.
Safety remains Subaru’s strongest suit. Every Ascent comes standard with the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane centering, pre collision braking, and lane departure prevention. Higher trims add a surround view camera, driver focus alert, and reverse automatic braking all designed to keep you protected from every angle.
The Hyundai Palisade also brings impressive tech to the table. Its infotainment system and digital instrument cluster are responsive, and advanced safety systems like Smart Cruise Control and Highway Driving Assist add convenience. However, many of its premium features are reserved for higher trims. The Ascent, on the other hand, offers much of its top tier tech even on lower trims, giving you more value and accessibility without needing constant upgrades.
Another detail that favors the Ascent is its proven record of safety and reliability. Subaru’s commitment to structural integrity and driver assistance has earned the brand consistent high safety ratings. In contrast, the Palisade recently faced a seatbelt recall across several model years, which may give some families pause when considering long term dependability.
Inside the cabin, both SUVs offer creature comforts like heated and ventilated seats, multiple USB ports, and advanced climate control. But it’s the Ascent’s thoughtful layout and driver focused design that make using those features feel simpler and more intuitive, the kind of tech that enhances your drive instead of distracting from it.
Final Thoughts
After exploring both vehicles on paper and imagining them cruising through the diverse roads of Las Vegas, the 2025 Subaru Ascent takes the lead. Its balanced performance, reliable all wheel drive, smart tech, and versatile design come together to create a confident driving experience that perfectly fits Nevada’s dynamic conditions.
If you’re searching for the best 3 row SUV that can handle desert roads, family errands, and weekend adventures all in one package, the Ascent makes that choice easy. It’s tough enough for mountain getaways and refined enough for daily city driving.
Ready to experience it yourself Visit Findlay Subaru of Las Vegas and take the Ascent out for a spin. Feel its control through curves, its calm during climbs, and its comfort on long stretches of highway.
In the matchup of Subaru Ascent vs Hyundai Palisade, the Ascent claims victory, not through flash but through strength, reliability, and confidence on every Las Vegas road.
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