Toyota Highlander vs Subaru Ascent: SUV Showdown
The Toyota Highlander vs Subaru Ascent are top picks in the midsize SUV class. They are perfect if you need a three-row SUV with lots of room for family.
Let’s look at what makes each model unique, including their size, performance, cost, and safety. This will help you choose the best one for your lifestyle and needs.
Both these SUVs offer lots of space for passengers and luggage, ideal for family trips. They come with the latest tech and strong performances to match different tastes.
We’ll compare them closely, helping you see the strengths and weaknesses of each. So, let’s get into this detailed analysis.
We’ll help decide which SUV fits your family’s adventure needs better.
Introduction To The SUV Showdown
The battle among SUVs is heating up as companies try to answer the call of families’ varied needs. The Toyota Highlander and the Subaru Ascent stand out as key players.
We’ll look into what drives people to choose these models, focusing on reliability, suitability for families, and how they perform.
The Highlander and Ascent both bring something special to families. They have lots of room inside and are built to keep you safe.
It’s super important for these cars to be reliable, as families depend on them. We wrote this guide to help you figure out which SUV fits your lifestyle the best.
By comparing how they perform and the features they offer for families, you’ll see which one leads the pack in this tight race.
Comparison Overview
The Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent shine in the three-row SUV market. They appeal to families with their big interiors and strong features.
The Highlander is known for being dependable with various engine choices. The Ascent stands out for its all-wheel-drive and spacious inside.
In this part, you’ll see important differences in style, safety, and tech. Looking at these features helps you decide which SUV meets your needs.
Knowing their unique qualities is key to understanding their size, power, and cost later.
Dimensions: Size Matters
When looking for a family SUV, knowing how big it is matters a lot. The size affects not only how it looks outside but also how much room there is inside for people and things.
The 2025 Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent both have a lot of space, but they’re set up differently.
Cargo Space Comparison
Cargo space is key for practicality. The Toyota Highlander has a big cargo area of 84.3 cubic feet, making it easy to fit large items.
On the other hand, the Subaru Ascent has 75.6 cubic feet of space for stuff. This difference matters when you need to pack for trips or haul sports gear.
Passenger Capacity
Each SUV can fit up to eight passengers with ease. The Highlander’s inside is made to give more legroom and headroom than the Ascent.
For families, how comfortable everyone is on long trips is very important. This makes the Highlander an attractive option in terms of comfort.
Performance Specifications
The Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent offer different performance specs that could sway your decision. Knowing these specs helps decide which vehicle fits your driving style best.
Engine Power
The Highlander comes with a powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, pushing out 265 horsepower.
On the other hand, the Subaru Ascent has a similar engine but with a bit less power at 260 horsepower. This makes the Highlander quicker in various situations.
Transmission Options
The Highlander features an eight-speed automatic transmission for quick shifts and better driving feel.
The Ascent uses a CVT, offering a smooth ride but lacking the Highlander’s zest. Choosing between these transmissions depends on what kind of driving experience you prefer.
Pricing and Trim Levels
Choosing a new SUV means understanding prices and trim levels. The Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent have options for every budget and need. Here’s a summary of their trims and prices.
Toyota Highlander Trim Options
The Toyota Highlander has five gas trims and hybrid choices for those who want to save on fuel. Here are the details of what each trim offers:
| Trim Level | Starting MSRP | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| L | $36,620 | Base features including Toyota Safety Sense |
| LE | $39,620 | Upgraded audio system and additional safety features |
| XLE | $43,120 | Leather-trimmed seats and sunroof |
| Platinum | $48,750 | Top-tier features including ventilated seats |
| Hybrid | $38,500 | Hybrid efficiency with similar features to LE |
Subaru Ascent Trim Options
The Subaru Ascent comes in eight trims, each with something special to offer. Its base model is a great pick for those watching their budget.
Take a look at the Subaru Ascent trims below:
| Trim Level | Starting MSRP | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Base | $33,420 | All-wheel drive and advanced safety features |
| Premium | $36,770 | Heated front seats and larger touchscreen |
| Limited | $41,100 | Leather upholstery and premium sound system |
| Touring | $45,370 | Luxury features, including ventilated seats |
| Onyx Edition | $39,770 | Black accents and enhanced tech features |
| Ascent Premium | $38,770 | Hill descent control and additional safety tech |
| Ascent Limited | $43,270 | Additional tech features and upgraded interior |
| Ascent Touring | $47,120 | All available luxury features for maximum comfort |
Features and Technology
The Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent have different features and technology. This is true especially for their infotainment systems and comfort levels.
These differences matter because they can make your driving experience better.
Infotainment Systems
Infotainment is key in today’s SUVs. The Highlander has a big 12.3-inch touchscreen, bigger than the Ascent’s 11.6-inch screen.
A larger screen means it’s easier to see and use for maps and music. Both SUVs let you easily link your smartphone. This makes using apps and streaming music simple while driving.
Comfort and Convenience
For SUV buyers, being comfortable is very important. The Highlander and Ascent both offer features for a better journey. The Highlander comes with roomy seats and can be adjusted to fit your needs.
The Ascent stands out with 19 cupholders, showing its focus on family and group travel comfort.
Safety Ratings and Reliability
When looking for a family car, safety is key. The Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent are known for their top safety grades.
They have strong tech and safety features for protecting passengers in different driving conditions.
Crash Test Ratings
The Highlander and Ascent both did well in IIHS crash tests. They showed they’re reliable and focused on keeping passengers safe.
The Highlander has Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, with features that improve crash performance. The Ascent uses EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, enhancing its crash test scores.
Standard Safety Features
Both SUVs offer important safety features as standard. This makes them attractive to those who value safety.
They have adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
The Highlander has more driver-assistance tech, giving it a slight edge. Still, both are great choices for safety-first car buyers.
Towing Capacity Comparison
Both the Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent shine when we talk about towing. They can pull up to 5,000 pounds if equipped right.
This is perfect for families wanting to tow trailers, boats, or fun equipment. The Highlander is known for its reliable towing abilities.
On the other hand, the Ascent has a special edge. It comes with Trailer Stability Assist on all versions. This feature improves how trailers behave and adds safety while towing.
It’s a top pick for those who value safety on their journeys.
| Model | Towing Capacity | Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Highlander | 5,000 lbs | Reliable towing features |
| Subaru Ascent | 5,000 lbs | Standard Trailer Stability Assist |
Toyota Highlander vs Subaru Ascent: A Detailed Look
When comparing the Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent, we delve into key factors. We cover engine performance, dimensions, pricing, and safety.
This helps shoppers make well-informed choices. The Highlander and Ascent offer different engine types. The Highlander comes with a powerful V6 and hybrid options.
The Ascent has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine for efficiency and power. This info helps decide which SUV fits your driving style.
The size of the SUV matters for your comfort and needs. The Highlander is slightly bigger, offering more room inside.
Meanwhile, the Ascent is designed for versatility in its space. Choosing depends on what’s important for your family and storage.
There’s a big difference in pricing and what each model offers. Each trim level comes with unique features. This can help you see which SUV gives more bang for your buck.
Both have options to satisfy different buyers. Safety is crucial in choosing between the Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent. They both have modern safety tech.
However, their driver assistance features vary. This could sway your choice if safety is a top priority.
| Aspect | Toyota Highlander | Subaru Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6 or Hybrid | Turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Cargo Space | 84.3 cubic feet | 86.5 cubic feet |
| Passenger Capacity | Up to 8 | Up to 8 |
| Starting Price | $35,205 | $32,295 |
| Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
Reviewing these aspects closely will help you make a confident choice. Knowing about their performance, features, and value makes it easier to pick the best SUV for you.
Conclusion
We’ve looked closely at the Highlander and Ascent in this review. We showed you what each vehicle offers, focusing on their features, how they perform, and their value.
Both SUVs have their strong points, fitting different needs and likes. This info is key in picking the right SUV for you.
The Toyota Highlander is a hit for families who want comfort and to feel safe on the road. It has lots of room inside and gets high marks in safety tests.
On the other hand, the Subaru Ascent is perfect for those who like to explore off-road. Its tough design is great for adventurous families.
In the end, it’s about what you’re looking for in an SUV. Whether it’s the Highlander or the Ascent, you can count on both to offer quality and great performance. They make sure that every trip you take is enjoyable.
FAQs
What is the cargo capacity of the Toyota Highlander compared to the Subaru Ascent?
The Toyota Highlander has a maximum of 84.3 cubic feet for cargo. The Subaru Ascent has 75.6 cubic feet.
How do the performance specifications differ between the Highlander and the Ascent?
The Highlander features a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, offering 265 horsepower. The Ascent’s engine gives 260 horsepower and includes a CVT.
What are the main differences in pricing and trim levels for these SUVs?
The Highlander offers five gas trims and hybrid options. The Ascent, with eight trims, is more affordable at the entry level.
Which vehicle has better infotainment technology features?
The Highlander has a 12.3-inch touchscreen, larger than the Ascent’s 11.6-inch. Both support smartphone connectivity.
How do safety ratings compare between the Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent?
Both SUVs score high with the IIHS. The Highlander has Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, adding more driver aids than Ascent’s EyeSight.
What is the towing capacity for both vehicles?
Each SUV can tow 5,000 pounds. However, the Ascent adds Trailer Stability Assist on all trims for safer trailer management.
Which SUV offers more passenger space?
Both seat up to eight, but the Highlander typically offers more room overhead and for the legs.
