In the mid-size SUV, Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent are known icons for their reliability, family-friendliness, better safety provisions, a comfortable interior, and enough cargo space. What really has to be considered in opting between these two popular models is going to be a head-to-head comparison, putting down what differs in performance, features, specs, and pricing to help make up for your best option.
In this head-to-head battle, we review the following:
Smooth, refined ride. 3.5L V6 and eight-speed automatic so there’s always a comfortable ride in the city or on the highway. And even an available hybrid model that has a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine mated with electric motors for maximum fuel efficiency, 243 horsepower.
Despite not being a sporty SUV Cars for Sale in terms of performance, the Highlander is designed to ensure comfort and is perfect for daily commuting and long road trips, which makes it fit for most drivers interested in family use.
The Subaru Ascent comes with a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine good for 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. It is fitted with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) which should do well to smoothen out an otherwise jerky ride when one is operating the Ascent.
It’s the Subaru Ascent that sets a distinction for having a standard all-wheel-drive system, one that would be perfect for people living in regions where weather is hard to tame and who also enjoy an off-road adventure. There’s also a lot of handling going on with the Ascent, something much more than what the Highlander will do, perfect for those who seek a blend of comfort and sportiness.
In essence, the Toyota Highlander basically builds with family comfort in mind. The three rows seat eight, although in the higher trims which have captain’s chairs in the second row, seating is reduced to seven. The quality of inside material and user-friendly design ensure an agreeable ride for the driver and passengers alike.
The Highlander can deliver 16 cu ft behind the third row, 48.4 cu ft behind the second row, and 84.3 cu ft with both folded down. Such numbers are respectable yet not as impressive as for the Subaru Ascent.
The Subaru Ascent is just as family friendly, seating up to eight in a cabin of like quality. It can be had with second-row captain’s chairs, cutting the count to seven. It has the best cargo space with 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 47.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 86.5 cubic feet with both rear rows folded flat.
The cabin is thoughtful with adequate small storage space and up to 19 cupholders. It’s perfect for family road trips. Materials in the cabin feel strong but at the same time comfortingly pliable thus opening vast options for general or day-to-day operation, be it a short or long trip.
The new Highlander is replete with technology, but the base model comes equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, although the higher trim holds a more elaborate display screen at 12.3 inches. Otherwise, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and Amazon Alexa compatibility are standard across each vehicle, while its premium sound system via JBL and a panoramic moonroof come in as added options.
Additionally, the infotainment system of Highlander is reasonably user-friendly. Its touch controls are responsive and ergonomic, and its unit features climate and audio control with the help of physical buttons as well. The Toyota Entune program makes it very graphic and easy to navigate, which adds to a more satisfied user experience.
The Subaru Ascent is also pretty well-equipped with technology features. While most trims wear a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, that screen goes up to an 8-inch display in most trim levels. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are automatically included, as is a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. For those who might want exceptionally good audio, they could opt for the Harman Kardon premium audio system, which adds 14 speakers to higher trims.
Although the Ascent’s infotainment is intuitive and extremely intuitive, some will like having more extensive options on larger screens available on the Highlander. Subaru offsets that by providing further technology features including standard all-wheel drive and driver assistance features such as reverse automatic braking.
Buy Toyota Used Cars is, in itself, a brand renowned for safety, and the Highlander does not disappoint. Of course, standard features include Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which includes every last gadget in the book – adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and traffic sign recognition.
Other than that, the Highlander is also available with a rearview camera, encircled with options for one of its worthwhile features, such as surround-view camera system and parking sensors. Its overall NHTSA 5-star safety rating can also proudly raise its face because it’s also a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS.
The feature suite for every model of Ascent is Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance suite. This comprises adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking as well as pre-collision throttle management. Not to forget, the all-wheel-drive system by Subaru added some extra traction and stability in really tough driving conditions.
In terms of safety, the Ascent also scored a perfect 100 in both the NHTSA and IIHS’s testing, that puts it squarely in a category with some of the safest SUVs out there and on market sales.
Starting in the mid-thirties, with a base price at about $36,000, this ride can go up as high as $50,000. This version of the Toyota is a couple of thousands more in cost compared to the Ascent, but the costs are due to the advanced high-tech package, driving experience, and better materials used on the inside of the vehicle.
Subaru Ascent is even more affordable when beginning at around $33,000 in base trim. Fully-loaded models run up to a price point of $46,000; this Ascent will save the family from maxing out their budget on one single gift.
Toyota Highlander is a respectable fuel economy machine for its class. The V6 model achieves 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. Still, the hybrid model apparently is the winner, with an impressive 36 mpg combined, that would make it a respectable choice among green buyers.
Subaru Ascent is a fierce rival, however uses one more gallon of fuel per 25 miles in the city and one more gallon per 30 miles on the highway compared with Highlander. Its all-wheel drive provides more traction but would equate to worse fuel economy than that of the front-wheel-drive Highlander.
Properly equipped, the Highlander can reach a max towing of 5,000 pounds, so it’s great for occasional trailer or boat towing and even carrying another recreational vehicle.
Similarly, in terms of engine power, Subaru Ascent is on par with the Highlander because, like the former, it also has a max towing capacity at 5,000 pounds. With
Thus, its standard all-wheel-drive system makes Ascent fit for applicants who need added stability for towing in various weather conditions or on poor roads. Such capacity brings Ascent to the same level with Highlander, and also both SUVs will be suitable for weekend trips with trailers and campers.
Both Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent are great midsize SUVs for families who want to get out into more adventurous types, but which will best suit your needs? Perhaps everything depends on what’s important to you: Fuel efficiency-if this is foremost in your book, especially of this model year’s hybrid, it’s a hybrid model of the Toyota Highlander that can command a staggering 36 mpg combined for long drives or eco-friendly driving.
If you desire even more all-weather capability and love rugged performance, a superior all-wheel-drive system and superior handling make the Subaru Ascent stand well above the rest for those residing in regions with challenging weather conditions or who have a penchant for light off-roading.
The Subaru Ascent has a slightly more budget-friendly base price with higher feature packages, superior offers for standard AWD, and a lower price compared to the Highlander. The better offerings of some more premium options or bigger touchscreen may be something where the Highlander can stand out a little bit if someone is looking for a more technologically advanced vehicle.
With the cargo space, too, for those who need it for their families, the Ascent almost earns points away from the Highlander with a much larger total cargo capacity as well as more considered storage solutions that make it perfect for road trips as much as for regular use.
It’s basically a draw, both of these SUVs at SAT Japan score highly in terms of safety and offer many standard driver-assistance features.
There are strengths in both the Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent, which bring on the formidability of midsize SUV segments. If you put comfort, fuel efficiency, and high-tech amenities high on your list, you’ll probably be drawn to the Toyota Highlander. If rugged versatility, all-wheel drive, and a budget-friendly option are important to you, then that’s your bet with the Subaru Ascent! What matters most for you? Now that you are familiar with the Toyota Highlander vs Subaru Ascent Specs, it is your time to decide.
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