Toyota Highlander Vs. Subaru Ascent: Family Suv Showdown

Toyota Highlander vs. Subaru Ascent: Family SUV showdown – choosing the right family vehicle can be a daunting task, especially when considering the vast array of options available. Both the Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent are popular choices for families, offering spacious interiors, advanced safety features, and a blend of comfort and capability.

This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of each SUV, helping you determine which one best fits your family’s needs and lifestyle.

From interior comfort and performance to technology and safety, we’ll explore the strengths and weaknesses of each vehicle, providing you with the information you need to make an informed decision. Whether you prioritize practicality, performance, or cutting-edge technology, this comparison will guide you through the nuances of each SUV, ultimately helping you choose the perfect family companion for your adventures.

Introduction

The Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent are two popular family SUVs that offer a spacious and comfortable ride for families on the go. Both vehicles are known for their reliability, safety features, and versatility. The Highlander has been a mainstay in the mid-size SUV segment for over two decades, while the Ascent is a newer entry that has quickly gained traction.This comparison aims to help you determine which SUV best suits your family’s needs by examining their key features, performance, and value proposition.

Interior and Comfort

Both the Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent are family-oriented SUVs that prioritize passenger comfort and spaciousness. However, they offer distinct interior experiences that cater to different preferences.

Interior Space and Seating Capacity, Toyota Highlander vs. Subaru Ascent: Family SUV showdown

The Highlander and Ascent provide ample space for families. The Highlander offers three rows of seating, accommodating up to eight passengers. The Ascent also features three rows, but it prioritizes comfort with its standard seven-passenger configuration.

• The Highlander offers more cargo space behind the third row, making it suitable for larger families or those who frequently haul gear. The Ascent, however, offers more legroom in the third row, making it a better choice for taller passengers.

• Both SUVs offer flexible seating arrangements, allowing you to fold down the second and third rows to maximize cargo space. The Highlander’s second-row seats can slide forward and backward, offering greater versatility for passenger comfort and cargo space.

Comfort Features

Both the Highlander and Ascent prioritize comfort with features such as heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium sound system.

• The Highlander’s seats are known for their supportive design and plush cushioning. The Ascent, on the other hand, emphasizes comfort with its soft and spacious seats.
• Both SUVs offer ample legroom and headroom in the first and second rows. The Highlander provides more legroom in the third row, while the Ascent offers more headroom.
• The Highlander’s optional captain’s chairs in the second row provide increased comfort and convenience for passengers. The Ascent offers a bench seat in the second row, maximizing passenger capacity.

Interior Materials

The Highlander and Ascent use high-quality materials throughout their interiors, creating a premium feel.

• The Highlander features soft-touch materials on the dashboard and door panels, while the Ascent utilizes a mix of soft-touch materials and textured plastics.
• Both SUVs offer various trim levels with different interior features and materials. The higher trim levels typically feature leather upholstery, wood accents, and premium sound systems.

Key Interior Features Comparison

Performance and Handling

Both the Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent are designed for family-oriented driving, prioritizing comfort and practicality. However, their performance and handling characteristics differ, catering to distinct preferences.

Engine Options and Horsepower

The Toyota Highlander offers a choice of two engine options: a 295-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and a 243-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid. The Subaru Ascent, on the other hand, relies on a single 260-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. While the Highlander’s V6 provides more power, the Ascent’s turbocharged engine delivers robust acceleration and a responsive driving experience.

Fuel Efficiency and Driving Dynamics

The Highlander’s hybrid powertrain excels in fuel economy, achieving an estimated 36 mpg combined, while the V6 model delivers a respectable 24 mpg combined. The Ascent, with its turbocharged engine, offers a fuel efficiency of 24 mpg combined. The Highlander’s hybrid option provides a significant advantage in fuel efficiency, making it a more economical choice for frequent commuters.

The Ascent’s turbocharged engine, despite its lower fuel efficiency, offers a more engaging and spirited driving experience.

Handling and Stability

The Highlander, with its larger size and longer wheelbase, provides a more stable and composed ride, especially on highways. The Ascent, despite being slightly smaller, features Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, enhancing its handling and stability in various weather conditions.

The Ascent’s all-wheel drive system provides greater confidence in challenging road conditions, making it a more capable choice for off-road adventures.

Performance Specs

| Feature | Toyota Highlander (V6) | Toyota Highlander (Hybrid) | Subaru Ascent ||—|—|—|—|| Engine | 3.5-liter V6 | 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid | 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder || Horsepower | 295 hp | 243 hp | 260 hp || Torque | 263 lb-ft | 177 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft || Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 mpg | 36 mpg | 24 mpg || 0-60 mph | 7.5 seconds | 7.8 seconds | 7.0 seconds || Transmission | 8-speed automatic | CVT | CVT || Drive Type | Front-wheel drive (FWD) or All-wheel drive (AWD) | All-wheel drive (AWD) | All-wheel drive (AWD) |

Safety Features: Toyota Highlander Vs. Subaru Ascent: Family SUV Showdown

Both the Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent prioritize safety, offering a comprehensive suite of standard and optional safety features. They both excel in crash tests and have earned top safety ratings from organizations like the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).

Safety Ratings

The Highlander and Ascent have consistently earned top safety ratings. The 2023 Highlander received a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, while the Ascent earned a Top Safety Pick. Both vehicles received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

These ratings reflect the vehicles’ robust safety features and performance in crash tests.

Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Both SUVs come equipped with a wide array of ADAS features designed to enhance driver awareness and assist in avoiding accidents. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key ADAS features:

• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB):Both vehicles offer AEB, which can automatically apply the brakes to help avoid or mitigate a collision. The systems can detect pedestrians and cyclists in some configurations.
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW):Both SUVs feature LDW, which alerts the driver if the vehicle drifts out of its lane without signaling. Some versions include Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), which can gently steer the vehicle back into its lane.
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC):Both the Highlander and Ascent offer ACC, which maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead and adjusts speed accordingly. Some versions include features like stop-and-go capability, allowing the vehicle to come to a complete stop and then accelerate again in traffic.

• Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM):Both SUVs include BSM, which uses sensors to detect vehicles in the driver’s blind spots and alerts the driver with a visual or audible warning. Some versions also include Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), which can warn of approaching traffic when reversing.

• Driver Attention Monitoring:Both vehicles offer driver attention monitoring systems that can detect signs of drowsiness or distraction and alert the driver. The systems may use cameras or other sensors to monitor the driver’s behavior.

Safety Features Comparison

The following table summarizes the standard and optional safety features offered on the Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent:

Technology and Infotainment

Both the Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent offer a range of technology features designed to enhance the driving experience and keep passengers entertained. These features include intuitive infotainment systems, advanced connectivity options, and user-friendly interfaces. This section delves into the technology and infotainment features of both SUVs, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.

Infotainment Systems

The infotainment systems in both SUVs are equipped with touchscreens and audio systems, providing access to a variety of entertainment options. The Highlander features an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, with an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen available on higher trims. The Ascent, on the other hand, comes standard with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, which is larger than the Highlander’s standard offering.The Highlander’s infotainment system is known for its intuitive design and user-friendly interface.

It integrates seamlessly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing users to access their favorite smartphone apps through the touchscreen. The Ascent’s infotainment system is also praised for its responsiveness and intuitive design. It offers a similar level of integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, providing a seamless experience for smartphone users.Both SUVs feature impressive audio systems.

The Highlander offers a standard six-speaker system, with optional upgrades available for those seeking a more immersive audio experience. The Ascent, on the other hand, comes standard with an eight-speaker system, providing a higher level of audio quality.

Connectivity Features

The Highlander and Ascent offer a range of connectivity features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These features allow drivers to access their smartphone apps through the infotainment system, enabling them to make calls, send messages, navigate, and stream music.The Highlander also offers a variety of other connectivity features, such as Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB ports.

The Ascent similarly provides a range of connectivity options, including Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

User Interface and Ease of Use

Both SUVs prioritize user-friendliness in their infotainment system design. The Highlander’s touchscreen interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, with clear menus and icons. The Ascent’s infotainment system is similarly user-friendly, with a responsive touchscreen and a logical layout.The ease of use of both systems is further enhanced by the integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

These features allow users to access their familiar smartphone apps through the touchscreen, eliminating the need to learn a new interface.

Technology Features Comparison

| Feature | Toyota Highlander | Subaru Ascent ||—|—|—|| Standard Touchscreen Size | 8 inches | 11.6 inches || Available Touchscreen Size | 12.3 inches | N/A || Apple CarPlay | Yes | Yes || Android Auto | Yes | Yes || Standard Audio System | 6 speakers | 8 speakers || Available Audio System Upgrades | Yes | Yes || Wi-Fi Hotspot | Yes | Yes || Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes | Yes || USB Ports | Yes | Yes |

Cargo Space and Practicality

Both the Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent are designed to accommodate families and their belongings. They offer ample cargo space, but their configurations differ slightly, catering to different needs and preferences.

Cargo Space Comparison

The cargo space offered by each vehicle is a crucial factor for families and individuals who need to haul items regularly. Here’s a comparison of the cargo space offered by both vehicles with all seats up and folded down:

The Subaru Ascent offers slightly more cargo space than the Toyota Highlander, both with all seats up and folded down. The difference is more noticeable with all seats up, which could be beneficial for families who need to carry a significant amount of luggage or gear even with all passengers on board.

Practicality for Family Trips and Hauling Cargo

Both vehicles excel in practicality for family trips and hauling cargo. The Highlander and Ascent offer versatile cargo space, with the option to fold down the second and third rows to accommodate larger items. The Highlander’s cargo area is generally more rectangular, which can be beneficial for fitting larger, oddly shaped items.

The Ascent’s cargo area, while slightly larger overall, might have a slightly more awkward shape due to the sloping roofline.

Unique Storage Features and Compartments

Both vehicles feature a variety of storage compartments and features that enhance their practicality.

Toyota Highlander

The Highlander offers a variety of storage features, including:

• Underfloor storage in the cargo area
• A hidden compartment beneath the cargo floor
• A variety of cupholders and storage pockets throughout the cabin

Subaru Ascent

The Ascent also offers a variety of storage features, including:

• A large, underfloor storage compartment in the cargo area
• A variety of cupholders and storage pockets throughout the cabin
• A unique “hidden” compartment behind the infotainment screen

The unique “hidden” compartment behind the infotainment screen in the Ascent provides a secure space for valuables.

Reliability and Ownership Costs

When choosing a family SUV, reliability and ownership costs are crucial factors to consider. Both the Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent are known for their dependability, but there are subtle differences in their long-term ownership experience.

Reliability Ratings and History

Both the Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent have consistently earned high reliability ratings from reputable organizations like J.D. Power and Consumer Reports.

• The Toyota Highlander has consistently ranked among the top SUVs for reliability, with its reputation for durability and low maintenance costs.
• The Subaru Ascent, while newer than the Highlander, has also garnered positive reliability scores. Its robust construction and proven engine technology contribute to its dependability.

Maintenance Costs and Repair Expenses

While both vehicles are generally reliable, there are some differences in their estimated maintenance costs and repair expenses.

• The Toyota Highlander is known for its low maintenance costs, with affordable parts and routine service intervals. Its proven engine and drivetrain technology also minimize the risk of costly repairs.
• The Subaru Ascent, while not as inexpensive to maintain as the Highlander, still offers reasonable maintenance costs. Its more complex engine and drivetrain technology might lead to slightly higher repair expenses, especially in the long run.

Resale Value and Long-Term Ownership Experience

Both SUVs hold their value well, offering decent resale value over time. However, the Toyota Highlander generally retains a higher resale value due to its established reputation for reliability and durability.

• The Toyota Highlander’s strong resale value makes it a good investment, especially for those who plan to keep the vehicle for a longer period.
• The Subaru Ascent’s resale value is also competitive, but it might not be as high as the Highlander’s, particularly in the long run.

Reliability and Ownership Costs Comparison

Target Audience and Overall Value

The Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent are both popular family SUVs that offer a compelling blend of practicality, comfort, and safety features. While they share similarities, they cater to slightly different buyer profiles based on their strengths and weaknesses.

Target Audience

• Toyota Highlander:The Highlander is a versatile SUV that appeals to a wide range of buyers. It’s a good choice for families seeking a spacious, comfortable, and reliable vehicle with a reputation for durability. Its powerful engine options and available all-wheel drive make it suitable for both city driving and occasional off-road adventures.

  The Highlander’s strong resale value and long-term reliability are also attractive to those seeking a vehicle that will hold its value over time.

• Subaru Ascent:The Ascent is a more family-oriented SUV that prioritizes passenger comfort and safety. Its spacious cabin, numerous safety features, and comfortable ride make it a good choice for families with young children. The Ascent’s standard all-wheel drive and good fuel economy are also appealing to those who live in areas with harsh weather conditions.

Overall Value

• Toyota Highlander:The Highlander starts at a slightly higher price point than the Ascent, but its value proposition is strong. It offers a powerful engine, a spacious and comfortable interior, and a reputation for reliability. Its strong resale value makes it a good long-term investment.

• Subaru Ascent:The Ascent is a more affordable option, and its value proposition is centered around its spacious interior, family-friendly features, and impressive safety features. Its standard all-wheel drive and good fuel economy are also attractive.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice between the Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent boils down to your individual priorities. The Highlander offers a spacious and comfortable interior, robust performance, and a proven track record of reliability. The Ascent, on the other hand, stands out with its impressive safety features, versatile cargo space, and engaging driving experience.

By carefully considering your needs and preferences, you can confidently select the SUV that best aligns with your family’s lifestyle and provides the ultimate driving experience for years to come.