Three-row SUVs are the new family norm, making for stylish and highly accommodating travels near Huntsville, Athens, and Elkmont, AL. Two models that stand out in this sector are the Toyota Highlander and the Subaru Ascent, with both SUVs offering reliability and the latest in vehicle technologies.
Which one will be better for your family commutes? Let the team at Bill Penney Toyota help with our Toyota Highlander vs. Subaru Ascent comparison! Will it be the Toyota in your driveway or the Ascent you hit the streets with? Let’s find out.
PASSENGERS
EPA-ESTIMATED MPG
MAX CARGO VOLUME
Both Toyota and Subaru are known for their highly dependable performances, allowing you to make the most of your travels for years to come. This is thanks to a suite of smartly engineered equipment under the hood of each model.
In the Subaru Ascent, you’ll find a 2.4L turbocharged engine that pumps out an impressive 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This lets you tow 2,000 pounds standardly and up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
New for 2023, the Toyota Highlander also comes with a 2.4L turbo 4-cylinder gas engine that generates 265 horsepower, which is on par with the Ascent. It likewise can tow 5,000 pounds. If you’re looking for more oomph where it counts, though, the Highlander provides an enhanced 310 lb-ft of torque. This makes hauling heavy loads easier and more efficient. Speaking of which. . .
When it comes to fuel economy, the Highlander is highly efficient, earning an EPA-estimated 22 city/29 highway MPG with its gas engine.* The Ascent yields a lesser EPA-estimated 20 city/26 MPG. So, you’ll travel farther in between pit stops in the Toyota model.
Want something supremely efficient for your family drives? The Highlander is also available with a 243-horsepower hybrid engine with an EPA-estimated 36 city/35 highway MPG, allowing you to stay on the road even longer.*
Unfortunately, the Ascent doesn’t offer a hybrid configuration.
Inside the Toyota Highlander and the Subaru Ascent, you’ll have seating for up to eight riders and ample cargo room. However, what’s really impressive is the suite of modern technologies that will make your commutes entertaining while keeping you connected.
For example, the Highlander comes standard with a variety of infotainment features, including:
- 8-inch touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
- 6-speaker sound system
- SiriusXM® Radio
- Amazon Alexa capability
You can also upgrade to an available 12.3-inch touchscreen system that adds Dynamic Navigation.
The Subaru Ascent has a similar system. However, its largest touchscreen is 11.6 inches. You’ll have Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ standardly, but they’re not wireless, so you’ll need to remember to pack a cord. Also, neither SiriusXM® nor Amazon Alexa is available for this model.
When it comes to seating for your passengers, these SUVs are fairly similar. They both have room for up to eight passengers to sit comfortably. However, with people comes stuff—sometimes a lot of it—so which SUV is prepared to fit your entire crew and all their gear?
That would be the Toyota Highlander. The Highlander provides 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. Fold down that row of seats and it opens up 84.3 cubic feet of cargo volume to fill. Meanwhile, the Subaru offers just 43.5 cubic feet behind the second row and maxes out at 75.6 cubic feet with both back rows folded flat.
Toyota and Subaru both produce incredibly safe vehicles, and that’s in part thanks to a suite of driver-assistive technologies across all trim levels. These systems will help you get from Point A to Point B with confidence.
In the Highlander, you’ll have Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+, which includes the following:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Automatic High Beams
The Ascent offers a similar package with its EyeSight® driver-assist technologies. This includes many brand-specific versions of the above features, such as Pre-Collision Braking, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist, and Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control.
Of course, the Toyota Highlander has a few more features to help you on the road, such as Road Sign Assist and Lane Tracing Assist. Road Sign Assist detects road signs as you drive and shows them on the driver display so you can easily see them.
While the Subaru has a lot of safety items, you won’t find either of these features.
The Subaru Ascent is no doubt a reliable and modern vehicle that will make your family drives near Huntsville, Athens, or Elkmont, AL easy and fun. However, if you want to take things up a notch with a stronger performance, greater efficiency, and more advanced technologies, we think you’ll prefer the Toyota Highlander.
To see for yourself, schedule a test drive at Bill Penney Toyota today!
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Shop Toyota Highlander Value Your Trade Apply for Financing Schedule a Test Drive*projected EPA-estimated mpg rating estimates as determined by manufacturer. EPA estimates not available at time of posting. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle’s condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.