Joseph Weaver If you are in the market for a mid-size SUV, the Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent are two models that are likely to catch your eye. Both SUVs are stylish, safe, and come with impressive features that cater to different needs. However, are the Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent the same car with different branding, or are there notable differences between them? In this article, we will compare the two SUVs in detail to help you make an informed choice.
Design
The Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent have distinct designs that set them apart. The Highlander has a smooth and sleek look that is elegant and refined. It comes with a bold front grille, tapered roofline, and modern LED headlights that give it a sophisticated appeal. The Subaru Ascent, on the other hand, has a bolder and boxier look that is more rugged. It comes with prominent wheel arches, an imposing grille, and distinctive C-shaped taillights that give it an adventurous vibe.
Both SUVs have spacious interiors that prioritize comfort and convenience. The Highlander has a stylish and well-crafted cabin that comes with high-quality materials and ample storage space. It can seat up to eight passengers, and it has a versatile cargo area that can be expanded to up to 84.3 cubic feet. The Ascent also has a well-built interior that comes with an impressive array of features. It can seat up to eight passengers, and it has a cargo area that can accommodate up to 86.5 cubic feet of luggage.
Performance
The Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent offer impressive performance and fuel economy. The Highlander comes with a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. It comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and it can tow up to 5,000 pounds. It also comes in hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants that offer better fuel efficiency and lower emissions. The hybrid variant has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors that combine to deliver 243 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. It has an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined.
The Subaru Ascent comes with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. It comes with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), and it can tow up to 5,000 pounds. It has an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined. The Ascent does not offer a hybrid option.
Safety
Both the Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent are safe and well-equipped with advanced safety features. The Highlander comes with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, a suite of driver-assistance features that includes forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. It also comes with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system. The Highlander has earned a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The Subaru Ascent has Subaru EyeSight, a suite of advanced safety features that includes adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and forward-collision warning. It also comes with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 180-degree front-view camera system. The Ascent has earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Comfort and Convenience
The Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent are both comfortable and convenient for families. The Highlander comes with a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. It also comes with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a wireless charging pad, and a JBL sound system. The Ascent comes with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also comes with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, tri-zone automatic climate control, and second-row captain’s chairs.
Price
The Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent are similarly priced, with the Highlander starting at $34,910 and the Ascent starting at $32,295. However, the price can vary depending on the trim level and options chosen. The Highlander’s top-of-the-line Platinum trim starts at $48,915, while the Ascent’s top-of-the-line Touring XT starts at $44,795.
FAQ
Are the Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent the same car with different badges?
No. While both SUVs share similar features and dimensions, they have different designs, engines, safety features, and infotainment systems.
Which SUV is better for families?
Both the Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent are excellent choices for families, offering ample space, comfort, safety, and convenience. However, the choice can come down to personal preferences and needs.
Which SUV has better fuel economy?
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers better fuel economy than the Subaru Ascent, with an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined compared to the Ascent’s 23 mpg combined. However, the Highlander Hybrid is also more expensive than the Ascent.
Conclusion
The Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent are two mid-size SUVs that offer impressive features and capabilities for families. While they share many similarities, they also have distinctive differences that can make one SUV better suited for a buyer’s needs. When comparing the two, it is essential to consider factors such as design, performance, safety, comfort, and price. Ultimately, it is up to the individual buyer to decide which SUV comes out on top.
