2025 Subaru Ascent Vs. Toyota Highlander: Which Is Better?
Expand or Narrow Your Inventory Search Using These Convenient Quick Links:
If your family is narrowing down the list of the best three-row SUVs, you might end up with a final round of the Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander. At first glance, the 2025 Ascent SUV takes the crown thanks to its more accessible starting price, standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and expanded cabin and cargo space – but don't just take our word for it. Compare the 2025 Subaru Ascent vs. 2025 Toyota Highlander below to see which model is the best fit for you and your crew.
Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander Differences: SUV Showdown at a Glance
- While the Subaru Ascent has long equipped all its variants with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, the Toyota Highlander finally added standard AWD – but only in two trim levels.
- Though your final SUV price will depend on the trims and features you choose, the 2025 Ascent has a lower starting MSRP.
- Don't let the matching three-row layouts fool you: The Ascent has an incredible 3.7 extra inches of back-row legroom.
- Both sport-utes come with standard power liftgates, but the Subaru maximizes your cargo space.
- Both models can pull up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, yet only the Ascent SUV makes towing easier with standard Trailer Stability Assist.
Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander Specs and Performance
On the surface, it's easy to see why the Ascent vs. Highlander are so frequently pitted against one another: Both SUVs are fitted with 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines that generate near-identical horsepower. Differences start to appear, however, when we take a closer look at each model's transmission.
While the Ascent is fitted with an uninterrupted Lineartronic CVT that's known for its butter-smooth shifting, the Toyota still relies on an electronically controlled transmission with noticeable shift points. Translation? The Ascent SUV gives you smoother acceleration.
In addition to its premium ride quality, every 2025 Ascent trim is equipped with standard X Mode for optimized engine output, Vehicle Dynamics Control for added stability, Active Torque Vectoring for better handling, and a Traction Control System that senses and corrects slippage. Unfortunately, only the top three Highlander trims can offer Torque Vectoring when equipped with available AWD, and none of the Highlander variants come with Vehicle Dynamics Control or X Mode.
Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander Towing Capacity
Since you're shopping for a three-row Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander SUV, you'll likely want the ability to tow. This is one category where the Ascent vs. Highlander variants are equally matched, with both models towing up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. It's worth noting, however, that while the Subaru Ascent gives you standard Trailer Stability Assist at every trim level, the Highlander SUV doesn't feature any standard trailering systems.
| 2025 Subaru Ascent | 2025 Toyota Highlander | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.4L turbo SUBARU BOXER 4-cyl | 2.4L turbo 4-cyl |
| Horsepower | 260 | 265 |
| Torque | 277 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive | FWD or AWD |
| Transmission | Automatic Lineartronic CVT | Automatic ECT |
| EPA-Est MPG (City / Hwy) |
|
|
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.3 gal | 17.9 gal |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs3 | 5,000 lbs4 |
Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander Interior & Features
How important is a user-friendly touchscreen to your daily drives? The new Subaru Ascent for sale equips every trim with an 11.6-inch SUBARU STARLINK Multimedia touchscreen that includes Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Upper Ascent trims add integrated navigation and a Harman Kardon® sound system to your build.
Are you planning long road trips in your new SUV? It might pique your interest that the 2025 Subaru Ascent comes with 19 cupholders – yes, you read that correctly – which are perfect for keeping your cabin organized and spill-free. The Highlander comes in second place with its 14 cupholders.
We were also disappointed that the Toyota Highlander continues to rely on a much smaller 8-inch touchscreen in its entry trims; compared to today's biggest and best SUVs, an 8-inch center display just isn't impressive. You can access a 12.3-inch screen in the top three Toyota trims, but Toyota navigation and a Toyota Wi-Fi hotspot are only available via subscription, no matter which trim you choose.
Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander Safety
Since its debut in 2018, the Subaru Ascent has claimed IIHS Top Safety Pick awards,5 and it's easy to see why. One quick scroll through the long list of Subaru safety features – or a digital spin through our current Subaru Ascent deals – and you'll be wondering why you didn't consider this SUV sooner.
The Toyota Highlander also has a long history of IIHS Top Safety Pick wins6 thanks to its Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ system that includes Pedestrian Detection, Lane Tracing Assist, and a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
Rather than rehash safety systems that both the Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander carry, we thought it would be more helpful to show you the safety and driver-assistance features you'll gain in every Ascent trim that don't make an appearance in the Highlander:
- EyeSight Driver Assist Technology
- DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System
- Brake Override System
- Whiplash-protection front seats
Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander Reliability
At Wallace Subaru of Johnson City, we love to point out how incredibly safe a Subaru vehicle can be, and the 2025 Ascent is no exception. But how does Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander reliability stack up? Which SUV will keep you on the road for the longest time at the lowest price point? Since 2025 information hasn't been gathered just yet, here's a rundown on 2024 Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander reliability:
- The Subaru Ascent has zero reported issues according to RepairPal.com,7 and J.D. Power experts give the Ascent an 82 out of 100 Quality and Reliability score. 8
- RepairPal.com notes that the 2024 Toyota Highlander has a 13% chance of needing severe repairs, 9 while J.D. Power gives the Highlander an 81 out of 100 Quality and Reliability score.10
- Both SUVs rate incredibly high in the J.D. Power Resale metric, meaning that both the Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander tend to maintain their value over time.
Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander Dimensions
At every curve and corner, the 2025 Ascent is brilliantly spacious. Yes, it's a three-row SUV with seating for seven or eight, but not all full-size sport-utes are created equal; this fact becomes glaringly apparent when comparing the Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander dimensions.
For starters, the Ascent trims make better use of their interior space, giving occupants a minimum of 150.2 cubic feet of passenger-only volume. That's not even counting the 17.8 cubic feet of standard trunk storage. You'll also notice that the Subaru model gives third-row passengers shockingly more legroom than the Toyota Highlander, making the Subaru a much more functional three-row vehicle. Plus, the Ascent SUV has an under-floor storage tray in the trunk to keep any valuables safely hidden!
In stark contrast, the maximum passenger volume in a Highlander is only 141.8 cubic feet, but you'll only enjoy that space if you forgo a moonroof. Equipping your Highlander with a glass window up top will cut your passenger volume down to a minuscule 136.3 cubic feet. The Toyota trunk is nothing to write home about either: At only 16 cubic feet, you'll have a much harder time fitting a week's worth of groceries alongside the kids' soccer gear.
| 2025 Subaru Ascent | 2025 Toyota Highlander | |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior Length | 196.8 in | 194.9 in |
| Exterior Widith | 76 in | 76 in |
| Exterior Height w/Roof Rails | 71.6 in | 68.1 in |
| Ground Clearance | 8.7 in | 8 in |
| Standard Cargo Capacity | 17.8 cu ft | 16 cu ft |
| Seating Capacity | 7 or 8 | 7 or 8 |
| Passenger Volume | 150.2 - 153.2 cu ft | 136.3 - 141.8 cu ft |
| Headroom (1st / 2nd / 3rd Rows) | 40.4 - 41.2 / 38.7 - 40 / 36.2 in | 38.4 - 41.2 / 37.1 - 39.4 / 36.1 in |
| Legroom (1st / 2nd / 3rd Rows) | 42.2 / 38.6 / 31.7 in | 42 / 38.7 / 28 in |
Command Every Road in a New Subaru Ascent
Hopefully, this detailed 2025 Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander review has helped remind you of what's most important in your search for a new SUV. If extra cabin and cargo space, standard all-wheel drive, and the lowest starting MSRP are high on that list, then the 2025 Subaru Ascent is the sport-ute for you. Tour, test-drive, and apply for financing at Wallace Subaru of Johnson City.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander?
We spent hours comparing every aspect of the 2025 Subaru Ascent vs. 2025 Toyota Highlander and came to the conclusion that because the Ascent SUV has more passenger space, better third-row legroom, a larger standard trunk, a smoother-shifting transmission, standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and standard trailer-assist features, the 2025 Ascent is the better all-around choice.
Which SUV offers better standard all-wheel drive: Subaru Ascent or Toyota Highlander?
Compare Ascent vs. Highlander drivetrain configurations, and you'll notice that the Subaru Ascent equips all its trims with the automaker's signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The first four Toyota Highlander trims come with standard FWD or available AWD; all-wheel drive comes standard on XSE and Platinum models. We have to give the Ascent the upper hand in performance and control, though, thanks to its Vehicle Dynamics Control.
Is there a difference in safety features between the Subaru Ascent and Toyota Highlander?
Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander safety is not evenly matched. Toyota engineers equipped the Highlander with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which sounds robust in name but not in practice. The Subaru Ascent mirrors the Toyota safety systems of Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Automatic Braking but adds signature programs like EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, a DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System, a Brake Override System, and whiplash-protection front seats.
Discover More Subaru Model Comparisons
1EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with driving conditions and your vehicle’s condition.
2Use 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.
3Maximum towing capacity varies by trim level. Trailer brakes may be needed. See your retailer for details.
4Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up and loaded properly and that you have any necessary additional equipment. Do not exceed any Weight Ratings and follow all instructions in your Owner's Manual. The maximum you can tow depends on base curb weight plus the total weight of any cargo, occupants, and added vehicle equipment. "Added vehicle equipment" includes additional standard/optional equipment and accessories added by the manufacturer, dealers, and/or vehicle owners. The only way to be certain of your vehicle's exact curb weight is to weigh your vehicle without passengers or cargo. [Calculated with the new SAE J2807 method.] Installation of a tow hitch receiver or other accessories located near the rear bumper or side-door kick sensors may require disabling or removing the kick sensor, and the sensor operation setting in your vehicle should be turned off. See Owner's Manual for limitations.
5Reference to this third-party review/claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/Subaru/ascent-4-door-suv/2024
6Reference to this third-party review/claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/Toyota/highlander-4-door-suv/2024
7Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/cars/subaru/ascent/2024#tab-overview
8Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2024/subaru/ascent
9Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/reliability/toyota/highlander
10Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2024/toyota/highlander
