2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2025 Toyota 4Runner
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Subaru Ascent and the 2025 Toyota 4Runner lies in cargo volume, where the 4Runner offers a massive 48.4 cu ft compared to the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft. Performance metrics show the 4Runner leading slightly in power, boasting 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque versus the Ascent's 260 hp and 277 lb-ft. Both vehicles share an identical 22 MPG combined rating, utilizing regular unleaded fuel. Price-wise, the Ascent undercuts the 4Runner by $1,275, starting at $39,995 versus $41,270. While the Ascent is marginally longer at 196.8 inches, the 4Runner is wider at 78.0 inches and taller at 72.6 inches. Transmission differences are also noted: Ascent uses a CVT, while the 4Runner employs an 8-speed automatic.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent offers a slightly more compact exterior footprint at 196.8 inches long, which aids in dense urban navigation and parking.
2025 Toyota 4Runner
The Toyota 4Runner provides substantially superior utility with 48.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft.
2025 Toyota 4Runner
The 4Runner delivers higher peak performance figures, generating 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque versus the Ascent's 260 hp and 277 lb-ft.
2025 Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent starts at a lower MSRP of $39,995, providing a $1,275 initial cost savings over the 4Runner.
Choose the Subaru Ascent if...
- Initial purchase price is a priority, as the Ascent starts at $39,995, which is $1,275 less than the 4Runner.
- A standard All-Wheel Drive system is preferred for adverse weather, as it is standard on the Ascent.
- A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) suits the driver's preference for smoother power delivery.
Choose the Toyota 4Runner if...
- Maximum hauling capability is required, evidenced by the 4Runner's 48.4 cu ft cargo volume.
- Higher torque output of 317 lb-ft is desired for towing or aggressive acceleration.
- A traditional 8-speed automatic transmission is preferred over a CVT, offering more distinct gear changes.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Ascent | Toyota 4Runner |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 196.8" | 194.9" |
| Width | 76.0" | 78.0" |
| Height | 71.6" | 72.6" |
| Wheelbase | 113.8" | 112.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | — |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.4 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 260 hp @ 5600 rpm | 278 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 317 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/26 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 386.0/501.8 mi. | 380.0/494.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.3 gal. | 19.0 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.6 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 8 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | 4 months | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.2 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.2 in. | 41.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.1 in. | 58.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 57.8 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.0 in. | 37.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.6 in. | 34.8 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 60.3 in. | 57.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.5 in. | 56.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 245/60R | P245/70R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Ascent and 2025 Toyota 4Runner.
Does the superior horsepower of the 4Runner result in better fuel economy?
No, both vehicles are rated identically for fuel efficiency, achieving a combined 22 MPG (20 City/26 Highway).
How significant is the difference in overall size between these two models?
The 4Runner is slightly taller (72.6 inches vs 71.6 inches) and wider (78.0 inches vs 76.0 inches), although the Ascent is nominally longer at 196.8 inches.
Which vehicle requires premium fuel?
Neither vehicle mandates premium fuel; both the 2025 Subaru Ascent and the 2025 Toyota 4Runner are designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline.
What is the mechanical drivetrain difference regarding the base models?
The Ascent comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), whereas the base 4Runner features Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), requiring an upgrade for AWD capability.
Is the higher torque output of the 4Runner beneficial for towing?
Yes, the 4Runner’s 317 lb-ft of torque is significantly higher than the Ascent's 277 lb-ft, which generally translates to better low-end pulling capability.
How does the 4Runner compensate for its $1,275 higher starting price?
The 4Runner's higher MSRP is justified by its substantially greater cargo volume of 48.4 cu ft and its more potent 278 hp engine setup.
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