2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander (car2) presents a notable size advantage, measuring 201.4 inches in length compared to the Subaru Ascent's (car1) 196.8 inches, alongside superior utility with 20.6 cu ft of cargo space versus car1's 17.8 cu ft. Performance metrics show car2 delivering 310 lb-ft of torque, significantly outperforming car1's 277 lb-ft, although car1 offers standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) against car2's standard Front-Wheel Drive (FWD). Fuel economy favors the Grand Highlander at a 24 MPG combined rating, exceeding the Ascent’s 22 MPG combined. Pricewise, the Ascent starts lower at $39,995 compared to $40,860 for the Grand Highlander. While the Ascent provides standard AWD, the Grand Highlander edges out marginally in horsepower with 265 hp versus 260 hp.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Toyota Grand Highlander is superior for commuters due to its better combined fuel economy rating of 24 MPG versus the Ascent's 22 MPG.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
Families benefit from the Grand Highlander's larger physical footprint, offering 20.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
Enthusiasts will prefer the Grand Highlander due to its higher torque output of 310 lb-ft compared to the Ascent's 277 lb-ft.
2025 Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent offers better baseline value with a lower MSRP of $39,995 and standard AWD capability.
Choose the Subaru Ascent if...
- Standard All-Wheel Drive is a non-negotiable requirement for diverse weather conditions.
- Sticking strictly to a sub-$40,000 entry price point is critical, as the MSRP is $39,995.
- A slightly smaller overall vehicle footprint (196.8 inches in length) is preferred for maneuverability.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- Maximum hauling capability is needed, as the 20.6 cu ft of cargo space is substantially larger than the Ascent's.
- Higher raw engine performance is desired, demonstrated by 310 lb-ft of torque versus 277 lb-ft.
- Achieving a slightly higher 24 MPG combined fuel economy rating is a priority.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Ascent | Toyota Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 196.8" | 201.4" |
| Width | 76.0" | 78.3" |
| Height | 71.6" | 70.1" |
| Wheelbase | 113.8" | 116.1" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 310 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 automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front 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 | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 386.0/501.8 mi. | 373.8/498.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.3 gal. | 17.8 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 | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.6 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| 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. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.2 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.1 in. | 60.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 57.8 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.0 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.6 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 60.3 in. | 58.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.5 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 245/60R | 255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | — |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 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 Grand Highlander.
What is the primary drivetrain difference between the 2025 Ascent and Grand Highlander?
The 2025 Subaru Ascent comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD). Conversely, the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander comes standard with Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), requiring an upgrade for AWD capability.
How significant is the performance gap in torque between these two crossovers?
The Toyota Grand Highlander produces 310 lb-ft of torque, which is 33 lb-ft more than the Subaru Ascent's 277 lb-ft. Both use regular unleaded fuel.
Which vehicle offers better utility based on the provided specifications?
The Grand Highlander provides superior utility with 20.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the third row, exceeding the Ascent's 17.8 cubic feet.
Does the difference in MSRP justify the performance and efficiency gains of the Grand Highlander?
The Grand Highlander has an MSRP of $40,860, making it $865 more expensive than the Ascent's $39,995 starting price, while also offering 2 MPG better combined efficiency.
Are the transmission types different between the two models?
Yes, the 2025 Subaru Ascent utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT). The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander uses a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission.
How much larger is the Grand Highlander physically compared to the Ascent?
The Grand Highlander is longer by 4.6 inches (201.4 inches vs. 196.8 inches) and wider by 2.3 inches (78.3 inches vs. 76.0 inches), though the Ascent is slightly taller.
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