2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

$39,995 · Crossover

$44,210 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Subaru Ascent launches with its rugged, turbocharged 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, promising confident traction with its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, positioning it as the spirited alternative to efficiency champions. Contrast this with the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, which captivates with staggering fuel economy, achieving an impressive 36 combined MPG despite its larger footprint (201.4 inches long). While the Ascent starts much lower at $39,995, the Toyota demands a $44,210 starting price. Performance favors the Ascent with 15 more horsepower, but the Hybrid delivers a massive 14 MPG advantage over the Ascent's 22 combined MPG. For those prioritizing ultimate family utility, the Grand Highlander offers slightly more space, boasting 20.6 cu ft of cargo room versus the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft, making the choice a clear trade-off between power/price and sheer mileage/space.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The Grand Highlander Hybrid's 36 combined MPG dramatically reduces running costs for daily drivers compared to the Ascent's 22 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The Grand Highlander Hybrid offers superior practicality with its larger 20.6 cu ft cargo capacity and better fuel economy for long trips.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru Ascent

The 2025 Ascent brings more immediate grunt with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque versus the Hybrid's 245 hp output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Ascent undercuts the Hybrid by a substantial $4,215 MSRP, offering standard AWD performance at a significantly lower entry point.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

Your primary concern is keeping the initial purchase price low, as the Ascent starts at $39,995.
You demand slightly higher outright performance, thanks to its 260 hp turbocharged engine.
You prefer traditional gasoline power without worrying about hybrid component longevity or repair costs.

Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid if...

Maximizing fuel efficiency is paramount, benefiting from the Hybrid's 36 combined MPG rating.
You need the absolute maximum utility space, highlighted by its 20.6 cu ft cargo volume.
You are willing to pay a $4,215 premium for a much more economical daily driver over the long term.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru Ascent	Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
Length	196.8"	201.4"
Width	76.0"	78.3"
Height	71.6"	72.1"
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	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	flat 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	hybrid
Horsepower	260 hp @ 5600 rpm	245 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	277 lb-ft @ 2000 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	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all 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	37/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	36 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	386.0/501.8 mi.	636.4/584.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.3 gal.	17.2 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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	8 yr./ 100000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 25000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Ascent and 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid.

What is the real-world difference in running costs between these two crossovers?

The difference is substantial: the Ascent manages only 22 combined MPG, while the Grand Highlander Hybrid achieves an excellent 36 combined MPG. This 14 MPG advantage means the Hybrid will consume significantly less fuel annually, offsetting its higher initial $44,210 MSRP over time.

How does the performance stack up between the 260 hp Ascent and the Hybrid?

The 2025 Ascent holds a power advantage, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, making it feel more punchy, especially when passing. The Grand Highlander Hybrid produces 245 hp, providing adequate power but prioritizing efficiency through its powertrain tuning.

Is the extra cost of the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid worth the improved space?

The Grand Highlander is physically larger, measuring 201.4 inches long and offering 20.6 cu ft of cargo space behind the third row. The Ascent is slightly smaller overall and provides 17.8 cu ft in the same configuration, so the premium buys measurable extra room.

Do both vehicles come standard with All-Wheel Drive?

Yes, both the 2025 Subaru Ascent and the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid feature All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment. This ensures capable traction management in all trims for both models.

Which car is cheaper to fuel based on required gasoline type?

Both vehicles accept regular unleaded fuel, which is convenient for budget-conscious buyers. However, because the Hybrid drives so much further per gallon (36 MPG vs 22 MPG), the true cost savings are realized through sheer fuel conservation, not fuel grade.

How significant is the price gap at the dealership?

The MSRP for the Subaru Ascent begins at $39,995, positioning it significantly below the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, which starts at $44,210. This $4,215 entry price difference is a major consideration for budget setters.