2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

$39,995 · Crossover

$46,820 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

When facing the choice between a rugged, spacious standard SUV like the 2025 Subaru Ascent and the fuel-sipping 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, buyers often struggle between upfront cost and long-term running expenses. The Ascent starts significantly lower at $39,995 compared to the Highlander Hybrid's $46,820 MSRP, a difference of $6,825. Performance favors the Ascent slightly, boasting 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque against the Hybrid's 243 hp. However, the fuel economy gap is massive; the Highlander Hybrid achieves 35 MPG combined, crushing the Ascent's 22 MPG combined rating. The Ascent is also physically larger, measuring 196.8 inches long versus 194.9 inches, offering 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Highlander's 16 cu ft, making usability a key factor in this comparison.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The Highlander Hybrid's superior 35 MPG combined efficiency will drastically cut fuel costs for daily driving compared to the Ascent's 22 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Ascent provides slightly more physical space, offering 17.8 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Highlander Hybrid's 16 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru Ascent

The 2025 Subaru Ascent offers more brute force with 277 lb-ft of torque, making it feel stronger than the Hybrid's setup.

💰 Best Value

2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Despite a higher initial cost of $6,825, the substantial 13 MPG fuel savings makes the Highlander Hybrid a better long-term value proposition.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

You prioritize the lowest possible purchase price, starting at $39,995.
You need maximum immediate hauling space, as its 17.8 cu ft cargo area is class-leading here.
You prefer more torque on tap, benefiting from the 277 lb-ft output from its standard gasoline engine.

Choose the Toyota Highlander Hybrid if...

Minimizing trips to the gas station is paramount, thanks to its outstanding 35 MPG combined rating.
You are willing to pay the extra $6,825 upfront for significant long-term fuel savings.
You prefer a slightly more compact footprint for city maneuverability, measuring 194.9 inches long.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru Ascent	Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Length	196.8"	194.9"
Width	76.0"	76.0"
Height	71.6"	68.1"
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	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓

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	243 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	35/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	35 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	386.0/501.8 mi.	598.5/598.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.3 gal.	17.1 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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
Infotainment Display	11.6 in	8.0 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	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
Front Head Room	41.2 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	42.2 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.1 in.	59.0 in.
Front Hip Room	57.8 in.	57.2 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	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.6 in.	38.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	60.3 in.	58.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.5 in.	57.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

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	P235/65R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	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 Highlander Hybrid.

How much money will I save on gas by choosing the Highlander Hybrid over the Ascent?

The difference is significant, as the Highlander Hybrid gets 35 MPG combined while the Ascent only achieves 22 MPG combined. Over 15,000 miles annually, assuming similar fuel prices, you could save hundreds of dollars per year thanks to that 13 MPG advantage.

Is the Subaru Ascent much bigger than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

The Ascent is marginally bigger, measuring 196.8 inches in length compared to the Highlander's 194.9 inches, giving it slightly more presence. More importantly, the Ascent offers 1.8 cubic feet more cargo room (17.8 vs. 16 cu ft) behind the third row.

Which vehicle has the punchier engine?

The 2025 Subaru Ascent is mechanically stronger, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The Highlander Hybrid counters with a lower 243 hp output, which prioritizes efficiency over immediate acceleration.

Are both vehicles AWD?

Yes, both the 2025 Subaru Ascent and the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid come standard with all-wheel drive capability, so neither compromises on foul-weather traction.

How does the price difference affect the overall value assessment?

The Ascent has an MSRP starting $6,825 lower than the Hybrid. However, the Hybrid’s dramatically better fuel economy is projected to offset that initial premium relatively quickly, shifting the long-term value proposition heavily in favor of the Hybrid.