2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2025 Toyota Highlander
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Subaru Ascent and the 2025 Toyota Highlander lies in fuel efficiency, with the Highlander achieving 25 MPG combined versus the Ascent's 22 MPG combined. Furthermore, the Highlander generates superior torque at 310 lb-ft compared to the Ascent's 277 lb-ft, although the Ascent produces slightly more horsepower (260 hp vs. 265 hp for the Highlander—a difference of only 5 hp). Pricewise, the Ascent starts $325 lower at $39,995. Cargo capacity favors the Ascent at 17.8 cubic feet versus the Highlander's 16.0 cu ft, yet the Highlander boasts a better highway rating (29 MPG vs. 26 MPG). The difference in height is substantial, with the Ascent standing 3.5 inches taller at 71.6 inches, providing a more commanding presence than the Highlander's 68.1 inches.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander wins for commuters due to its superior 25 MPG combined fuel economy rating.
2025 Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent offers more utility with 17.8 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Highlander's 16.0 cu ft.
2025 Toyota Highlander
The Highlander provides substantially higher torque output at 310 lb-ft, translating to better acceleration metrics.
2025 Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent presents better initial value with a lower MSRP of $39,995 versus $40,320.
Choose the Subaru Ascent if...
- You prioritize maximum inherent utility, indicated by 17.8 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You require the standard stability provided by Subaru's all-wheel drive system.
- You prefer a vehicle with a slightly lower starting MSRP of $39,995.
Choose the Toyota Highlander if...
- Fuel economy is paramount, as evidenced by the 25 MPG combined rating.
- You desire greater pulling capability, supported by 310 lb-ft of torque.
- Highway driving efficiency is key, given the 29 MPG highway rating versus the Ascent's 26 MPG.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Ascent | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 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 shiftable 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 | 22/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 386.0/501.8 mi. | 393.8/519.1 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.3 gal. | 17.9 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 | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.2 in. | 41.2 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 | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
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. | 58.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.5 in. | 57.0 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 | P235/65R V |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| 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 Highlander.
Which vehicle has better overall power delivery?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander delivers superior torque with 310 lb-ft, exceeding the Ascent's 277 lb-ft, suggesting stronger low-end pulling power. While the Ascent has 260 hp compared to the Highlander's 265 hp, the torque advantage often dictates real-world responsiveness.
How significant is the difference in price between the two crossovers?
The price difference is minimal on the base trims, with the 2025 Subaru Ascent starting at $39,995 and the 2025 Toyota Highlander starting at $40,320. This results in a $325 advantage for the Ascent.
Does the difference in transmission type matter for daily driving?
Yes, the Highlander uses a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, while the Ascent utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT). Buyers prioritizing consistent shift points may prefer the Highlander's setup over the CVT's characteristic feel.
Is the difference in fuel economy enough to sway a decision?
The Highlander offers a 3 MPG advantage in combined driving (25 MPG vs. 22 MPG), which equates to fewer annual stops at the pump over the vehicle's lifespan.
Which vehicle is physically larger in overall dimensions?
The Subaru Ascent is noticeably taller and longer. It measures 196.8 inches in length and 71.6 inches in height, making it both 1.9 inches longer and 3.5 inches taller than the Highlander.
How do the base drive types compare?
The Ascent comes standard with all-wheel drive, providing inherent traction advantages in low-grip conditions. The Highlander is standard with front-wheel drive, though AWD options are typically available on higher trims.
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