2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid

$39,995 · Crossover

$44,815 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Subaru Ascent and the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid boils down to size versus savings. If you need maximum passenger volume, the Ascent’s larger frame (196.8 inches long) and standard All-Wheel Drive might seem appealing, though it offers only 17.8 cu ft of cargo space and achieves a 22 MPG combined rating. Conversely, the RAV4 Prime, while costing $4,820 more at an MSRP of $44,815, delivers substantial operational savings. It boasts a combined 38 MPG, and thanks to its 42 miles of electric range, daily commuting could use very little gasoline. The Toyota also offers nearly double the cargo capacity at 33.5 cu ft and significantly more power with 302 horsepower compared to the Ascent's 260 hp, making it the more technologically advanced and efficient crossover overall.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid

The RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid wins for commuters due to its superior 42-mile electric range and 38 MPG combined fuel economy.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid

The RAV4 offers substantially more cargo capacity at 33.5 cu ft versus the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft, making it better for hauling family gear.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid

The RAV4 Prime offers 302 horsepower, significantly exceeding the Ascent's 260 hp rating.

💰 Best Value

2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid

Despite a higher initial MSRP, the RAV4's massive 16 MPG combined fuel economy advantage outweighs the initial $4,820 price difference over time.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

You absolutely need the larger exterior footprint, with the Ascent measuring 196.8 inches in length.
You prefer the standard power output of 260 hp paired with 277 lb-ft of torque from a traditional gas engine setup.
You want the lowest starting MSRP available at $39,995 for a three-row capable utility vehicle.

Choose the Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid if...

You prioritize fuel economy, netting 38 MPG combined versus the Ascent's 22 MPG combined rating.
You value having 42 miles of pure electric driving capability for daily errands.
You need maximum utility, as the RAV4 offers 33.5 cu ft of cargo space, nearly doubling the Ascent's space.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru Ascent	Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid
Length	196.8"	180.9"
Width	76.0"	73.0"
Height	71.6"	67.0"
Wheelbase	113.8"	105.9"

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	✓	✓
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	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	260 hp @ 5600 rpm	302 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	40/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	38 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	386.0/501.8 mi.	580.0/522.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.3 gal.	14.5 gal.
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	—	94 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	—	42 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	—	36
Charging Time (240V)	—	4.5 hr.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	—	SAE J1772

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	✓	✓
Dual 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	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.	39.5 in.
Front Leg Room	42.2 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.1 in.	57.8 in.
Front Hip Room	57.8 in.	54.3 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	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.6 in.	37.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	60.3 in.	56.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.5 in.	47.7 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	18 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R	225/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

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	—	10 yr./ 150000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 25000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Ascent and 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid.

How much more does the 2025 RAV4 Prime cost initially?

The 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid carries an MSRP of $44,815, which is $4,820 more expensive than the 2025 Subaru Ascent starting at $39,995.

Is the Ascent a larger vehicle than the RAV4 PHEV?

Yes, the Ascent is physically larger in every dimension, measuring 196.8 inches long compared to the RAV4's 180.9 inches, and it is also taller at 71.6 inches.

Which vehicle saves more money on gas?

The RAV4 PHEV is the clear winner here, achieving 38 MPG combined, whereas the standard Ascent only manages 22 MPG combined, representing a 16 MPG difference.