2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2026 Toyota Highlander
Comparison Overview
The $5,275 difference in Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) between the 2025 Subaru Ascent ($39,995) and the 2026 Toyota Highlander ($45,270) establishes the primary divergence in this comparison. Performance metrics favor the Highlander, which offers 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the Ascent's 260 hp and 277 lb-ft. However, the Ascent is more fuel-efficient on paper, achieving 22 MPG combined versus the Highlander's 24 MPG combined, despite the Highlander holding the edge in Highway MPG (28 vs. 26). Dimensionally, the Ascent is notably taller at 71.6 inches, contrasting with the Highlander's 68.1 inches, which contributes to the Ascent providing slightly more base cargo capacity at 17.8 cu ft versus the Highlander's 16.0 cu ft. The transmission setup also varies significantly: the Ascent uses a Continuously Variable Automatic Transmission (CVT), while the Highlander employs a conventional 8-speed shiftable automatic.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Highlander
The 2026 Highlander offers superior fuel economy with 28 MPG highway, marginally outperforming the Ascent's 26 MPG highway.
2025 Subaru Ascent
The 2025 Ascent provides greater vertical space (71.6 inches height) and marginally better base cargo capacity (17.8 cu ft vs. 16.0 cu ft) for larger loads.
2026 Toyota Highlander
The 2026 Highlander delivers a measurable performance advantage with 310 lb-ft of torque, significantly higher than the Ascent's 277 lb-ft.
2025 Subaru Ascent
The 2025 Ascent secures the value verdict by starting $5,275 lower on MSRP while maintaining comparable horsepower metrics.
Choose the Subaru Ascent if...
- Budget constraints necessitate a starting MSRP below $40,000, as the Ascent is priced at $39,995.
- Maximum outward visibility and cabin headroom are priorities, given its 71.6-inch height.
- A preference exists for the standard utility of a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) paired with symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
Choose the Toyota Highlander if...
- Maximizing acceleration and pulling power is desired, thanks to its segment-leading 310 lb-ft of torque.
- Slightly better efficiency in mixed driving conditions is targeted, evidenced by its 24 MPG combined rating.
- A preference for a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT is held.
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 | 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 | 2.4 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 | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | 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. | 375.9/501.2 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
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 | P235/65R V |
| 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. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Ascent and 2026 Toyota Highlander.
How significant is the torque difference between the 2025 Ascent and the 2026 Highlander?
The 2026 Highlander exhibits a significant advantage, posting 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the 2025 Ascent's 277 lb-ft. This 33 lb-ft difference suggests the Highlander will offer superior responsiveness when towing or heavily loaded.
Which crossover offers better utility based on dimensions?
The 2025 Ascent offers greater maximum utility, providing 17.8 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Highlander's 16.0 cu ft, alongside being 3.5 inches taller overall.
What is the fuel economy advantage of the 2026 Highlander for city driving?
Both vehicles use regular unleaded fuel, but the Highlander edges out the Ascent in the city, achieving 21 MPG versus the Ascent's 20 MPG city rating.
Does the lower MSRP of the Ascent impact power output significantly?
No, the power output remains very close; the Ascent produces 260 horsepower while the Highlander offers 265 horsepower, meaning the $5,275 lower price on the Ascent comes with only a minor 5 hp deficit.
What is the main difference in transmission technology offered?
The 2025 Ascent utilizes a Continuously Variable Automatic Transmission (CVT), whereas the 2026 Highlander incorporates a more traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
How do the overall lengths compare between these two AWD crossovers?
The 2025 Subaru Ascent is longer at 196.8 inches, giving it a slight length advantage over the 2026 Toyota Highlander, which measures 194.9 inches.
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