2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Subaru Ascent and the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid lies in fuel economy, with the Highlander Hybrid achieving an impressive 35 MPG combined versus the Ascent's 22 MPG combined. This 13 MPG advantage for Car 2 translates to substantial long-term operational savings, offsetting its higher initial MSRP of $47,020 compared to Car 1's $39,995—a $7,025 starting price disparity. Performance metrics favor the Ascent slightly, boasting 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque against the Highlander Hybrid's 243 hp. However, the Ascent provides superior utility metrics, featuring 17.8 cu ft of cargo space compared to Car 2's 16 cu ft, although the Ascent is slightly taller at 71.6 inches versus 68.1 inches.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers a superior combined 35 MPG, making it far more economical for daily driving than the Ascent's 22 MPG.
2025 Subaru Ascent
The 2025 Subaru Ascent provides greater physical utility with 17.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Highlander Hybrid's 16 cu ft.
2025 Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent delivers higher peak engine output with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Subaru Ascent
The Ascent undercuts the Highlander Hybrid's MSRP by $7,025 while offering comparable AWD capability.
Choose the Subaru Ascent if...
- If minimizing the initial purchase outlay is critical, as the Ascent starts $7,025 cheaper.
- If maximum horsepower (260 hp) and torque (277 lb-ft) are priorities over fuel savings.
- If 17.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo space is required, exceeding Car 2's 16 cubic feet.
Choose the Toyota Highlander Hybrid if...
- If maximizing fuel efficiency is paramount, achieving 35 MPG combined versus 22 MPG.
- If a lower overall height of 68.1 inches (compared to 71.6 inches) better suits garage clearance.
- If long-term operational costs are prioritized, the 13 MPG efficiency gap offsets the higher initial price.
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 | — | ✓ |
| 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 | P235/65R18 |
| 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 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
How much more fuel-efficient is the 2026 Highlander Hybrid than the 2025 Ascent?
The Highlander Hybrid achieves a combined 35 MPG, which is exactly 13 MPG better than the 2025 Subaru Ascent's combined rating of 22 MPG. This superior efficiency makes the Highlander Hybrid significantly cheaper to operate over high-mileage commutes.
What is the price difference between these two AWD crossovers?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has an MSRP of $47,020, while the 2025 Subaru Ascent starts at $39,995. This results in a significant starting price difference of $7,025 favoring the Ascent.
Which vehicle offers more power based on specifications?
The 2025 Subaru Ascent provides greater output with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The 2026 Highlander Hybrid is rated at 243 horsepower.
Does the Ascent or the Highlander Hybrid have better cargo capacity?
The 2025 Subaru Ascent offers slightly more enclosed storage with 17.8 cubic feet compared to the 2026 Highlander Hybrid's 16 cubic feet. Both vehicles utilize AWD and CVT transmissions.
Are there any significant dimensional differences between the two models?
Yes, the Ascent is notably taller, measuring 71.6 inches high compared to the Highlander Hybrid's 68.1 inches. In terms of footprint, the Ascent is slightly longer at 196.8 inches versus 194.9 inches, while their widths are identical at 76.0 inches.
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