2025 Toyota 4Runner vs 2026 Subaru Ascent

$41,270 · SUV

$40,795 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The all-new 2025 Toyota 4Runner arrives packed with rugged capability, boasting 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, appealing to those who crave traditional body-on-frame durability. Conversely, the 2026 Subaru Ascent centers on practical, confident grip with its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, though its 260 hp engine provides slightly less immediate punch. While both vehicles achieve an identical 22 MPG combined rating, the 4Runner’s significant advantage lies in utility, offering a massive 48.4 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Ascent’s 17.8 cu ft, despite the 4Runner having a slightly higher MSRP of $41,270 versus the Ascent's $40,795. Furthermore, the 4Runner utilizes a conventional 8-speed automatic transmission while the Ascent employs a CVT, signaling different driving philosophies.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Ascent

The 2026 Subaru Ascent, while marginally less powerful, offers standard All-Wheel Drive which many commuters prefer for adverse weather confidence.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota 4Runner

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner clearly wins on practicality due to its expansive 48.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Toyota 4Runner

The 4Runner delivers superior brute strength with 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque versus the Ascent's 260 hp and 277 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Ascent

The 2026 Subaru Ascent is $475 cheaper at MSRP and includes AWD standard, offering superior foundational value over the RWD-based 4Runner.

Choose the Toyota 4Runner if...

You prioritize raw power, needing the 317 lb-ft of torque delivered by the 278 hp engine.
You haul substantial gear, as the 48.4 cu ft of cargo capacity dwarfs the competitor's offering.
You prefer the immediate shifting response of a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission over a CVT.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

All-weather confidence is paramount due to its standard All-Wheel Drive system.
You are seeking the slightly lower starting price, listing at $40,795 compared to the 4Runner's $41,270.
You prefer a slightly narrower overall vehicle width (76.0 inches) for easier urban navigation.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Toyota 4Runner	Subaru Ascent
Length	194.9"	196.8"
Width	78.0"	76.0"
Height	72.6"	71.6"
Wheelbase	112.2"	113.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Toyota	Subaru
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Engine Immobilizer	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Toyota	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.4 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	278 hp @ 6000 rpm	260 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	317 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm	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	Toyota	Subaru
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Toyota	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/26 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	380.0/494.0 mi.	386.0/501.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.0 gal.	19.3 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Toyota	Subaru
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Toyota	Subaru
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	11.6 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Toyota	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Toyota	Subaru
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.8 in.	42.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.0 in.	61.1 in.
Front Hip Room	55.2 in.	57.8 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Toyota	Subaru
Rear Head Room	37.8 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	34.8 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.8 in.	60.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.1 in.	57.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Toyota	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P245/70R17	245/60R
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.5 in
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Toyota	Subaru
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Toyota	Subaru
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	2 yr./ unlimited mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 25000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota 4Runner and 2026 Subaru Ascent.

Which SUV is genuinely more fuel-efficient between the 2025 4Runner and 2026 Ascent?

Based on the provided figures, both vehicles share the exact same efficiency ratings, achieving a combined 22 MPG, with both City/Highway splits listed at 20/26 MPG. Fuel economy should not be a deciding factor between these two rivals.

Why is the 4Runner considered better for hauling gear than the Ascent?

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner is structurally superior for cargo, offering 48.4 cubic feet of storage space behind the second row. The 2026 Subaru Ascent only manages 17.8 cubic feet, a significant deficit for family road trips or equipment transport.

How do their core performance figures differ?

The 4Runner holds a clear performance edge, delivering 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque from its engine. The Ascent counters with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, making the 4Runner quicker in acceleration.

Is the drive type difference significant for daily driving?

Yes, the 4Runner is primarily Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) with an 8-speed automatic, catering to traditionalists, whereas the Ascent features standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), providing consistent traction.

What is the size difference between the two vehicles?

The 4Runner is slightly shorter in length (194.9 inches vs 196.8 inches) but notably wider and taller (78.0 inches wide and 72.6 inches high) than the Ascent, suggesting a more upright, rugged stance.

Do both vehicles require premium fuel?

Fortunately, neither vehicle demands expensive premium fuel; both the 2025 Toyota 4Runner and the 2026 Subaru Ascent are specified to run on regular unleaded gasoline.