2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid vs 2026 Subaru Ascent

$44,210 · Crossover

$40,795 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical difference between the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid (Car 1) and the 2026 Subaru Ascent (Car 2) is the 14 MPG variance in combined fuel economy, with the Toyota achieving 36 MPG versus the Subaru’s 22 MPG. This efficiency gap positions the Grand Highlander strongly for lower operational costs. Conversely, the Ascent offers superior base power, generating 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque compared to the Toyota's 245 hp. The MSRP shows the Ascent undercutting the Highlander by $3,415, starting at $40,795. In terms of size, the Highlander is physically larger at 201.4 inches long and offers greater utility with 20.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, whereas the Ascent provides 17.8 cu ft. Both vehicles utilize AWD and a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission, but the powertrain efficiency remains the key divergence in this comparison.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid wins for commuters due to its outstanding 36 combined MPG rating.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offers superior passenger hauling utility with its greater overall length (201.4 inches) and larger cargo volume (20.6 cu ft).

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Subaru Ascent

The 2026 Subaru Ascent is preferred by driving enthusiasts due to its higher output of 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Ascent

The 2026 Subaru Ascent provides better initial value by having an MSRP that is $3,415 less than the Toyota, despite offering more horsepower.

Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid if...

Fuel economy is the top priority, as evidenced by its 36 combined MPG.
You require maximum hauling space, benefiting from 20.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You prefer the slight efficiency gain in city driving, rated at 37 MPG city.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

A lower initial purchase price is crucial, starting $3,415 below the competitor.
Higher engine output is desired, boasting 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.
You prioritize slightly better highway cruising economy at 26 MPG highway versus the 34 MPG highway rating of Car 1.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid	Subaru Ascent
Length	201.4"	196.8"
Width	78.3"	76.0"
Height	72.1"	71.6"
Wheelbase	116.1"	113.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Toyota	Subaru
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	✓	✓
Third Row 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	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
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)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Daytime Running Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Toyota	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	hybrid	gas
Horsepower	245 hp @ 6000 rpm	260 hp @ 5600 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Torque	—	277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm

Drive Train

Feature	Toyota	Subaru
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Toyota	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	37/34 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	36 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	636.4/584.8 mi.	386.0/501.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.2 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	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Toyota	Subaru
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	11.6 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	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	41.5 in.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	42.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.2 in.	61.1 in.
Front Hip Room	56.5 in.	57.8 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
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Toyota	Subaru
Rear Head Room	40.2 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.5 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.8 in.	60.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.0 in.	57.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Toyota	Subaru
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/65R18	245/60R
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.5 in
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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	8 yr./ 100000 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 Grand Highlander Hybrid and 2026 Subaru Ascent.

What is the practical difference in fuel costs between these two AWD crossovers?

The difference is substantial: Car 1 achieves 36 combined MPG while Car 2 achieves 22 combined MPG. Over 15,000 miles driven annually, this 14 MPG gap means the Grand Highlander will consume approximately 417 gallons less fuel per year than the Ascent, leading to measurable long-term savings.

Which vehicle is technically more powerful, and does the weight difference matter?

The 2026 Subaru Ascent is technically more powerful, rated at 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the Grand Highlander's 245 hp. Since the Ascent is smaller overall (196.8 inches vs 201.4 inches), this extra torque should translate to a better power-to-weight ratio for more spirited acceleration.

How much more interior space does the Toyota Grand Highlander offer?

The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander is notably larger, measuring 201.4 inches in length compared to the Ascent's 196.8 inches. This size difference translates directly to cargo space, with the Toyota offering 20.6 cu ft versus the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft behind the third row.

Are there any transmission differences affecting the driving experience?

No, both vehicles utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission. However, the difference lies in their respective tuning and how they pair with their powertrains; Car 1 emphasizes efficiency while Car 2’s CVT is paired to maximize the higher horsepower figures.

If my budget is strictly under $41,000, which model is an option?

The 2026 Subaru Ascent is the clear choice for a budget under $41,000, as its starting MSRP is listed at $40,795. The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid has a significantly higher starting MSRP of $44,210, placing it outside that strict budgetary constraint.

Do these vehicles use the same fuel type?

Yes, both the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid and the 2026 Subaru Ascent are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel. This means neither requires the premium fuel often associated with higher-performance engines.