2025 Toyota Grand Highlander vs 2026 Subaru Ascent
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander explodes onto the scene with 265 horsepower, offering a slightly punchier, front-wheel-drive experience designed for straight-line efficiency, achieving a respectable 24 MPG combined. Conversely, the 2026 Subaru Ascent starts slightly lower on the price, undercutting the Toyota by just $65 at an MSRP of $40,795, but immediately distinguishes itself with standard all-wheel drive, providing tenacious grip despite delivering 22 MPG combined. The Toyota boasts a commanding presence at 201.4 inches long, giving it a substantial 20.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the third row, eclipsing the Ascent's 17.8 cubic feet. While the Toyota relies on an 8-speed automatic transmission for its power delivery, the Subaru uses a CVT with its 260 hp engine. Enthusiasts leaning toward utility and sheer volume will favor the larger footprint of the Grand Highlander.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander offers superior fuel economy at 24 MPG combined compared to the Ascent's 22 MPG.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander provides significantly more usable space with 20.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity versus the Ascent's 17.8 cubic feet.
2026 Subaru Ascent
The Ascent's standard all-wheel-drive system provides better dynamic assurance in varied driving conditions than the Grand Highlander's FWD setup.
2026 Subaru Ascent
The Ascent is marginally cheaper at $40,795 and includes standard AWD, delivering more traction hardware for the money.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- You prioritize maximum rear storage, as the 2025 Grand Highlander offers 20.6 cu ft of cargo space.
- You want slightly higher efficiency, as the Grand Highlander achieves 28 highway MPG on regular unleaded fuel.
- You prefer the feel of a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission over a CVT.
Choose the Subaru Ascent if...
- You live in areas with heavy snow or need maximum all-weather capability due to its standard AWD.
- You value a slightly lower starting price, as the 2026 Ascent MSRP is $40,795.
- You prefer a slightly taller vehicle stance, as the Ascent stands 71.6 inches high.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota Grand Highlander | Subaru Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 201.4" | 196.8" |
| Width | 78.3" | 76.0" |
| Height | 70.1" | 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 | 2.4 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm | 260 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 310 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 automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front 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) | 21/28 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 373.8/498.4 mi. | 386.0/501.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.8 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. |
| 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 and 2026 Subaru Ascent.
How does the power output compare between the 2025 Grand Highlander and the 2026 Ascent?
The Toyota Grand Highlander has a slight edge in raw power, producing 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The Subaru Ascent counters with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, meaning both offer comparable motivation for highway merging.
Which crossover offers better standard traction capabilities?
The 2026 Subaru Ascent includes standard all-wheel drive (AWD), making it inherently better suited for slippery conditions. The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander comes standard with front-wheel drive (FWD) for its base MSRP.
Is there a noticeable difference in size that affects maneuverability?
Yes, the Grand Highlander is significantly longer, measuring 201.4 inches compared to the Ascent's 196.8 inches. The Ascent is also narrower (76.0 inches vs. 78.3 inches), which might make it marginally easier to navigate tight city spots.
Which vehicle provides better fuel economy for the daily commute?
The Toyota Grand Highlander is the efficiency leader here, boasting a combined MPG rating of 24, whereas the Subaru Ascent achieves 22 MPG combined.
How do the base prices stack up for these two crossovers?
The 2026 Subaru Ascent presents a slightly lower entry point at $40,795. The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander starts at $40,860, creating a negligible $65 difference at the starting line.
If I frequently haul large items, which car has more usable space?
The Grand Highlander clearly wins on raw capacity, offering 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Ascent’s 17.8 cubic feet. This extra 2.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats makes a substantial difference for large gear.
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