2025 Toyota Highlander vs 2026 Subaru Ascent
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical distinction is the fuel efficiency, where the 2025 Toyota Highlander achieves a 25 MPG combined rating, significantly outperforming the 2026 Subaru Ascent's 22 MPG combined. Performance favors the Highlander, offering 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the Ascent's 260 hp and 277 lb-ft. The Highlander carries a slightly lower MSRP at $40,320 versus the Ascent's $40,795. While the Highlander prioritizes efficiency and power density, the Ascent provides superior utility metrics, boasting 17.8 cu ft of cargo capacity against the Highlander's 16.0 cu ft. Furthermore, the Ascent is substantially taller at 71.6 inches compared to the Highlander's 68.1 inches, suggesting greater vertical cabin space, though both vehicles share an identical width of 76.0 inches.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Highlander
The Highlander wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 25 MPG versus the Ascent's 22 MPG.
2026 Subaru Ascent
The Ascent offers greater utility for families with 17.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Highlander's 16.0 cu ft.
2025 Toyota Highlander
Enthusiasts will prefer the Highlander's higher torque output of 310 lb-ft compared to the Ascent's 277 lb-ft.
2025 Toyota Highlander
The Highlander presents a better immediate value proposition with a lower starting MSRP of $40,320.
Choose the Toyota Highlander if...
- Fuel economy is paramount, as the Highlander achieves 25 MPG combined versus 22 MPG for the Ascent.
- You desire superior low-end grunt, evidenced by the Highlander's 310 lb-ft of torque.
- A lower entry price is necessary, as the Highlander starts at $40,320, undercutting the Ascent by $475.
Choose the Subaru Ascent if...
- Maximum cargo volume is required, with the Ascent offering 17.8 cu ft versus the Highlander's 16.0 cu ft.
- All-weather capability is a necessity, as the Ascent comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) while the Highlander is FWD standard.
- You prioritize overall height and passenger headroom, given the Ascent's 71.6-inch stature compared to 68.1 inches for the Highlander.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota Highlander | Subaru Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.9" | 196.8" |
| Width | 76.0" | 76.0" |
| Height | 68.1" | 71.6" |
| Wheelbase | 112.2" | 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 Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
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 shiftable 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) | 22/29 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 393.8/519.1 mi. | 386.0/501.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.9 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Toyota | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 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 | 41.2 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.0 in. | 42.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.0 in. | 61.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 57.2 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 | 39.4 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.7 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.7 in. | 60.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.0 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 | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P235/65R V | 245/60R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
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 Highlander and 2026 Subaru Ascent.
Which vehicle offers better standard traction for adverse weather?
The 2026 Subaru Ascent includes All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as standard equipment, making it the preferred choice for areas with frequent snow or rain. The 2025 Toyota Highlander is listed with standard Front Wheel Drive (FWD).
How significant is the difference in cargo space between the two crossovers?
The 2026 Subaru Ascent offers 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space, which is 1.8 cubic feet more than the 2025 Toyota Highlander's 16.0 cubic feet. This difference equates to nearly 11% more available room behind the last row.
Does the standard fuel economy gap affect potential running costs?
Yes, the Highlander’s 25 MPG combined rating offers a measurable advantage over the Ascent's 22 MPG combined rating. For high-mileage drivers, this 3 MPG difference will translate into fewer required fuel stops and lower annual expenditures.
What is the primary performance advantage of the Highlander?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander leads in output metrics, generating 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This 5 horsepower and 33 lb-ft advantage over the Ascent suggests better acceleration potential when comparing the standard powertrains.
How do the MSRP figures compare for these entry-level models?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander has a slightly lower Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) at $40,320. The 2026 Subaru Ascent is priced marginally higher at $40,795.
Which vehicle utilizes a traditional automatic gearbox?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander is equipped with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. Conversely, the 2026 Subaru Ascent utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).
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