2026 Subaru Ascent vs 2026 Toyota Highlander

$40,795 · Crossover

$45,270 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2026 battle between the Subaru Ascent and the Toyota Highlander pits rugged capability against polished efficiency. The Ascent thrills with its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and robust 277 lb-ft of torque, making it the go-to choice for confident handling in adverse conditions, even if its 22 combined MPG trails slightly. Conversely, the Highlander boasts superior output with 310 lb-ft of torque and nets an edge in fuel economy at 24 combined MPG, thanks to its slick 8-speed automatic transmission compared to the Ascent's CVT. Priced significantly lower at $40,795 versus the Highlander's $45,270, the Subaru offers immediate cost savings. While the Ascent is taller at 71.6 inches, allowing for a slightly more imposing presence and marginally better cargo space at 17.8 cu ft, the Highlander delivers its 265 hp with refined urban manners.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander achieves better combined MPG at 24 versus the Ascent's 22, making for less frequent stops.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Ascent

The 2026 Subaru Ascent provides more interior volume, evidenced by its superior height (71.6 inches) and marginally larger 17.8 cu ft cargo capacity.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander’s torque peak of 310 lb-ft and its more traditional 8-speed automatic transmission suggest a more engaging on-road feel than the Ascent's CVT.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent is immediately accessible with an MSRP of $40,795, saving buyers $4,475 compared to the starting price of the Highlander.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

You prioritize maximum purchase price savings, as the Ascent starts at $40,795, undercutting the Highlander by $4,475.
You require maximum vertical clearance and cargo utility, noted by the Ascent’s taller stance (71.6 inches) and 17.8 cu ft cargo space.
You prefer the consistent traction assurance of standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive across all trims.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

You demand greater low-end pulling power, as the Highlander's 310 lb-ft of torque eclipses the Ascent’s 277 lb-ft.
You are focused on maximizing fuel efficiency, benefiting from the Highlander’s 24 combined MPG versus 22 MPG for the Subaru.
You prefer the shifting engagement of a conventional 8-speed automatic transmission over a continuously variable transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru Ascent	Toyota Highlander
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	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	flat 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	260 hp @ 5600 rpm	265 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	310 lb-ft @ 1700 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	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/26 MPG	21/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	386.0/501.8 mi.	375.9/501.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.3 gal.	17.9 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: Leatherette	✓	✓
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
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	P235/65R V
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.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 25000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Subaru Ascent and 2026 Toyota Highlander.

Which crossover has better engine power between the 2026 Ascent and Highlander?

The 2026 Toyota Highlander edges out the Ascent in peak output, delivering 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, while the Subaru Ascent offers 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.

Is the price difference between these two models significant for buyers?

Yes, there is a notable $4,475 difference in starting MSRP, with the 2026 Subaru Ascent priced at $40,795 and the 2026 Toyota Highlander starting at $45,270.

How do the transmissions compare for driving dynamics?

The Ascent uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), optimizing for smooth power delivery, whereas the Highlander utilizes a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic, often favored by enthusiasts for a more connected feel.

Which vehicle is physically larger for maneuvering and parking?

The Ascent is slightly longer at 196.8 inches and significantly taller at 71.6 inches compared to the Highlander's length of 194.9 inches and height of 68.1 inches, suggesting the Highlander might be marginally easier to fit into tight urban parking spots.

What is the real-world difference in fuel economy?

The Highlander leads slightly in efficiency, achieving 24 combined MPG (21 city/28 highway), while the Ascent returns 22 combined MPG (20 city/26 highway) on regular unleaded fuel.