Ascent or highlander? find the perfect suv for your lifestyle with our expert comparison
What To Know
- The Subaru Ascent has a starting price of $33,415, while the Toyota Highlander has a starting price of $35,335.
- The Ascent offers more standard features than the Highlander, but the Highlander has a more comfortable interior and a better fuel economy.
- The Ascent is a more rugged and spacious SUV with better off-road capabilities, while the Highlander has a more comfortable interior, better fuel economy, and a more advanced infotainment system.
When it comes to family-friendly SUVs, the Subaru Ascent and Toyota Highlander stand out as two of the most popular options. Both vehicles offer spacious interiors, advanced safety features, and impressive performance. But which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive into the key differences between the Subaru Ascent and Toyota Highlander to help you make an informed decision.
Exterior Design
The Subaru Ascent and Toyota Highlander have distinct exterior designs. The Ascent features a rugged and adventurous look with a boxy shape and prominent grille. The Highlander, on the other hand, has a more streamlined and sophisticated appearance with curved lines and a sleek front end. Both SUVs offer a variety of exterior color options and trim levels to suit different tastes.
Interior Space and Comfort
Both the Subaru Ascent and Toyota Highlander offer ample interior space. The Ascent has a slightly larger cabin, with more legroom and headroom in both the front and rear seats. The Highlander has a more comfortable interior, with plush seats and high-quality materials. Both vehicles offer a third row of seating, but the Ascent’s third row is more spacious and easier to access.
Engine Performance and Fuel Economy
The Subaru Ascent comes standard with a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The Toyota Highlander has a choice of two engines: a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, or a 2.5-liter hybrid engine that produces 243 horsepower. The Ascent has a slight edge in horsepower, while the Highlander has better fuel economy, especially with the hybrid option.
Safety Features
Both the Subaru Ascent and Toyota Highlander have received top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Ascent comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Highlander has a similar set of safety features, including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control.
Technology and Infotainment
The Subaru Ascent and Toyota Highlander both offer a range of technology and infotainment features. The Ascent has a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while the Highlander has a standard 8-inch touchscreen. Both systems support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and offer features such as navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and voice recognition. The Highlander has a more advanced infotainment system with a larger touchscreen and more features.
Off-Road Capabilities
The Subaru Ascent has a slight advantage in off-road capabilities. It comes standard with all-wheel drive and has a higher ground clearance than the Highlander. The Highlander also offers all-wheel drive as an option, but it has a lower ground clearance. Both SUVs have a variety of off-road driving modes to improve traction and performance on rough terrain.
Pricing and Value
The Subaru Ascent has a starting price of $33,415, while the Toyota Highlander has a starting price of $35,335. The Ascent offers more standard features than the Highlander, but the Highlander has a more comfortable interior and a better fuel economy. The Highlander also offers a hybrid option, which can save you money on fuel costs in the long run.
Summary: The Best Choice for Your Family
The Subaru Ascent and Toyota Highlander are both excellent family SUVs with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The Ascent is a more rugged and spacious SUV with better off-road capabilities, while the Highlander has a more comfortable interior, better fuel economy, and a more advanced infotainment system. Ultimately, the best choice for your family depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Which SUV has a more spacious interior?
A: The Subaru Ascent has a slightly larger cabin than the Toyota Highlander.
Q: Which SUV has better fuel economy?
A: The Toyota Highlander has better fuel economy, especially with the hybrid option.
Q: Which SUV has more advanced safety features?
A: Both the Subaru Ascent and Toyota Highlander have a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, but the Highlander’s infotainment system is more advanced.
Q: Which SUV is better for off-roading?
A: The Subaru Ascent has a slight advantage in off-road capabilities due to its higher ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive.
Q: Which SUV is more affordable?
A: The Subaru Ascent has a lower starting price than the Toyota Highlander.