Toyota Highlander Vs Subaru Ascent: The Ultimate Comparison Guide For Suv Shoppers
What To Know
- While offering more power, the Ascent’s fuel economy takes a slight hit, with an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
- In the realm of technology, both the Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent offer a suite of advanced features to keep you connected and entertained on your journeys.
- The Toyota Highlander Hybrid excels in fuel efficiency, delivering an EPA-estimated 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, compared to the Subaru Ascent Touring’s 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
In the realm of 3-row SUVs, two titans stand tall: the Toyota Highlander and the Subaru Ascent. Both vehicles boast impressive capabilities, sleek designs, and a plethora of features that cater to families and adventure-seekers alike. But which one emerges as the ultimate victor in this head-to-head showdown? Let’s delve into the depths of their specifications, performance, and features to uncover the true champion.
Performance and Powertrain: A Tale of Two Engines
Under the hood, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and the Subaru Ascent Touring offer distinct powertrain options. The Highlander Hybrid combines a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors, generating a combined 243 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain delivers a smooth and efficient ride, with an EPA-estimated 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
The Subaru Ascent Touring, on the other hand, features a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. While offering more power, the Ascent’s fuel economy takes a slight hit, with an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
Interior and Comfort: A Haven for Passengers
Stepping inside the Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent reveals two distinct interpretations of comfort and luxury. The Highlander’s cabin exudes a sense of sophistication, with soft-touch materials, intuitive controls, and ample legroom for all three rows of passengers. The Ascent, on the other hand, prioritizes practicality, featuring durable materials, generous cargo space, and a panoramic moonroof that floods the cabin with natural light.
Technology and Connectivity: Keeping You Connected
In the realm of technology, both the Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent offer a suite of advanced features to keep you connected and entertained on your journeys. The Highlander’s infotainment system boasts an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a premium JBL sound system. The Ascent counters with a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen, a Harman Kardon premium audio system, and built-in navigation.
Safety and Driver Assistance: Prioritizing Your Well-being
When it comes to safety, the Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent come equipped with an array of driver assistance technologies to ensure your peace of mind. Both vehicles feature standard features such as lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The Ascent, however, goes a step further with its EyeSight suite of safety systems, which includes features like lane centering assist and rear cross-traffic alert.
Off-Road Prowess: Conquering the Great Outdoors
For those seeking adventure beyond the pavement, the Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent offer varying degrees of off-road capability. The Highlander’s all-wheel-drive system provides capable traction on slippery surfaces, while the Ascent’s X-Mode system adds additional off-road driving modes and hill descent control for tackling more challenging terrain.
Pricing and Value: Balancing Cost and Features
When it comes to pricing, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Subaru Ascent Touring start at similar price points. However, as you climb the trim levels, the Ascent’s price tag can soar higher than the Highlander’s. Ultimately, the best value proposition depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Takeaways: Unveiling the Victor
After a thorough examination of their specifications, performance, features, and pricing, it’s time to reveal the victor in this epic clash of the titans. While both the Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent offer exceptional qualities, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid emerges as the overall winner. Its combination of fuel efficiency, refined interior, advanced technology, and competitive pricing makes it the more compelling choice for families and adventure-seekers alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which vehicle offers better fuel economy, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid or the Subaru Ascent Touring?
A: The Toyota Highlander Hybrid excels in fuel efficiency, delivering an EPA-estimated 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, compared to the Subaru Ascent Touring’s 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
Q: Does the Subaru Ascent have more cargo space than the Toyota Highlander?
A: Yes, the Subaru Ascent offers more cargo space than the Toyota Highlander, with 17.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 47.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 86.5 cubic feet with both rear rows folded down.
Q: Which vehicle features a larger infotainment touchscreen, the Toyota Highlander or the Subaru Ascent?
A: The Subaru Ascent boasts a larger infotainment touchscreen than the Toyota Highlander, with an 11.6-inch display compared to the Highlander’s 8-inch touchscreen.