If your hunt for a midsize three-row SUV has led you to our Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander comparison, you're in for a treat. These two turbocharged SUVs have ample space for passengers in each of the three rows and reliable construction you can feel confident in as you drive. Although both are excellent, we feel there's a clear winner in the Subaru Ascent, a larger, more spacious, and more comfortable model. Schedule a time to explore the SUV that reigns supreme at Hughes Subaru today!
Key Takeaways:
2024 Subaru Ascent:
2024 Toyota Highlander:
Let's kick off our Subaru vs. Toyota comparison with a look at the trims and features you can get for both models. Each model in our comparison is an excellent adventure vehicle with ample amenities, but which reigns supreme? For 2024, here are the available trim levels for the new Subaru Ascent for sale:
Within the lineup of Subaru Ascent trims, you'll find exceptional standard and available convenience and comfort features, with LED exterior lights, heated front seats, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, Nappa leather upholstery, and more.
The 2024 Toyota Highlander has a much smaller selection of trim levels:
The Toyota Highlander is a comprehensive three-row SUV with tons of features, like an available 12.3-inch touch-screen display, seating for up to eight passengers, and available safety and convenience enhancements.
Although the two models in our 2024 Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander battle are similar in many regards, their trim offerings are one area they differ – and the Ascent pulls ahead. The Highlander may have many appealing features and trims, but it lacks the variety of the 2024 Subaru Ascent.
Now that we've explored the various trim level offerings and some of the perks of each model in our comparison, it's time to look at the impressive Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander specs. The two models have similar horsepower and torque performance specs, with the Toyota Highlander making just five horsepower more.
Each vehicle operates on a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with the Subaru Ascent producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. The Highlander engine produces 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque.
Although both are appealing, the Subaru Ascent operates on a standard AWD drivetrain, which enhances off-road handling and performance, while the Toyota Highlander operates on a standard FWD powertrain. You can get more information on proper care for your AWD Ascent with our Subaru service in Athens, GA.
| 2024 Subaru Ascent | 2024 Toyota Highlander | |
| Engine | 2.4L turbocharged 4-cyl | 2.4L turbocharged 4-Cyl |
| Maximum Horsepower | 260 | 265 |
| Maximum Torque | 277 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Maximum Towing capacity | 5,000 lb3 | 5,000 lbs4 |
| Maximum EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb) for Gas-Powered Engines | 20 / 26 / 225 | 22 / 29 / 256 |
| Transmission | Lineartronic CVT | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD Available AWD |
| Wheelbase | 113.8 in | 112.2 in |
| Ground clearance | 8.7 in | 8 in |
Appealing performance meshes with compelling dimensions with both models in our comparison, but we find the Subaru Ascent is a larger, more appealing size. The Ascent measures 196.8 inches in length, while the Highlander is only 194.9 inches long. The two are the same width, but the Subaru Ascent gives a taller ride height at 71.6 inches tall. The Toyota Highlander is only 68.1 inches tall.
These exterior dimensions, as you may suspect, translate to more interior space for the Subaru Ascent.
As mentioned above, the Subaru Ascent is larger than the Toyota Highlander, which leads to more spacious interior dimensions. The model has more passenger volume, with 153.2 cubic feet available, while the Highlander only offers 141.8 cubic feet.
The Subaru Ascent offers less maximum interior cargo space, but that's because the model was designed to optimize comfort for passengers in each of the three rows. As such, the Ascent has more shoulder room, more headroom, and more legroom than the Toyota Highlander in nearly every row.
| 2024 Subaru Ascent Base 8-Passenger | 2024 Toyota Highlander LE | |
| Length | 196.8 in | 194.9 in |
| Width | 76.0 in | 76.0 in |
| Height | 71.6 in | 68.1 in |
| Seating Capacity | 8 | 8 |
| Cargo Space Behind Third Row | 17.8 cu ft | 16 cu ft |
| Cargo Space Behind Second Row | 43.5 cu ft | 48.4 cu ft |
| Maximum Cargo Space | 75.6 cu ft | 84.3 cu ft |
| Headroom (First / Second / Third Row) | 41.2 in / 40.0 in / 36.2 in | 41.2 in / 39.4 in / 36.1 in |
| Legroom (First / Second / Third Row) | 42.2 in / 38.6 in / 31.7 in | 42.0 in / 38.7 in / 28.0 in |
| Shoulder Room (First / Second / Third Row) | 61.1 in / 60.3 in / 57.0 in | 59.0 in / 58.7 in / 55.0 in |
| Hip Room (First / Second / Third Row) | 57.8 in / 57.2 in / 45.9 in | 57.2 in / 57.0 in / 45.6 in |
| Maximum Pasenger Volume | 153.2 cu ft | 141.8 cu ft |
In the same way these two vehicles go toe-to-toe in every other arena we've covered, they do the same regarding reliability. Both of these robust, three-row SUVs take home an NHTSA five-star rating,2 but with the IIHS awards, the Subaru Ascent takes the crown. The 2024 Toyota Highlander may have been awarded a 2024 Top Safety Pick,1 but the 2024 Subaru Ascent is awarded the 2024 Top Safety Pick+ award.1
This additional plus on the tail end of the award means the Subaru Ascent has been tested time and again in various conditions, like nighttime driving or in treacherous weather conditions, and earned the utmost approval. Hopping inside this three-row SUV simply means you can drive with more peace of mind, knowing you and your family are in the care of a vehicle given the highest possible accolades from various safety organizations.
So, which of the two vehicles in our Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander comparison takes the crown? We think our guide has thoroughly reviewed the various aspects of both SUVs to find a clear winner in the Subaru Ascent. Both vehicles are three-row SUVs with appealing dimensions and size, but the Subaru Ascent simply delivers more with standard AWD and enhanced handling, higher ground clearance, a longer and taller frame, and bigger interior dimensions.
Plus, our Subaru dealership is dedicated to helping you save in multiple ways. For one, our Subaru military appreciation program offers special savings for active-duty and reserve members of the military, as well as veterans.
We may also be able to pair you with one of our new Subaru lease deals and financing offers, which can give you more appealing monthly costs. If you're in the Atlanta, GA, area, stop by to get more details from our Hughes Subaru experts today!
No matter which model you choose from our 2024 Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander comparison, it's a win. The Highlander is an IIHS Top Safety Pick1, but the Ascent takes it a step further by being awarded the 2024 Top Safety Pick+1 accolade. The NHTSA awards both models with a five-star rating, evoking exceptional confidence behind the wheel.
The Subaru Ascent is larger than most of the Highlander trims. Every trim for the 2024 Ascent measures 196.8 inches long, while the Toyota Highlander varies depending on the trim. Nearly every tier for the 2024 Highlander measures 194.9 inches long, but that measurement gets a boost with the XSE trim, jumping to 197.4 inches.
The Toyota Highlander fuel economy ranges from an EPA-estimated 21/28/24 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)6 to an EPA-estimated 22/29/25 MPG (City/Highway/Combined.6 Meanwhile, the Subaru Ascent gets an EPA-estimated 20/26/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)5 on the first three trims and an EPA-estimated 19/25/21 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)5 on the rest.
The Toyota Highlander has more cargo space with a maximum of 84.3 cubic feet of cargo volume in the vehicle. The Subaru Ascent offers a maximum of 75.6 cubic feet of cargo volume. However, don't count out the Subaru Ascent. Its interior dimensions are more spacious than that of the Toyota Highlander, giving passengers more headroom, legroom, hip room, and shoulder room in nearly every available seat.
The two vehicles in today's comparison both have compelling towing capabilities. The Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds4 on every trim in the lineup. The Subaru Ascent base trim can tow 2,000 pounds,3 but every other trim can tow up to 5,000 pounds.3 If towing isn't a priority, you can save in the thousands by opting for the base Ascent over its direct competitor.
1Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit www.iihs.org
2Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit www.nhtsa.gov
3Maximum towing capacity varies by trim level. Trailer brakes may be needed. See your retailer for details.
4Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up and loaded properly and that you have any necessary additional equipment. Do not exceed any Weight Ratings and follow all instructions in your Owner’s Manual. The maximum you can tow depends on base curb weight plus the total weight of any cargo, occupants, and added vehicle equipment. “Added vehicle equipment” includes additional standard/optional equipment and accessories added by the manufacturer, dealers, and/or vehicle owners. The only way to be certain of your vehicle’s exact curb weight is to weigh your vehicle without passengers or cargo. [Calculated with the new SAE J2807 method.] Installation of a tow hitch receiver or other accessories located near the rear bumper or side-door kick sensors may require disabling or removing the kick sensor, and the sensor operation setting in your vehicle should be turned off. See Owner’s Manual for limitations.
5EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with driving conditions and your vehicle’s condition.
6Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle’s condition and how/where you drive. See fueleconomy.gov.
