Compare Subaru Ascent vs Toyota Highlander
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 2026 Subaru AscentPremium 4WD/AWD 4D Sport Utility Motor - Automatic 2.4L 260 HP 4 Cyl. | 2026 Toyota HighlanderXLE 4WD/AWD 4D Sport Utility Motor - Automatic 2.4L 265 HP 4 Cyl. |
| 2026 Subaru Ascent | 2026 Toyota Highlander | |
|---|---|---|
| 4WD/AWD | Yes | Yes |
| ABS Brakes | Yes | Yes |
| Air Conditioning | Yes | Yes |
| Alloy Wheels | Yes | Yes |
| AM/FM Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Android Auto | Yes | Yes |
| Apple CarPlay | Yes | Yes |
| Automated Cruise Control | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic Transmission | Yes | Yes |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | Yes | Yes |
| Blind Spot Monitor | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Technology | Yes | Yes |
| Fold-Away Third Row | Yes | Yes |
| Heated Mirrors | Yes | Yes |
| Lane Departure Warning | Yes | Yes |
| Overhead Airbags | Yes | Yes |
| Power Hatch/Deck Lid | Yes | Yes |
| Power Locks | Yes | Yes |
| Power Mirrors | Yes | Yes |
| Power Seat(s) | Yes | Yes |
| Power Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Air Conditioning | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Defroster | Yes | Yes |
| Rear View Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Satellite Radio Ready | Yes | Yes |
| Side Airbags | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Key | Yes | Yes |
| Third Row Seat | Yes | Yes |
| Traction Control | Yes | Yes |
| Turbo Charged Engine | Yes | Yes |
| Full Roof Rack | Yes | Yes |
| Quad Seats | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Sunshade | Yes | Yes |
| Running Boards | Yes | Yes |
| Tow Hitch | Yes | Yes |
| 2026 Subaru Ascent | 2026 Toyota Highlander | |
|---|---|---|
| Cloth Seats | Yes | No |
| Front Seat Heaters | Yes | No |
| Remote Start | Yes | No |
| Leatherette Seats | No | Yes |
| Sunroof(s) | No | Yes |
| 2026 Subaru Ascent | 2026 Toyota Highlander | |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Type | 4WD/AWD | 4WD/AWD |
| Drivetrain | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Engine Size | 2.4L | 2.4L |
| Number of Cylinders | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 260 | 265 |
| Torque (ft-lbs) | 277 | 310 |
| Engine Type | Turbo Gas | Turbo Gas |
| Fuel Capacity | 19.3 | 17.9 |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| City/Highway Mileage (EPA estimate) | 20/26 | 21/28 |
| Wheelbase | 113.8" | 112.2" |
| Overall Length | 196.8" | 194.9" |
| Width | 76" | 76" |
| Height | 71.6" | 68.1" |
| Leg Room | F 42.2"/M 38.6"/R 31.7" | F 42"/M 38.7"/R 28" |
| Head Room | F 41.2"/M 40"/R 36.2" | F 39.6"/M 39.4"/R 36.1" |
| Seating Capacity | 8 | 7 |
| Max Towing Capacity | 500/5000 lbs. | 500/5000 lbs. |
| Front Tires | P245/60HR18 | P235/65VR18 |
| Rear Tires | P245/60HR18 | P235/65VR18 |
| Transmission | Automatic | Automatic |
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Frequently asked questions
When buying a car, you should consider the following factors:
1. Fuel economy: Ensure you'll be comfortable with the running costs of the vehicle for your day-to-day use.2. Price: Consider not only the purchase price but also associated taxes, insurance costs, and maintenance when budgeting.
3. Ratings: Look to how existing owners of that vehicle feel (such as CarMax's vehicle owner reviews) and also professional services (such as RepairPal reliability ratings).
4. Dimensions: Ensure the exterior size of the vehicle is something you can easily park (whether in a garage, a lot, or on the street) and that the interior size will fit your lifestyle (such as adequate space for passengers or car seats).
5. Technology: Check out the technology features (both infotainment and driver assistance features) that can enhance your driving experience.
Remember, the right car for you depends on your specific needs and lifestyle.
Both AWD (all-wheel drive) and 4WD (four-wheel drive) send power from your engine to all four wheels of your vehicle in order to take maximum advantage of available traction.
AWD uses a variable connection that your vehicle can adjust on the fly, at any speed, to shift power where it’s needed. 4WD connects your front and rear wheels through a transfer case that splits power evenly, and it's meant to be used at lower speeds and in challenging terrain.
You can learn more in our exploration of the topic: AWD vs. 4WD: What's the Difference?
The choice between a smaller turbocharged engine and a larger naturally-aspirated engine depends on your specific needs and preferences.
A smaller turbocharged engine, like the 1.5L turbocharged three-cylinder engine in the 2022 Nissan Rogue, can provide ample power (201 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque) while achieving good fuel economy (an EPA-estimated 33 mpg combined). Over the last two decades, more and more manufacturers have adopted smaller engines equipped with turbocharging to deliver better fuel economy.
On the other hand, a larger naturally aspirated engine, like the V8 engine in the 2021 Lexus RC F, can provide a significant amount of power (472hp).
Ultimately, your choice would depend on what you value more: fuel efficiency or power.
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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