Compare 2021 Subaru Ascent vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

Serving Kennesaw, GA

For a long time, the Toyota Highlander has been among the top contenders in the battle of SUVs. With its excellent fuel economy, good performance, and proven reliability, the Highlander has maintained its competitive age among others in its class.

However, the 2021 Subaru Ascent is the new midsize crossover SUV that has provided close completion to the Highlander. Both vehicles offer a wide range of features and elements, making them among the best three-row SUV. Deciding on the best to purchase may be challenging, but at Troncalli Subaru, we will highlight the similarities and differences.

Standard Features

One of the closest similarities between the 2021 Subaru Ascent and the Highlander is the sporty utility body style. They both have automatic transmissions, but the Highlander uses a six-speed automatic transmission in manual mode. As for the Ascent, it comes with a continuously variable transmission in manual mode. The interior of both vehicles come with standard additional rear seats, pass through third-row seats, second-row bench seats, and cloth bucket seats.

In case you plan to use your SUV for towing, the 2021 Subaru Ascent and the Highlander both come fitted with a trailer hitch receiver. The Ascent offers a more towing capacity of up to 2000 pounds, while the Highlander provides a towing capacity of 1500 pounds. The Ascent comes with a dual exhaust pipe and a lift gate at the back to add to its sporty appeal.

Performance

Toyota Highlander comes in different engines. However, the hybrid version has one of the best fuel economy ratings for a midsize SUV. For the front-wheel-drive, you will get a Combined Fuel Economy of 36 mpg, while the all-wheel-drive will give you a Combined Fuel Economy of 35 mpg. The Highlander Hybrid has a 2.5 L 4 cylinder engine that produces up to 243HP and rated at 175 lb-ft of torque at 4400 rpm.

The Highlander will give you a good list of standard safety equipment driver’s assistance features such as lane-departure warning, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, curtain Airbags on the front, rear, and third-row seats, as well as automatic emergency braking.

Interior

Regardless of the body design, the Elantra has a passenger capacity of five. It boasts 14.4 cubic feet of cargo space and has generous legroom for both front and rear rows. The interior comprises standard Cloth upholstery, leather heated front seats, and a power driver's seat. It also has two complete sets of LATCH seat connectors positioned at the rear outboard seats and an upper tether on the middle seat.

The Elantra's infotainment system includes a standard 5-inch display coupled with a six-speaker sound system and Bluetooth connectivity. As for the Camry, it has a roomy five-passenger capacity with comfortable seats on both rows. The base Camry has more space than the Elantra, with a 14.1 cubic feet space and 15.1 cubic feet trunk.

As for the Ascent, it has an all-wheel-drive on all of its trim levels. It also comes with a turbo Regular 2.4 L H-4 cylinder turbocharged engine that produces about 260 HP rated at 277 lb-ft torque at 2000 rpm. It will also give you 27 MPG on a highway and 21 MPG on city roads.

For the Ascent standard safety and driver’s assistance equipment, they include a blind spot warning, activated lane-keeping assistance, backup camera, front side airbag, brake assist, airbags for the front and rear seats. Remember that Troncalli Subaru can assist you with an Online Test Drive when purchasing any of these cars.

Style

The Ascent comes with a classic cabin couple with user-friendly design ergonomic seats, 19 cup holders distributed throughout the car, and a well-designed center console. Apart from the AWD, the Ascent also has 8.7 inches ground clearance, a perfect body height to help you navigate all-weather terrain. Additionally, the Ascent extra length provides more comfortable sitting and enough legroom for all its passengers.

The Highlander emphasizes utility and has high-quality interior material with a craft that provides comfort, luxury, and class. The Highlander also offers a wide range of trim levels than the Ascent that will get you whatever you desire.

Conclusion

While both vehicles are mostly at par, the Highlander slightly outshines the Ascent with its V6 engine fitted with an eight-speed automatic transmission and feels a little responsive compared to the turbo Subaru engine.

For the most part, both SUVs offer decent features, the Highlander offering smooth rides while the AWD Ascent being slightly cheaper between the two. If you need an Online Test Drive Subaru Ascent, Troncalli Subaru will gladly offer. With 360 interactive Online Test Drive videos, you will surely save time

The Online Test Drive Subaru Ascent will enable you to virtually interact with the vehicle at the comfort of your home without having to go to a car dealer.

*All figures are EPA estimates. Actual mileage may vary.