Overview
In our Highlander vs. Ascent comparison, we examine how these mid-size SUVs measure up.
The 2025 Toyota Highlander LE FWD has a starting MSRP of $39,520. The 2025 Subaru Ascent Premium 8-Passenger AWD has a starting MSRP of $38,910.
The 2025 Toyota Highlander LE FWD has an EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined fuel economy rating, while the 2025 Subaru Ascent Premium 8-Passenger AWD has an EPA-estimated 22 mpg combined fuel economy rating. The 2025 Toyota Highlander LE and the 2025 Subaru Ascent Premium both have a seating capacity of eight.
The 2025 Toyota Highlander LE has 84.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seat folded down, while the 2025 Subaru Ascent Premium has 75.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seat folded down. The 2025 Toyota Highlander LE has 1,715 lbs payload, while the 2025 Subaru Ascent Premium has 1,551 lbs payload. The 2025 Toyota Highlander LE has 16.0 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2025 Subaru Ascent Premium has 17.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
Pricing
Engine
The 2025 Toyota Highlander LE has 265 horsepower, while the 2025 Subaru Ascent Premium 8-Passenger has 260 horsepower. The 2025 Toyota Highlander LE has 310 lb.-ft. of torque, while the 2025 Subaru Ascent Premium 8-Passenger has 277 lb.-ft. of torque. Both the 2025 Toyota Highlander LE and the 2025 Subaru Ascent Premium 8-Passenger have four valves per cylinder.
Fuel Economy
The 2025 Toyota Highlander LE FWD has EPA-estimated mpg ratings of 22/29/25 (city/hwy/comb), while the 2025 Subaru Ascent Premium 8-Passenger AWD has EPA-estimated mpg ratings of 20/26/22 (city/hwy/comb).
Transmission
The 2025 Toyota Highlander LE has standard FWD. The 2025 Subaru Ascent Premium 8-Passenger has standard AWD. The 2025 Toyota Highlander LE has 8 transmission speeds. The 2025 Subaru Ascent Premium 8-Passenger has Variable transmission speeds.
Safety and Driver Assist
The 2025 Toyota Highlander LE has standard side curtain airbags for all three rows, while the 2025 Subaru Ascent Premium 8-Passenger does not have side curtain airbags for all three rows. Both the 2025 Toyota Highlander LE and the 2025 Subaru Ascent Premium 8-Passenger have standard driver front airbags and standard passenger front airbags. Both the 2025 Toyota Highlander LE and the 2025 Subaru Ascent Premium 8-Passenger have standard driver knee airbags.
Comfort and Convenience
The 2025 Toyota Highlander LE has a standard Smart Key System, while the 2025 Subaru Ascent Premium 8-Passenger has no smart key. The 2025 Toyota Highlander LE has an optional coming home device, while the 2025 Subaru Ascent Premium 8-Passenger has no coming home device available. The 2025 Toyota Highlander LE has an optional garage door opener, while the 2025 Subaru Ascent Premium 8-Passenger has no garage door opener available.
Infotainment
The 2025 Toyota Highlander LE has 8.0-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, while the 2025 Subaru Ascent Premium 8-Passenger has SUBARU STARLINK® 11.6-in. Multimedia Plus system with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration. The 2025 Toyota Highlander LE has a standard navigation system, while the 2025 Subaru Ascent Premium 8-Passenger has no navigation system. Both the 2025 Toyota Highlander LE and the 2025 Subaru Ascent Premium 8-Passenger have six speakers.
Interior
Both the 2025 Toyota Highlander LE and the 2025 Subaru Ascent Premium have a seating capacity of eight. Both the 2025 Toyota Highlander LE and the 2025 Subaru Ascent Premium 8-Passenger have standard front and rear armrests. Both the 2025 Toyota Highlander LE and the 2025 Subaru Ascent Premium 8-Passenger have standard front and rear cupholders.
Warranty
The 2025 Toyota Highlander LE comes with ToyotaCare, a plan that covers normal factory scheduled maintenance for 2 years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, and 24/7 Roadside Assistance for 2 years/unlimited mileage, while this coverage is not available for the 2025 Subaru Ascent Premium 8-Passenger. The 2025 Toyota Highlander LE and the 2025 Subaru Ascent Premium 8-Passenger both have a 36-month/36,000-mile whole vehicle warranty.
Exterior
The 2025 Toyota Highlander LE has standard front fog lights, while the 2025 Subaru Ascent Premium 8-Passenger has optional front fog lights. Both the 2025 Toyota Highlander LE and the 2025 Subaru Ascent Premium have an optional trailer hitch. Both the 2025 Toyota Highlander LE and the 2025 Subaru Ascent Premium 8-Passenger have standard spare/temporary tires.
Suspension
Both the 2025 Toyota Highlander LE and the 2025 Subaru Ascent Premium 8-Passenger have standard front and rear stabilizer bars. Neither the 2025 Toyota Highlander LE nor the 2025 Subaru Ascent Premium 8-Passenger have a terrain type selection available.
Dimensions
The 2025 Toyota Highlander LE has 84.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded down, while the 2025 Subaru Ascent Premium 8-Passenger has 75.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded down. The 2025 Toyota Highlander LE has a payload capacity of 1,715 lbs, while the 2025 Subaru Ascent Premium 8-Passenger has a payload capacity of 1,551 lbs. The 2025 Toyota Highlander LE has 16.0 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2025 Subaru Ascent Premium 8-Passenger has 17.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
Copyright © JATO Dynamics Limited, 1990-2025. All Rights Reserved. For comparison purposes only. However, JATO and Toyota do not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the data, and the information may not be comprehensive or use the same terminology as used elsewhere on this site. For additional details on Toyota vehicles, see the "Full Specs" for the vehicles on this site or contact your Toyota dealer.
