Toyota Highlander VS Subaru Ascent comparison

#ToyotaHighlander
#SubaruAscent
#CoupleCarReview
This is a Motormouth couple car comparison of the Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent. The Subaru Ascent has a 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine matched with a CVT, 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Standard AWD. The Highlander comes with a 3.5L V6 engine with an 8 speed automatic transmission. It has 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque with available FWD and AWD. Toyota also offers a Hybrid option with a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine paired to Toyota’s Hybrid system, it produces 243 horsepower. The Highlander offers a comfortable and well designed cabin for 7-8 passengers. The base model comes with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, an 8” touchscreen, heated front fabric seats and a second row bench seat that slides and reclines. We’ve picked the XLE model as our best value trim, it comes with a power rear door, power passenger seats, softtex seats, a 7” multi-information display and a moonroof. The top Limited trim is where you’ll find leather seats, driver seat memory, a heated steering wheel, an 11-speaker JBL sound system and heated and ventilated front seats.
If you prefer the larger 12.3” touchscreen you can add a package to this trim to get it or its standard on the Platinum trim. The Ascent may not be the largest 7-8-passenger SUV in this class but the interior feels open and spacious with lots of soft touch materials and technology that is easy to use. It comes standard with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, a 6.5” touchscreen, 8-passenger seating, an 8-way power driver’s seat, heated cloth seats and a 4-way manual passenger seat. We’ve picked the Touring model as the “best value” trim with the option of a bench seat or captain’s chairs, a panoramic sunroof, the larger 8” touchscreen, water repellent cloth upholstery and a power liftgate. We are impressed captain’s chairs are offered on this lower trim in Canada. One of my favourite trims is the Limited for an extra $5,500 CAD compared to the Touring. It has more features like a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, heated steering wheel, driver seat memory, passenger power seats, leather seating surfaces and heated second row seats. The top trim gets ventilated front seats. The Toyota gets 11.8L/100km, 20 MPG city and 8.6L/100km, 27 MPG highway. The Subaru gets 11.6L/100km, 21 MPG city and 9L/100km, 27 MPG highway.

At Canada Drives you can buy your car 100% online and have it delivered straight to your doorstep. Once delivered, you have a full 7 days to love it or return it.

[hizzity]

We’ve had the Accent for 2.5 years, 42, 000km later and it hasn’t once had an issue. Great family car and we love it. Zack’s initial review years ago was great and helped with our decision.

[prospetivad]

Looked at both of these and even watched your review of both vehicles from before. Wanted to do the Highlander in Hybrid initially to save on gas, but because of the shortage, prices and mark-ups were just ridiculous. Test drove the ascent and like everyone else, we were apprehensive with the CVT in the beginning, but we were surprised with how the vehicle handles! Totally agree with your experience and what other reviewers say about it.. it drives pretty much like a car! Fast and nimble!.. It was great to find a dealer who did not impose dealer mark-ups and addendums on their vehicles which was refreshing, even gave us a discount off of MSRP! Anyway, My favorite feature: the lane keep assist while on adaptive cruise.. it's like having a co-pilot!

[tludwig]

We drove both extensively and it wasn’t even close for us. We went with the Ascent because it had more room, drove better, and the seats were more comfortable. AWD system is also superior.

[ericpizarro]

I own a 2019 Ascent (Limited) of the ones with CVT Issues. I also own a 2009 Toyota Venza. The most reliable car I have ever own. Still runs like a charm with more than 210, 000 miles. It’s the famous V6.
Here is my decision. Either one is a good choice. My Subi CVT issue was fixed the same year we bought it. It now have almost 40, 000 without any issue.
What I really love about the Ascent is how well it handle the road. You just can’t feel any noise or bad bumping. The Venza is an old model. I can’t say the new Toyota Highlander handle like my old Venza but the Ascent have much better handling. The real one reason I would buy the Subaru Ascent vs the Toyota Highlander would be the seats. I don’t know what is happening withToyota but, ALL of their new cars seat suck Big times. Their ergonomic designs are terrible. I drive a 2021 Camry Hibrid (company car) “my second one after a 2016”. My God!, those cars seats are terrible! My Subaru Ascent incredible comfortable.

[zaldypatsy]

This is the most honest review i’ve seen . Thanks!

[guzzi]

Love our 2022 Ascent Premium.. Crystal White Pearl of course!

[michaelwest]

1000% Ascent I drove both extensively and the Ascent is hands down the better vehicle. Quality and safety equal savings in regards to insurance as well as low financing rates. Kids love jumping into it and carrying cargo has eliminated the need for a truck.

[akirulz]

Looking forward to 2023 ascent comparison/review. Seems they improved the tech, interiors and little bit exteriors.

[johnsguitarmusicanddemos]

I've been leaning more towards the *2022 Subaru Ascent* mostly because of the space and I live in a state that has HORRIBLE WINTER WEATHER! But I also like the look. *Simple can and does look nicer!* This was a very nice and fair comparison video. Great job!

[AATom]

I guess the problem with the Ascent, is that its overall execution is only competent but nothing outstanding. On the other hand, there are many great rivals in a class of exceptional 7-seating SUV competitors. Most looking at this segment, already got attracted by the excellence of Telluride and Palaside. For top notch driving pleasure, CX-9 is unbeatable. Highlander has always been a safe choice mainly because its a Toyota. The availability of V6 and hybrid are very attractive in this class. Given the choice, Highlander is a no brainer in this comparison.

[danielsnyder]

We drove our 2020 Ascent 2 years 30, 000 miles and then sold for $100 more than we paid for it. Great car

[johnniestockett]

Nice review, the Highlander XLE is my favorite trim!

[tuan]

My wife is driving a 2017 Highlander platinum (bought new). She wants to trade it in for an Ascent after tried it out. She likes it more than the new Highlander. What makes her to like Ascent the most is not the style or looks but the Subaru safety. She drove my new 2024 Outback touring and she can feels it.

[jamesaddie]

I like the way the subie looks inside and out. When I compared the two the Toyota looks cheap the materials just didn't look well appointed like it was an after thought. Unless you get the highest trim.

[brandonsnyder]

Subaru all the way! Toyotas tend to be too small and cramped for our taller family.

Our family dominated by outbacks is now dominated by Ascents. 3 purchased in the last three months. A Forester, Outback and a Legacy to round it out. Comparing the 2022 Ascent to my 2013 Explorer is like apples and oranges. Yes there’s an age difference, but the overall package and design is so much better. I feeling like I’m in a commanding driving position vs sinking in to the Explorer. Loved my 2020 outback that I dumped the explorer for, but a 6ft7 is Ascent is the better choice. Lastly my partner feel in love with my Ascent so ditch his 2018 outback for a fresh off a lease 2020 Ascent and my father, who said “no one needs a car this big” traded in his 2016 Forester for a gently used 2019 Ascent. It’s clearly a game changer and I hope others fall in love with it.

[ibrarutta]

I have both vehicles, but i like ASCENT more, after a couple yards of driving the ASCENT gets extremely smooth and gives a softer ride, the steering feels 💯% sporty with it's responsiveness and precision, the visibility out of ASCENT is the world's best my goodness me..

*The symmetrical all wheel drive is the most underrated and it is standard, the x-mode combined with the 8.7 inch of ground clearance is another thing that a lot of people don't care about but guys it is really really something you have to experience your self, the power distribution the the wheel that has more grip to the ground is beyond me, the responsiveness of the all wheel drive system feel exactly like a proper differential locking system found in proper off reader, but in ASCENT with a softer ride...*

Subaru all day long

[sumitchhikara]

Please can you repeat sahe comparison on 2023 models for highlander ans ascent

[genzigzag]

The Highlander' drivetrain trumps the Ascent. The interior in the Highlander is getting dated, however Subaru' although more recent isn't luxurious but clean. Tough choice... probably Toyota?

[paulgodbey]

I trust Toyota's quality more, even though Toyota owns about 20% of Subaru, I don't think the quality matches up. I'll go with the Highlander Platinum AWD.

[MrMomo]

Great review guys. You know sir I’m thinking your wife is leaning more towards the highlander but can’t resist how Subaru have sweetened the pot with the Ascent. That said I love the highlander but I would have to pick the Ascent because it offer so much for much less money. Here in NC you can go one up from the base and that gives you a premium model and that is still less than the base Highlander. And Subaru’s resale value here in the states is on the same level with Toyota and Honda. Yes it has a CVT but if you drive like a civilized human being you cannot tell it a CVT. For the record an Ascent is a family SUV not a race car. I do agree with you ma’am, Subaru need to change the look of this vehicle because right now it just look like an outback on steroid.