2025 Subaru Ascent vs. 2025 Toyota Highlander

The 2025 Subaru Ascent and 2025 Toyota Highlander are excellent choices if you’re in Bradenton or Sarasota and looking for a spacious family SUV. Although both can accommodate up to eight people, depending on the trim, they offer notably different features that will influence your everyday driving experience and overall satisfaction. In this three-row SUV comparison, our team at Conley Subaru in Bradenton, Florida, provides you with everything you need to know to make the best decision for your family.

Performance and Powertrain

The Ascent offers one standard engine option. The 2.4-liter turbocharged Subaru BOXER four-cylinder engine is paired with a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain is available across all Ascent trim levels and is coupled with standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD). The Toyota Highlander offers two primary engine options. The 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces 265 and 310 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid powertrain comprises a 2.5-liter dual variable valve timing-intelligent engine and an electric motor. This version generates a combined 243 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque.

The Subaru Ascent offers a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds across all models, while the Toyota Highlander is rated for 3,500 pounds. Subaru includes AWD as standard on every Ascent, while this is optional in the Toyota Highlander.

Interior Space and Comfort

Both these midsize SUVs can seat up to eight passengers, depending on the trim, but comfort differs significantly. The Ascent offers 153.2 cubic feet of passenger volume and 31.7 inches of legroom, compared to the Highlander’s 141.8 cubic feet and 28 inches.

The Subaru Ascent offers 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 43.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and a total of 75.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Toyota Highlander offers 16 cubic feet of storage space behind the third row, 48.4 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 84.3 cubic feet.

Technology and Connectivity

All 2025 Ascent models feature an 11.6-inch STARLINK Multimedia Plus system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ascent has a standard six-speaker sound system and a Harman Kardon premium system in higher trims. The Toyota Highlander comes standard with a 7-inch multimedia system featuring wireless smartphone integration and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims feature a 12.3-inch screen and an 11-speaker JBL sound system. The Highlander also offers digital rearview mirrors and surround-view cameras. Although both models are smartphone compatible, the Ascent’s larger standard display provides you with more value without added costs.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

All 2025 Ascent models come with the EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technologies, which includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot detection, lane change assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking.

The Highlander features the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0+ system, which includes pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, lane departure alert, dynamic radar cruise control, and proactive driving assist. The Ascent earned an overall five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Highlander was awarded five stars by the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick award by the IIHS.

Fuel Economy and Efficiency

With AWD, the Subaru Ascent achieves an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined. In front-wheel drive, the Toyota Highlander fares slightly better at 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

The hybrid engine reduces your fuel stops, which decreases your monthly expenses, potentially offsetting the higher purchase price. However, the Ascent’s standard AWD system offers reliable performance in Florida’s unpredictable weather without compromising on efficiency. Actual driving in Bradenton traffic may change these numbers, especially when the air conditioning is running constantly.

Capability and Adventure-Ready Features

The Ascent offers 8.7 inches of ground clearance, as well as standard X-MODE with two settings: a regular mode for light off-roading and a Deep Snow/Mud Mode for more challenging conditions. The standard Symmetrical AWD system evenly distributes power to all four wheels, enhancing traction when necessary.

The Ascent also features hill-descent control, which automatically manages braking on steep slopes, allowing you to focus on steering. These features are particularly relevant for families in Florida, making it easier to access remote beaches, navigate flooded roads during storm season, or haul boats to scenic Gulf Coast spots. Although the Highlander offers terrain management and optional AWD, the Ascent includes these capabilities across all trims without additional cost or package requirements.

Trim Levels, Pricing, and Value

The 2025 Subaru Ascent is available in eight trim levels: the Premium 8-Passenger, Premium 7-Passenger, Onyx Edition 7-Passenger, Limited 8-Passenger, Limited 7-Passenger, Limited Bronze Edition 7-Passenger, Touring 7-Passenger, and Onyx Edition Touring 7-Passenger. These models have starting MSRPs ranging from $39,995 for the base model to $52,050 for the top-of-the-range trim. Toyota keeps it simpler with five main Highlander trims: the LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum. The starting prices of these models range from $40,320 to $52,725.

Regarding value, all Ascent trims include AWD, advanced safety technologies, and a large infotainment screen, while the Highlander often requires pricier models or optional packages for similar features. Therefore, the Ascent’s more affordable starting price provides greater value in terms of essential daily features, which will appeal to budget-conscious buyers who still want quality.

Discover Your Ideal Family SUV at Conley Subaru

The 2025 Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent comparison shows that the latter wins regarding interior space, which is ideal if you need a comfortable family vehicle. If you’re in Bradenton, Florida, we invite you to visit us to explore our extensive inventory firsthand. Contact our team today to schedule a test-drive to decide which SUV best fits your family’s needs.