2022 Subaru Ascent vs. 2022 Toyota Highlander | Rochester, MN
If you’re searching for the perfect three-row SUV for you and your family, and you love all that the Subaru brand stands for and offers, the 2022 Subaru Ascent should be on your must-see list. It has a lot to offer both the daily driver and road trip traveler.
See how the new Ascent compares to the 2022 Toyota Highlander in this side-by-side review from the Subaru of Rochester team in Rochester, MN. If you’d like to explore the 2022 Ascent further, search our inventory to locate a trim that interests you, then stop by our dealership or contact us at (888) 541-2994 to set up a test drive so you can experience the ride, handling, and interior comfort for yourself. You can also send us a text or chat.
Starting MSRP on the 2022 Subaru Ascent is $32,795, while the starting MSRP on the 2022 Toyota Highlander is $35,855. Make sure you take a look at our Ascent finance and lease offers for an attractive opportunity.
2022 Subaru Ascent vs. 2022 Toyota Highlander Exterior Design
Stylishly adventurous, the 2022 Subaru Ascent is ready for just about any adventure thanks to its 8.7-inch ground clearance, double-wishbone suspension, raised roof rails, and all-season tires. Head up to the Boundary Waters or go west where the buffalo roam ― your Ascent is equipped to handle less-than-smooth terrain.
The exterior look and feel of the Toyota Highlander is bold yet sophisticated. Ground clearance on the three-row 2022 Toyota Highlander is slightly lower at 8 inches.
When it comes to exterior design details and features, the 2022 Subaru Ascent and 2022 Toyota Highlander both offer 18- or 20-in. aluminum alloy wheels, a hands-free power liftgate, panoramic sunroof, and LED headlights, tail lights, and daytime running lights. The Ascent also features LED fog lights on higher trims.
Depending on the trim level, the 2022 Subaru Ascent comes with manual or power-folding side mirrors with turn signal indicators. The Highlander features heated outside mirrors with turn signal indicators and adds power-folding, blind spot warning, and puddle light features on higher trims.
2022 Subaru Ascent
2022 Subaru Ascent
2022 Subaru Ascent vs. 2022 Toyota Highlander Interior Design & Technology
Both the three-row Ascent and three-row Highlander accommodate up to seven or eight people, depending on whether you prefer second-row bench or captain’s chair seating. Among the tech features they share:
- Keyless and remote access
- Push-button start
- Wi-Fi® hotspot functionality
- Bluetooth®
- SiriusXM® Satellite Radio
- Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration
Similar interior amenities include:
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated second-row seats
- Reclining 60/40 split-folding rear seats
- Heated, leather-trimmed steering wheel
- Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Power-adjustable front passenger’s seat
2022 Subaru Ascent
2022 Subaru Ascent
| 2022 Subaru Ascent | Model | 2022 Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Cloth, stain-resistant cloth, StarTex® water repellent, leather-trimmed upholstery | Seating Material | Fabric-trimmed, SofTex®, leather-trimmed upholstery |
| STARLINK® Plus or STARLINK Multimedia Navigation | Multimedia System | Audio or Audio Plus with or without Dynamic Navigation |
| Harman Kardon® Quantum surround sound system with 14 speakers | remium Sound System | Premium audio system with 11 JBL® speakers |
2022 Subaru Ascent vs. 2022 Toyota Highlander Engine Specs & Fuel Economy
The 2022 Subaru Ascent is equipped with a continuously variable transmission and symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD). The 2022 Toyota Highlander features an eight-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel drive (FWD) and available AWD.
| 2022 Subaru Ascent | Model | 2022 Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4L turbocharged BOXER® | Engine | 3.5L V6 |
| 260 HP | Horsepower | 295 HP |
| 277 lb.-ft. | Torque | 263 lb.-ft. |
| 21 city/27 hwy | Fuel Economy (MPG) | 21 city/29 hwy |
| 2,000 to 5,000 lbs. | Max. Towing Capacity* | Up to 5,000 lbs. |
*When properly equipped.
2022 Subaru Ascent vs. 2022 Toyota Highlander Size & Cargo Space
Both three-row SUVs offer plenty of space on the inside, while appearing well-designed and streamlined on the outside. The 2022 Subaru Ascent and 2022 Toyota Highlander are comparable in length ― at 196.8 inches and 197.4 inches, respectively, but you’ll find more passenger volume in the Ascent ― 153.5 cubic feet versus 141.3 cubic feet in the Highlander.
2022 Subaru Ascent
Expandable Cargo Volume (cu.-ft.): 17.8 / 47.5 / 86.5
Legroom (in.) Front / 2nd / 3rd: 42.2 / 38.6 / 31.7
2022 Toyota Highlander
Expandable Cargo Volume (cu.-ft.): 16 / 48.4 / 84.3
Legroom (in.) Front / 2nd / 3rd: 42 / 41/ 27.7
2022 Subaru Ascent vs. 2022 Toyota Highlander Safety Options & Features
You’ll find a wide range of safety features and advanced driver assistance tech in both the 2022 Subaru Ascent and 2022 Toyota Highlander. Both models feature a rear view camera, auto-dimming rear view mirror, electronic stability control, and traction control.
2022 Subaru Ascent
- EyeSight® driver assist technology suite
- High beam assist
- Blind spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross traffic alert
- Reverse automatic braking
- Brake assist and brake override system
- Trailer stability assist
2022 Toyota Highlander
- Trailer sway control
- Blind spot monitor
- Toyota Safety Senseâ„¢ driver assistance suite
- Automatic high beams
- Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
- Lane tracing assist
- Road sign assist
- Full-speed range dynamic cruise control
2021 Subaru Ascent vs. 2021 Toyota Highlander | Rochester, MN
Three-row SUVs like the 2021 Subaru Ascent and 2021 Toyota Highlander offer extra space and added convenience that help make life easier when you have a growing family and/or enjoy great adventures with your toys and gear along for the ride. But which vehicle is right for you?
The team at Subaru of Rochester in Rochester, MN, put together this side-by-side review so you can compare the offerings of these full-size SUVs. With comparable pricing in mind, we selected the 2021 Subaru Ascent Limited trim, starting at $39,595 MSRP, and the 2021 Toyota Highlander XSE trim, starting at $41,505 MSRP.
If you decide you want to go with a Subaru, search our inventory and check out our finance and lease offers for a great opportunity on the Ascent. If you’d like to take your favorite trim for a test drive, call us at (888) 541-2994 or send us a text or chat.
2021 Subaru Ascent vs. 2021 Toyota Highlander Exterior Design
The 2021 Subaru Ascent features refined lines and an exterior design that captures the Subaru brand’s love of adventure. The 2021 Highlander exudes a bold, sporty stance accentuated by its unique lines, front bumper, and grille.
The 2021 Subaru Ascent Limited and 2021 Toyota Highlander XSE are each equipped with 20-inch wheels, roof rails, LED headlights and tail lights, LED fog lights, and a height-adjustable power liftgate. The Ascent also features body-color folding side mirrors with integrated turn signals, while the sporty Highlander adds a rear spoiler and twin exhaust tips.
2021 Subaru Ascent vs. 2021 Toyota Highlander Interior Design & Technology
Enjoy your surroundings inside the 2021 Ascent Limited. Offering heated front and second-row seats, second-row captain’s chairs or bench seating, reclining third-row 60/40 split flat-folding seatbacks, plus tri-zone climate control, in-cabin comfort is adjustable to you and your passengers’ needs. Leather-trimmed seating, distinctive accent trim on the dash and doors, a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an available panoramic moonroof further elevate the experience.
When it comes to connectivity and infotainment, the Ascent Limited comes with the SUBARU STARLINK® multimedia system, 4G LTE Wi-Fi® capability, wireless charger, and an available Harman Kardon® Quantum Surround Sound audio system.
The 2021 Toyota Highlander XSE also features a power moonroof, three-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, second-row fold-down captain’s chairs, 60/40 split fold-flat third-row seats, and wireless charging. Instead of leather trim, you’ll find SofTex®-trimmed front and second-row seats. The Highlander XSE also offers premium audio with JBL®.
2021 Subaru Ascent vs. 2021 Toyota Highlander Engine Specs & Fuel Economy
Both SUVs offer potent engines that can tow up to 5,000 pounds, when properly equipped.
| 2021 Subaru Ascent Limited | Model | 2021 Toyota Highlander XSE |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER® four-cylinder | Engine | 3.5L V6 |
| CVT | Transmission | Eight-speed automatic transmission |
| Subaru symmetrical AWD with X-MODE® | Drive System | Dynamic torque vectoring AWD |
| 260 | Horsepower | 295 |
| 277 | Torque (lb.-ft.) | 263 |
| 5,000 lbs. | Max. Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs. |
| 20 city/26 hwy | Fuel Economy (MPG) | 21 city/29 hwy |
2021 Subaru Ascent vs. 2021 Toyota Highlander Size & Cargo Space
Both SUVs are similar in size, measuring 197 inches in length, 76 inches in width, and 72 inches in height ― 68 inches on the Highlander. Front-row legroom on the Subaru Ascent is 42.2 inches, while second-row legroom measures 38.6 inches and third-row legroom is 31.7 inches. The Toyota Highlander has 42 inches of front legroom, 41 inches of second-row legroom, and 27.7 inches of third-row legroom.
The 2021 Subaru Ascent offers a bit more cargo space ― up to 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row and 86.5 cubic feet when the second and third rows are folded down. The 2021 Toyota Highlander, in comparison, offers 16 cubic feet behind the third row and 84.3 cubic feet when its second and third rows are folded down.
2021 Subaru Ascent vs. 2021 Toyota Highlander Safety Options & Features
Both the Subaru and Toyota offer rear view cameras, daytime running lights, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure alert systems.
Have additional questions?
Call A SpecialistAmong the safety features on the Subaru Ascent Limited:
- EyeSight® driver assist technology
- Pre-collision braking system
- Pre-collision throttle management
- Advanced adaptive cruise control with lane centering
- High beam assist
- 180-degree front view monitor
- Reverse automatic braking
- Vehicle dynamics control
- Brake assist
- Brake override system
- Tire pressure monitoring system
- STARLINK® safety and security
- Whiplash-protected front seats with height and tilt-adjustable head restraints
- Child LATCH system
The Toyota Highlander XSE also features:
- Toyota Safety Senseâ„¢ 2.5+
- Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
- Full-speed dynamic radar cruise control
- Lane tracing assist
- Lane keeping assist with road edge detection
- Road sign assist
- Automatic high beam headlights
- Automatic emergency braking
- Forward collision warning
