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 Sense™ 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
