Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander Hybrid
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Subaru Ascent and Toyota Highlander Hybrid contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Subaru Ascent and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
When we compare the Subaru Ascent's and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Ascent has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, interior volume and base engine power. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid has the advantage in the area of resale value. Based on this comparison of the Subaru Ascent's and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Ascent is a better car than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
Pricing: A used 2024 Subaru Ascent ranges from $37,997 to $50,715 while a used 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is priced between $44,026 to $58,974. For a new model, the Subaru Ascent's price is between $39,525 and $51,240, with the Toyota Highlander Hybrid priced between $45,169 and $57,303.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Subaru Ascent loses 44.1 percent of its value and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid loses 38.3 percent of its value. This means the Toyota Highlander Hybrid retains 5.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Subaru Ascent.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Subaru Ascent’s base engine makes 260 horsepower, and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid base engine makes 243 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Subaru Ascent, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid, a hybrid SUV, has the advantage in the area of rear leg room. The Subaru Ascent and Toyota Highlander Hybrid are comparable in regards to front head room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Subaru Ascent and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Subaru Ascent has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick+ award.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
39525 - 51240
Starting MSRP:
34395
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
37697
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
31990 - 43320
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
45169 - 57303
Starting MSRP:
40970
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
45359
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
35070 - 60490
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
44018
Price Range:
37997 - 50715
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
47563
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
40678 - 66020
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
635
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
15264
# Good or Great Deals:
254
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
51564
Price Range:
44026 - 58974
Category Avg Price:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
51596
Category Avg Price Range:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
41599 - 62866
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
107
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
19299
# Good or Great Deals:
45
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
15683
Depreciation %:
0.4559532
Resale Value $:
18712
Residual Value %:
0.5440468
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.4631145
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.27538997 - 0.53491193
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
15920
Depreciation %:
0.38858302
Resale Value $:
25050
Residual Value %:
0.61141698
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
0.38910089
Category Depreciation Range:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
0.31776846 - 0.51657672
Subaru Ascent Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.754246 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Toyota Highlander Hybrid Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
9.203627 / 10
Reliability:
9.492485 / 10
Retained Value:
8.118396 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru Ascent
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.6 - 13.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
12.8
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.866
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
6.521319483930829
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.6 - 14.8
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.6695186927088783
Typical Category Recalls:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
2.7
Category Range for Recalls:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
2.0 - 11.7
Subaru Ascent Rankings
Ranking
5 out of / 34Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
14 out of / 30Ranking
15 out of / 34Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 28Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 34Ranking
19 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
22 out of / 32Ranking
26 out of / 34Ranking
28 out of / 34Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
29 out of / 34Ranking
29 out of / 32Ranking
30 out of / 34Ranking
36 out of / 67Ranking
48 out of / 67Ranking
48 out of / 56Ranking
51 out of / 67Toyota Highlander Hybrid Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
1 out of / 9Ranking
1 out of / 9Ranking
2 out of / 36Ranking
2 out of / 36Ranking
2 out of / 31Ranking
2 out of / 31Ranking
2 out of / 14Ranking
2 out of / 9Ranking
3 out of / 36Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 14Ranking
3 out of / 14Ranking
4 out of / 36Ranking
4 out of / 36Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 9Ranking
4 out of / 9Ranking
4 out of / 9Ranking
5 out of / 14Ranking
5 out of / 14Ranking
5 out of / 12Ranking
5 out of / 9Ranking
7 out of / 36Ranking
7 out of / 9Ranking
7 out of / 9Ranking
7 out of / 9Ranking
8 out of / 31Ranking
8 out of / 9Ranking
9 out of / 14Ranking
9 out of / 14Ranking
10 out of / 36Ranking
10 out of / 14Ranking
11 out of / 14Ranking
11 out of / 14Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
16 out of / 36Ranking
18 out of / 31Ranking
19 out of / 36Ranking
19 out of / 36Ranking
19 out of / 31Ranking
20 out of / 36Ranking
22 out of / 36Ranking
23 out of / 32Ranking
23 out of / 28Ranking
26 out of / 36Summary Review
The Subaru Ascent joined the crossover SUV lineup at Subaru in 2018. It quickly earned the praise of reviewers.
Summary Review
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the hybrid version of the Toyota Highlander, which is among the best-selling, top-rated SUVs in the 3-row segment.
Pros and Cons
- Excellent on-road and off-road capability
- Seven or eight-seat configurations available
- Class-leading diver-assist technology
- Below-average reliability scores (unusual for a Subaru)
Pros and Cons
- Class-leading fuel economy
- No disappointing base engine
- Legendary reliability
- Full suite of standard safety features
- Poorly-rated headlights on L, LE, and XLE trims
- Third row legroom less than competition
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Hybrid
Subaru Ascent Trim Levels
Base, Limited 7-Passenger, Limited 8-Passenger, Onyx Edition, Onyx Edition Limited, Premium 7-Passenger, Premium 8-Passenger, Touring
Toyota Highlander Hybrid Trim Levels
LE, LE Nightshade, Limited, Platinum, XLE, XLE Nightshade
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK +
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
260 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
277 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.059 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
243 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
Not yet available
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.056 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 26 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
386 / 502 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
40 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
60.3 inches
Cargo Space:
17.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
75.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
171.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
42 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.7 inches
Cargo Space:
16 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
84.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
157.8 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4421 lbs
Width:
85.7 inches
Height:
71.6 inches
Length:
196.8 inches
Wheelbase:
113.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4330 lbs
Width:
76 inches
Height:
68.1 inches
Length:
194.9 inches
Wheelbase:
112.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/60R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/65R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Blue
Not available
Green
Not available
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Gray
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Silver
Celestial Silver Metallic
White
Wind Chill Pearl
Blue
Blueprint / Moon Dust
Green
Cypress
Red
Ruby Flare Pearl
Interior Colors
Black
Slate Black
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Graphite
