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 comparing 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 areas of fuel efficiency and 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 2025 Subaru Ascent ranges from $36,466 to $51,991 while a used 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is priced between $46,520 to $60,199. For a new model, the Subaru Ascent's price is between $40,483 and $54,484, with the Toyota Highlander Hybrid priced between $48,954 and $58,841.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Subaru Ascent loses 49.7 percent of its value and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid loses 38.1 percent of its value. This means the Toyota Highlander Hybrid retains 11.6 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. The Ascent is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 502 miles. The Highlander Hybrid is rated to deliver an average of 35 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 599 miles. This gives the Toyota Highlander Hybrid the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Subaru Ascent. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Subaru Ascent, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, 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.
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.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
40483 - 54484
Starting MSRP:
39995
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
38382
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
31990 - 43000
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
48954 - 58841
Starting MSRP:
46820
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
48413
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
37800 - 60490
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
43948
Price Range:
36466 - 51991
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
45804
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
36966 - 59949
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
53080
Price Range:
46520 - 60199
Category Avg Price:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
51507
Category Avg Price Range:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
40518 - 65239
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
20087
Depreciation %:
0.50224136
Resale Value $:
19908
Residual Value %:
0.49775864000000003
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.48432299
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.30530799 - 0.56163117
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
18079
Depreciation %:
0.38612833
Resale Value $:
28741
Residual Value %:
0.61387167
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
0.38635449
Category Depreciation Range:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
0.32753242 - 0.55374955
Subaru Ascent Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Toyota Highlander Hybrid Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
8.6 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru Ascent
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.7 - 16.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
17.7
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.61
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
5.783858968567717
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.5 - 39.2
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.6006999209915365
Typical Category Recalls:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
2.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
2.2 - 7.9
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
Limited 7-Passenger, Limited 8-Passenger, Limited Bronze Edition, Onyx Edition, Onyx Edition Touring, Premium 7-Passenger, Premium 8-Passenger, Touring
Toyota Highlander Hybrid Trim Levels
Limited, Limited 25th Edition, 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:
Not yet available
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):
0.054 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:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
35 / 35 / 35
Range (city/hwy):
599 / 599 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
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
Captain's seat:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
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
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
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 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.6 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:
58.4 inches
Cargo Space:
16 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
84.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
155.5 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4433 lbs
Width:
85.9 inches
Height:
71.6 inches
Length:
196.8 inches
Wheelbase:
113.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4515 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:
aluminum alloy with painted accents
Tire Size:
P235/65R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Cosmic Blue Pearl
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Green
Autumn Green Metallic
Red
Crimson Red Pearl
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Blue
Blueprint
Gray
Heavy Metal / Magnetic Gray Metallic
Green
Cypress
Red
Ruby Flare Pearl
Silver
Celestial Silver Metallic
White
Wind Chill Pearl
Interior Colors
Beige
Warm Ivory
Black
Slate Black
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Harvest Beige
Black
Black
Gray
Graphite
