Toyota 4Runner vs. Subaru Ascent
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Toyota 4Runner and Subaru Ascent 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 Toyota 4Runner and the Subaru Ascent.
In comparing the Toyota 4Runner's and the Subaru Ascent's specifications and ratings, the Toyota 4Runner has the advantage in the areas of resale value and base engine power. 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, and fuel efficiency and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the Toyota 4Runner's and the Subaru Ascent's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Ascent is a better car than the Toyota 4Runner.
Pricing: A used 2024 Toyota 4Runner ranges from $44,999 to $59,806 while a used 2024 Subaru Ascent is priced between $37,997 to $50,715. For a new model, the Toyota 4Runner's price is between $44,699 and $58,164, with the Subaru Ascent priced between $39,525 and $51,240.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Toyota 4Runner loses 29.1 percent of its value and the Subaru Ascent loses 44.1 percent of its value. This means the Toyota 4Runner retains 15 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 Toyota 4Runner’s base engine makes 270 horsepower, and the Subaru Ascent base engine makes 260 horsepower. The 4Runner is rated to deliver an average of 17 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 437 miles. The Ascent is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 502 miles. This gives the Subaru Ascent the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Toyota 4Runner. 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 rear leg room. The Toyota 4Runner, a midsize SUV, has the advantage in the area of cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Subaru Ascent has higher safety ratings than the Toyota 4Runner, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 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:
$44,699 - $58,164
Starting MSRP:
$40,705
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$37,697
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$31,990 - $43,320
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$39,525 - $51,240
Starting MSRP:
$34,395
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$37,697
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$31,990 - $43,320
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$51,048
Price Range:
$44,999 - $59,806
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$47,563
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$40,678 - $66,020
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
2,401
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
1,825
# Good or Great Deals:
72
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$44,018
Price Range:
$37,997 - $50,715
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$47,563
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$40,678 - $66,020
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
3,687
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
433
# Good or Great Deals:
79
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$12,137
Depreciation %:
29.8%
Resale Value $:
$28,568
Residual Value %:
70.2%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
46.3%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
27.5% - 53.5%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$15,683
Depreciation %:
45.6%
Resale Value $:
$18,712
Residual Value %:
54.4%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
46.3%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
27.5% - 53.5%
Toyota 4Runner Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
9.4 / 10
Retained Value:
8.7 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Subaru Ascent Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota 4Runner
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
13
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:
92.1%
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:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.6
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:
6.5
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.6 - 14.8
Toyota 4Runner Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 31Ranking
1 out of / 18Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
2 out of / 39Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 39Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 21Ranking
5 out of / 39Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 39Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
15 out of / 39Ranking
15 out of / 39Ranking
20 out of / 34Ranking
22 out of / 27Ranking
23 out of / 39Ranking
23 out of / 31Ranking
24 out of / 31Ranking
25 out of / 31Ranking
27 out of / 31Ranking
29 out of / 39Ranking
30 out of / 39Ranking
30 out of / 31Ranking
30 out of / 31Ranking
31 out of / 39Ranking
33 out of / 39Ranking
37 out of / 39Subaru Ascent Rankings
Ranking
4 out of / 27Ranking
7 out of / 39Ranking
7 out of / 34Ranking
10 out of / 31Ranking
10 out of / 31Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 31Ranking
12 out of / 31Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
14 out of / 39Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 31Ranking
17 out of / 39Ranking
17 out of / 31Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 31Ranking
20 out of / 67Ranking
20 out of / 39Ranking
21 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 67Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 31Ranking
28 out of / 39Ranking
29 out of / 39Ranking
29 out of / 31Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
33 out of / 39Ranking
35 out of / 59Ranking
36 out of / 67Ranking
44 out of / 67Ranking
52 out of / 67Summary Review
Toyota doesn't have just one popular SUV in this segment, but two. The Toyota 4Runner is the Highlander’s more-rugged sibling.
Summary Review
The Subaru Ascent joined the crossover SUV lineup at Subaru in 2018. It quickly earned the praise of reviewers.
Pros and Cons
- Rugged off-road capability
- Great for towing when properly equipped
- Outstanding value retention (low depreciation)
- Aging design
- Interior space is limited by comparison to other midsize SUV / crossovers
- Fuel economy literally half that of a Highlander Hybrid
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)
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Toyota 4Runner Trim Levels
TRD Off-Road Premium, TRD Pro, TRD Sport, Limited, SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road
Subaru Ascent Trim Levels
Base, Limited 7-Passenger, Limited 8-Passenger, Onyx Edition, Onyx Edition Limited, Premium 7-Passenger, Premium 8-Passenger, Touring
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK +
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
270 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
278 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.061 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
5000 lbs
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
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
4 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X2 / 4X4, AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
16 / 19 / 17
Range (city/hwy):
368 / 437 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
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
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
32.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.8 inches
Cargo Space:
47.2 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
89.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
144.5 cubic feet
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
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4400 lbs
Width:
75.8 inches
Height:
71.5 inches
Length:
190.2 inches
Wheelbase:
109.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
9 inches
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
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P265/70R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/60R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Blue
Nautical Blue Metallic
Gray
Underground
Red
Barcelona Red Metallic
Silver
Classic Silver Metallic
White
Ice Cap
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Not available
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Red
Not available
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Interior Colors
Beige
Sand Beige
Black
Black/Graphite
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Slate Black
