If a family SUV is on your to-buy list this year, you’re in the right place. Toyota of Orlando has a great selection of family-friendly SUVs for sale and our skilled product specialists are here to help you find the right one. However, we know Toyotas aren’t your only options. To make your shopping process easier, check out this guide on the 2024 Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander to see how these two popular models compare.

Highlander vs. Ascent: A quick breakdown

Toyota Highlander	vs.	Subaru Ascent
$39,120	Starting MSRP	$34,395
11	Trims	8
Yes	Hybrid Models ?	No
Yes	All-Wheel Drive?	Yes
8 passengers	Seating Capacity	8 passengers

Now that you know the basics, our Orlando Toyota experts are going to break the 2024 Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander down even further for you. Use this guide to shop and find the perfect family solution for your adventures.

Safety: Which is better in the Highlander vs. Ascent?

Safety is one of the must-have features in a family car, and our Orlando Toyota Highlander comes out on top in this category. Here are some of the highlights when it comes to safety features and technology.

The 2024 Highlander has a standard blind spot warning system – you’ll find it on every model. The Ascent only offers this feature on higher trims (which means you have to pay more to get it).

The Highlander also has standard Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Parking Support Brake on several models – parking support automatically engages your brakes to avoid a collision. While the Ascent offers a similar feature, it doesn’t have automatic braking elements.

This Orlando Toyota also offers a standard Secondary Collision Brake, which automatically applies your brakes to prevent secondary crashes and further injury. Its Subaru competitor doesn’t offer a post-collision braking system.

Both of these models offer safety features like airbag systems, seatbelt pre-tensioners and heigh-adjustable seatbelts, traction control, LATCH systems, lane departure warning systems, backup cameras, and daytime running lights. However, in the battle between the 2024 Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander, the Highlander comes out on top because of its added safety tech – especially the standard features. Further, they rank similarly in NHTSA safety testing.

Climb into the interior and compare the Highlander vs. Ascent

How do the cabins compare on these two family SUVs? The interior can often serve as a home away from home for your busy family, so you want to ensure it’s comfortable and spacious. Both SUVs seat 8 and have an ergonomic layout so everyone can get comfortable, plus multiple trim options like fabric, SofTex/StarTex, and leather. Here’s where we think the Orlando Toyota Highlander vs. Subaru Ascent differences really play out:

The Highlander Platinum has a standard heads-up display to project important driving info onto your windshield so you can keep your eyes on the road at all times. The Ascent does not offer this feature.

While both of these SUVs have a power window lock to prevent children from opening windows, the driver in the Highlander can still operate all windows with the lock on. In the Ascent, when the lock is in use no one can operate the windows, even the driver.

Further, the Highlander’s front and rear windows are one-touch up and down – you don’t have to hold the button the entire time the window is in motion. You’ll have to do that in the Ascent, though.

This Orlando Toyota SUV has standard heated outside mirrors on all models for better visibility. You’ll only find this feature on higher trims of the Subaru competition.

Finally, the Highlander has power rearview mirrors that tilt to give you a better view of the curb if you’re parallel parking. The Ascent mirrors don’t automatically adjust.

Let’s talk cargo space for the 2024 Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander. You’ll get more space in the Highlander.

With the third row folded down, the Highlander offers 48.4 cubic feet of space while the Ascent offers 43.5 cubic feet of space.
With the second and third row folded down, the Highlander offers 84.3 cubic feet of space while the Ascent offers 75.6 cubic feet of space.

This Orlando Toyota also offers a foot-activated hands-free liftgate, a feature not found on the Subaru competition.

Highlander vs. Ascent – how does the performance compare?

When it comes to performance, you get slightly more power and torque in the 2024 Toyota Highlander. Both of these SUVs have turbocharged engines under the hood, but here are the specifics:

2024 Toyota Highlander: 2.4L turbo 4-cylinder with 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft torque
2024 Subaru Ascent: 2.4L turbo 4-cylinder with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft torque

But don’t forget, you can also drive home a Highlander Hybrid in multiple trims. Now let’s talk more specifics. Here are some other points to consider when it comes to the 2024 Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander:

The Highlander is faster. This Orlando Toyota beats the Ascent in the 0-30 mph, 0-60 mph, 45-65 mph passing, and quarter mile categories.
The Highlander also gets better fuel efficiency. Here’s your breakdown:
- The Highlander gets 22/29 mpg in the FWD models and 21/28 mpg in the AWD models.
- The Ascent gets 20/26 mpg and only comes in AWD models.
- As noted, the Highlander comes in multiple hybrid models that bump your fuel efficiency up even higher to 36/35 mpg.

So if fuel economy is the name of your game, the Highlander – especially the hybrids – blows the Ascent out of the water.

Here are some more performance highlights to keep in mind when it comes to the Highlander vs. Ascent:

The Highlander offers an automatic engine stop-start system that shuts off in heavy traffic or at lights to save you fuel. The Ascent does not offer this feature.
This Orlando Toyota has larger brake rotors, which means more stopping power.
You’ll also find a wider track on the Highlander for better handling, as well as a tighter turning circle on this Orlando SUV.
This Toyota’s chassis is between 150-250 pounds lighter than the Ascent’s (depending on the model), which increases fuel efficiency and ease of handling.

And the Highlander absolutely crushes the Ascent when it comes to towing. This Orlando SUV can two 5,000 lbs. while the Ascent maxes out at 2,000lbs.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander: Cost

While the Highlander has a higher starting MSRP, you get what you pay for. As you’ve seen, it offers better and more standard features than its Subaru competition. Here are a few other places where it shines:

When you buy a 2024 Toyota Highlander at Toyota of Orlando, you get 2 years or 25,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance like oil changes, tire rotations, etc. There is no complimentary maintenance on the Subaru Ascent.
There are also twice as many Toyota dealers as there are Subaru dealers, which means it’s much easier to find repairs, service, parts, and accessories if you opt for this Orlando Toyota.

And what about reliability? The Highlander is ranked 27 points higher in reliability than the Ascent according to Consumer Reports. Toyota vehicles also rank above average for long-term dependability by J.D. Power (while Subaru ranks below average), and Toyota is ranked first for overall reliability by Consumer Reports (while Subaru is ranked seventh).

Which will you drive in the battle between the 2024 Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander?

The best way to find the best car? See it for yourself. Come test drive a 2024 Toyota Highlander at Toyota of Orlando today! We’re just off I-4 across from the Mall at Millenia at 3575 Vineland Road, and you can reach us seven days a week at (407) 298-4500. Don’t forget to ask about our daily Highlander deals!