Shopping for the best family SUV means comparing top contenders like the 2025 Subaru Ascent and the Toyota Highlander. These two popular midsize SUVs offer strong performance, advanced safety, and impressive comfort, but only one stands out as the better all-around choice. In this comparison of the Subaru Ascent vs Toyota Highlander, you explore how the 2025 Subaru Ascent for sale delivers more capability, cutting-edge tech, and thoughtful design that elevates every drive.
Discover why many families turn to Findlay Subaru Las Vegas when looking for the latest Subaru vehicles that combine power, and everyday practicality!
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Power and Performance
When comparing the 2025 Subaru Ascent vs Toyota Highlander in terms of performance, the Subaru Ascent emerges as the superior choice for those who prioritize capability, control, and overall power. The 2025 Subaru Ascent is equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged Subaru BOXER engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine, combined with its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, offers exceptional performance across various driving conditions, ensuring you have the power and traction needed for both on-road and off-road adventures.
The Ascent’s AWD system continuously monitors acceleration, braking, and cornering in real-time, adjusting power distribution to provide optimal grip. If a wheel slips, the system automatically sends power to the wheels with the most traction, providing you with superior control in snow, rain, or even rough, unpaved roads.
In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Highlander has a turbocharged engine that produces 265 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque, but AWD is not standard across all models. While the Highlander offers a capable engine, the Ascent’s AWD system comes standard, giving it an edge in terms of all-weather traction and stability.
Additionally, the 2025 Subaru Ascent is built for heavy-duty performance with an impressive 5,000-pound towing capacity, the highest of any Subaru vehicle. This makes it an excellent choice for those who need to tow boats, trailers, or other large gear. The available Class III trailer hitch, combined with 277 lb.-ft. of torque, makes hauling easier. The Ascent also has 8.7 inches of ground clearance, providing an added advantage when navigating rough terrain. Standard X-MODE optimizes the AWD system for maximum traction on slippery surfaces, and Hill Descent Control ensures stability on downhill grades. Dual-Function X-MODE offers even more versatility with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes for enhanced capability.
On the other hand, the Toyota Highlander has an 8-inch ground clearance, which may limit its off-road ability compared to the Subaru Ascent, especially in tougher conditions.
The 2025 Subaru Ascent outshines the Toyota Highlander in terms of all-around performance. Its standard AWD system, superior ground clearance, and advanced traction technologies like X-MODE provide the confidence and stability you need for both everyday driving and rugged adventures, making it the better choice for those who value capability and control.
Design Elements
Continuing our 2025 Subaru Ascent vs Toyota Highlander comparison, the Subaru Ascent stands out as the more stylish and practical choice for families. The 2025 Subaru Ascent boasts a bold and sophisticated look, with a gloss black and chrome front grille, a geometric wheel design, and modern contoured lines accented with stylish details. These design elements give the Ascent a premium, commanding presence that sets it apart from the Toyota Highlander, which lacks the same level of design sophistication and refinement.
Inside, the Subaru Ascent is designed to offer maximum comfort and convenience for your family. With a choice of seven- or eight-passenger seating, the Ascent provides ample space for everyone. The seven-passenger models come with second-row captain’s chairs, enhancing comfort and ease of access to the third row. The Ascent also features wide rear door openings, making it easy to load and unload passengers, and up to 75.6 cubic feet of cargo space with underfloor storage for all your gear. On the other hand, while the Toyota Highlander also offers seven- or eight-passenger seating, second-row captain’s chairs are only available on higher trims, limiting the flexibility and comfort across all models.
The Ascent also offers an available 54-inch power tilt/sliding panoramic moonroof, bringing in fresh air and natural light to the cabin, making the spacious interior feel even more open. While the Toyota Highlander has a panoramic moonroof option as well, its size is not specified, and it may not provide the same expansive feeling as the one in the Ascent.
Practicality is another key area where the 2025 Subaru Ascent shines. It comes with a total of 19 cup holders, ensuring that every passenger has a place to keep their drink secure and close at hand. In comparison, the Highlander has only 6-8 cup holders, which can be less convenient for larger families. Additionally, the Ascent offers a Power Rear Gate as standard, allowing for automatic opening and closing with a single touch. The height of the gate can also be adjusted for added convenience in tight spaces. While the Toyota Highlander offers a power rear gate as well, it is not as sophisticated
Tech Features
When you compare tech features in the Subaru Ascent vs Toyota Highlander, the 2025 Subaru Ascent clearly delivers a more advanced and immersive experience. Right from the start, you access cutting-edge connectivity with the STARLINK® Multimedia system. It comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, allowing you to control your navigation, stream music, enjoy podcasts, and access your favorite apps without needing to connect your phone via cable.
You interact with everything through a large, high-resolution 11.6-inch touchscreen that makes every function intuitive and easy to use. The Highlander, in contrast, offers only an 8-inch standard infotainment display, which feels limiting when you’re managing your media and driving info. Even with an upgrade, the Highlander’s screen only stretches to 12.3 inches and lacks the clean, centralized interface that STARLINK provides.
You also get a more premium audio experience inside the 2025 Subaru Ascent. The available Harman Kardon® QuantumLogic® surround sound system pumps out 792 equivalent watts through a 14-speaker layout that includes a dedicated center channel speaker and subwoofer. With Harman’s Clari-Fi™ Technology, your audio sounds vibrant and authentic, restoring lost fidelity in compressed music files. The Toyota Highlander only includes a standard 6-speaker setup, and even its upgraded JBL system offers just 11 speakers and less overall power.
With Bluetooth® pairing, hands-free smartphone operation, voice-activated TomTom® navigation, and available in-vehicle Wi-Fi, the Ascent keeps you connected and in control on every trip. These features are designed to support your daily driving needs and long-distance adventures with ease and safety. The Highlander simply doesn’t match this level of integration and audio sophistication.
Conclusion
When you compare the Subaru Ascent vs Toyota Highlander, it becomes clear the 2025 Subaru Ascent offers more value where it counts. With its advanced all-wheel drive, spacious interior, and high-end technology, the Ascent stands out as the best family SUV for drivers who want it all.
Visit Findlay Subaru Las Vegas to experience the difference and see why more families choose the 2025 Subaru Ascent for their everyday adventures.
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