SUV Showdown: 2024 Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander

Choosing a family-friendly SUV can be challenging. In this showdown, our team at Hiley Subaru of Fort Worth pits the 2024 Subaru Ascent against the 2024 Toyota Highlander to help you make an informed choice. Both vehicles captivate the midsize SUV segment with their rugged exterior styling, well-appointed cabins, and innovative tech.

With its spacious three-row seating and all-wheel drive, the Ascent is perfect for family adventures. The Highlander impresses with its powerful engine, advanced technologies, and economical driving experience. Both SUVs boast innovative safety features, state-of-the-art amenities, and unique attributes. Before investing in a new SUV, review our comparison to determine which model best suits your preferences and budget.

2024 Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander: Which SUV Reigns Supreme?

Our knowledgeable team at Hiley Subaru of Fort Worth is here to guide you through the process of choosing the perfect SUV for your family, ensuring you have the information you need to make a confident purchase decision. The 2024 Subaru Ascent and Toyota Highlander are compelling options offering distinct features and capabilities. Our comparative guide will help you determine the right model for your lifestyle.

Performance and Capability

While the 2024 Ascent and Highlander deliver impressive power and capability, each provides a unique driving experience. Subaru equips the Ascent with a 260-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged engine that generates 277 lb-ft of torque with the optional trailer hitch, providing strong acceleration and a smooth ride. The SUV comes standard with Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance for confident rough terrain handling in any weather condition. The Highlander offers the choice of a robust 265-horsepower 2.4-liter engine or a fuel-efficient hybrid option. All-wheel drive is available but not standard across the lineup.

When fully equipped, the Subaru Ascent boasts a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, which is ideal for pulling trailers or boats on your next adventure. The Highlander matches this towing capacity, making both SUVs capable of handling your family’s most demanding tasks.

Interior and Comfort

Depending on the trim, the 2024 Subaru Ascent offers generous seating for seven or eight passengers. Ample legroom across all three rows ensures all occupants enjoy a comfortable ride, even on long journeys. With over 150 cubic feet of passenger volume and up to 75.6 cubic feet of cargo space, this SUV is a versatile option for urban commutes and weekend getaways. The Highlander seats up to eight passengers with a slightly smaller cabin but still provides a cozy and refined environment. Its available fold-down captain’s chairs in the second row add a touch of luxury, enhancing comfort and convenience.

Technology and Connectivity

The latest Ascent and Highlander excel with their advanced technologies. The Ascent features a user-friendly infotainment system with a standard 11.6-inch high-resolution touch screen, seamlessly integrating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to keep your favorite apps at your fingertips. Subaru’s STARLINK system is available on select models, offering an intuitive interface and features such as cloud-based navigation and voice-activated controls.

Toyota matches this, equipping the Highlander with a 7-inch touch screen and the option to upgrade to a larger 12.3-inch display on top-end models for a more immersive experience. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration come standard, ensuring you stay connected and entertained on every journey. Both SUVs offer a host of convenience technologies, including keyless entry, push-button start, and optional navigation systems.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Robust safety features on the 2024 Ascent and its Toyota counterpart provide peace of mind. Subaru equips all Ascent trim levels with Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking. This active safety system keeps track of your position and assists or alerts you to unanticipated dangers to avoid or reduce the severity of collisions.

The Highlander boasts Toyota’s Safety Sense, which provides similar benefits. It includes adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, and a pre-collision system with automatic emergency braking. While both systems are top-notch, the Highlander’s suite includes additional features on higher trims.

Both SUVs offer exceptional safety ratings, and your choice may depend on the specific driver-assistance technologies that best fit your needs. Whether you prioritize Subaru’s comprehensive standard safety features or Toyota’s advanced options, both SUVs provide exceptional protection and confidence, ensuring every journey is as safe as it is enjoyable.

Pricing and Value

The 2024 Subaru Ascent offers exceptional value with an attractive starting MSRP of $34,395. In contrast, the MSRP for the 2024 Toyota Highlander starts at $39,270, reflecting its position as a premium family SUV. The Subaru is available in eight distinctive trim options, and all-wheel drive is standard across the lineup. The Highlander offers five gas-powered trims and six hybrid options, with hybrids starting at $40,970. However, unlike the Ascent, all-wheel drive on the Highlander comes at an additional cost.

While both SUVs maintain value well over time, the Ascent’s lower starting price gives it a distinct edge. If you’re concerned about long-term costs, you may wonder if the Highlander’s superior fuel efficiency offsets its higher initial price. The Ascent’s affordability and standard all-wheel drive make it an excellent choice if you’re seeking versatility and all-weather capability. The best SUV for you will ultimately depend on your priorities and driving habits.

Find Your Ideal Family SUV at Hiley Subaru of Fort Worth

At Hiley Subaru of Fort Worth, we aim to help you discover the perfect SUV. Whether you’re drawn to the adventurous spirit of the 2024 Subaru Ascent or intrigued by the refined power of the Toyota Highlander, our friendly team is here to guide you through every step of the process as you upgrade your family’s ride.

Contact us today or visit our dealership in Fort Worth, Texas, to schedule a test drive and experience why so many families trust us to find their ideal SUV. In the meantime, check out our current inventory and fuel your passion.