Trying to find the perfect family SUV for your crew? Look no further than the 2024 Toyota Highlander. It’s sleek, stylish, and full of all the features you need to make your time behind the wheel effortless. But it’s not the only option out there – we’re well aware of this. There are tons of SUVs to choose from and our N Charlotte Toyota experts want to make it that much easier for you, so we’re comparing two of the most popular models – the 2024 Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander.

Alright – now you have the basics. Let’s talk a little bit more in detail about the 2024 Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander – this guide will get granular about all of the most important aspects of your next family SUV.

Safety in the Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander

When it comes to family vehicles, safety features are usually at the very top of the must-have list (along with fuel efficiency, because gas ain’t cheap). If safety is a priority for you and your family, you definitely want to take the N Charlotte Toyota Highlander for a test drive. Here are some of the ways it bests the Subaru Ascent when it comes to safety features and technology.

The 2024 Toyota Highlander comes with standard Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Parking Support Brake on multiple models. This unique feature automatically engages your brakes to avoid a collision. The Ascent has this feature on higher trims only, and it doesn’t include automatic braking elements.

This N Charlotte Toyota also offers a standard blind spot warning system on all models. Its Subaru competition only offers it on higher trims, so you’ll have to pay more to access it.

The Highlander brings a standard Secondary Collision Brake to the table. This feature automatically applies your brakes in a collision to avoid a secondary crash and further injury. The Ascent does not offer a post-collision braking system.

Both models offer a bevy of other safety features, including:

• Airbag systems
• Traction Control
• LATCH for carseats
• Backup cameras
• Daytime running lights
• Lane departure alert systems

They also rank similarly when it comes to NHTSA ratings. However, when all is said and done you definitely get more options AND more standard safety features on the 2024 Toyota Highlander. So which works better for YOUR safety needs when it comes to the Highlander vs. Ascent?

Performance in the Highlander vs. Ascent

The performance in these SUVs is similar, but when it boils down to it you get more horsepower + torque in the Highlander as well as better fuel efficiency. Both offer a turbocharged engine and here’s the breakdown:

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

Further, the 2024 Toyota Highlander at Toyota of North Charlotte comes in multiple hybrid models, giving you more options and higher MPGs. Still not convinced? Here are a few other things to consider when looking at performance in the Highlander vs. Ascent:

• The Highlander offers more fuel efficiency:
  • It gets 22/29 MPG in the front-wheel drive model, and 21/28 MPG in the all-wheel drive model.
  • The Ascent gets 20/26 MPG.
  • The Highlander Hybrids bump your fuel efficiency in a big way, offering an incredible 36/35 MPG.
• You’ll also get more speed in the N Charlotte Toyota Highlander. It beats the Ascent in 0-30 mph, 0-60 mph, 45-65 mph passing, and quarter mile timed categories.
• The Highlander comes in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models, while its Subaru competitor is only available in all-wheel drive.

Here are some further performance highlights to keep in mind when it you’re trying to decide between the Highlander vs. Ascent for your family:

• The 2024 Highlander has larger brake rotors than the Ascent. This means more braking power on your side.
• This N Charlotte Toyota also has a wider track in both the front and rear, as well as a tighter turning circle for better maneuverability.
• This 2024 Toyota has an automatic engine stop-start system that shuts off in heavy traffic or at lights to save you fuel. You won’t find this feature on the Ascent.

And last but not least, the chassis on the Highlander is between 150-250 pounds lighter than the Ascent. This leads to easier handling AND more fuel efficiency.

Now let’s talk about towing. Our N Charlotte Toyota blows the Ascent out of the water – it can tow up to 5,000 lbs. while the Ascent has a max towing capacity of 2,000 lbs.

What’s behind the wheel: Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander

What about the cabins of these family-friendly SUVs? You’re going to want the best of the best when it comes to your interior – this means space, comfort, convenience, and ergonomics. Both of these SUVs deliver on all accounts with multiple trim options (including fabric, SofTex/StarTex, and leather) and the ability to seat 8, but the Highlander definitely has the edge. Here’s why:

• Both SUVs offer a power window lock to keep kids from opening windows in the back, but in the Highlander, the driver can still operate the windows with the lock on. In the Ascent, NO ONE can use the windows when the lock is on.
• Speaking of windows, the Highlander comes standard with one-touch front and rear windows (touch the button once to move them up or down). The Ascent doesn’t offer that, which means you have to hold the button the entire time.
• The Highlander Platinum comes standard with a heads-up display to project important driving info onto your windshield. This means you keep your attention on the road always. The Ascent does not offer this feature.
• This N Charlotte Toyota has power rearview mirrors that tilt to give you a better view of the curb when parking. The Ascent mirrors don’t automatically adjust. It’s a small inconvenience, but an inconvenience nonetheless.
• You’ll also find standard heated outside mirrors on the Highlander to give you better visibility – you have to pay more to get this feature on the Ascent.

What about interior space? While both seat 8, in the Highlander vs. Ascent battle the Toyota pulls ahead. Here’s the breakdown:

• Behind the third row of the Highlander, you get 48.4 cubic feet of space while the Ascent falls short at 43.5 cubic feet of space.
• Behind the second row of the Highlander, you get 84.3 cubic feet of space while the Ascent falls short at 75.6 cubic feet of space.

And to reach this cargo space, you’ll have a convenient foot-activated hands-free liftgate on this N Charlotte Toyota… a feature not offered on the Ascent.

What about the cost of the 2024 Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander?

Yes, the Highlander does have a higher starting MSRP. However, remember that old saying that you get what you pay for. This N Charlotte Toyota offers more standard features and options than the Ascent. And here are a few other things to keep in mind when it comes to value:

• When you buy a 2024 Toyota Highlander at Toyota of North Charlotte, 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. 2 years of maintenance is a LOT of money saved.
• There are also twice as many Toyota dealers as there are Subaru dealers. This means it’s much easier to find a dealer for repairs, service, Toyota parts, and Toyota accessories for your vehicle.
• When it comes to reliability, Consumer Reports ranked the Highlander 27 points higher than the Ascent.
• J.D. Powers ranks the Highlander above average for long-term dependability, and the Ascent below-average.
• Consumer Reports also ranks Toyota first for overall reliability and Subaru seventh.

Still trying to choose between the 2024 Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander? 

Still unsure as to which you should drive home? See for yourself the Toyota Highlander vs Ascent. Test drive the 2024 Toyota Highlander at Toyota of North Charlotte! We’re just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville at 13429 Statesville Road. Call us at (704) 875-9199 to get the ball rolling and learn more about our daily Highlander deals!