2021 Subaru Ascent vs 2021 Toyota Sequoia

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was a much-anticipated addition to Subaru's lineup, filling a noticeable gap in the three-row SUV segment. Its design was reminiscent of Subaru's smaller models, like the Forester and Outback, but scaled up to accommodate three rows. The interior mirrored this approach, with a dashboard design that was consistent with other Subaru vehicles, likely to create a sense of familiarity for brand loyalists. The Ascent offered four trims: Standard, Premium, Limited, and Touring, each progressively adding more features such as larger touchscreens, power-adjustable seats, and premium audio systems.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Sequoia, despite its age, continued to offer a robust presence with its large silhouette and subtle design updates from 2018. The interior, however, showed its age with a multi-tiered center dash design and a standard 7-inch touchscreen that seemed small against the expansive dashboard. The Sequoia's trims ranged from the entry-level SR5 to the off-road-focused TRD Pro and the luxurious Platinum, each adding unique features like larger wheels, leather upholstery, and advanced suspension systems. The new Nightshade Special Edition added a touch of modernity with its blacked-out styling elements.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, provided a balanced performance suitable for most driving scenarios. The Ascent excelled in comfort and responsiveness, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance and features like X-Mode for enhanced traction in challenging conditions. It was capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds, making it a versatile choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia, on the other hand, was equipped with a powerful 5.7-liter V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine, coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission, offered strong acceleration and a driving experience akin to a pickup truck. The Sequoia's towing capacity reached up to 7,400 pounds, though it lagged behind some competitors in the full-size SUV segment. Its driving dynamics were characterized by a soft suspension and strong brakes, providing a confident yet traditional SUV feel.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent offered a practical interior with 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 86.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. While not the largest in its class, it provided ample room for passengers and gear, with seating for up to eight or seven with optional captain's chairs. The Ascent featured numerous storage solutions, including 19 cupholders and various trays and cubbies.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia boasted a spacious cabin with nearly 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to an impressive 120 cubic feet with all seats folded. Its power-retractable rear window was a unique feature, offering convenient access to the cargo area. Despite its generous interior space, the Sequoia's front-row packaging felt dated, though it still provided ample storage options with deep door pockets and a large center console.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent featured the StarLink infotainment system, known for its intuitive menu layouts and easy-to-read icons. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and multiple USB ports, with available upgrades like a WiFi hotspot and a premium Harman Kardon stereo system.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. While the infotainment system was from a previous generation, it was user-friendly with straightforward menus and large hard buttons. The Sequoia's digital trip computer was simple, though it lacked the modernity of fully-digital instrument panels.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation, thanks to its robust crash test results and comprehensive EyeSight driver-assistance suite. This included features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. Additional options included reverse automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense-P suite, offering features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. While it lacked some advanced technologies like lane-keeping assist, it provided a solid array of standard safety features. However, its older platform resulted in a four-star rating in the NHTSA rollover test.