2022 Toyota Highlander vs 2021 Subaru Ascent

When the 2021 Subaru Ascent was introduced, it filled a significant gap in Subaru's lineup, which had been missing a three-row SUV. The Ascent's design was reminiscent of Subaru's smaller models like the Forester and Outback, but scaled up to accommodate three rows. The interior followed suit, with a dashboard design that mirrored other Subaru models, likely to create a sense of familiarity for Subaru enthusiasts. The Ascent was available in four trims: Standard, Premium, Limited, and Touring, each offering progressively more features and amenities.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander, on the other hand, boasted a modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design. Its flared fender arches and slightly kicked-up third-row window gave it a compact appearance, despite its spacious interior. The Highlander was available in six trims: L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum. The XSE trim, in particular, stood out with its unique exterior styling, sport-tuned suspension, and bold red leather interior option. The Highlander offered a variety of features across its trims, including a hands-free power liftgate in the higher trims.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. The Ascent's ride was focused on comfort, with responsive handling and the ability to soak up road bumps. It featured 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it capable in snowy conditions and light off-roading. The Ascent could tow up to 5,000 pounds and included a standard Trailer Stability Assist.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, generating 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. This engine was mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive. The Highlander offered a drive-mode button with Sport, Normal, and Eco modes, and an AWD system with Mud/Sand, Rock, and Normal modes. The Highlander’s handling was commendable, especially in the XSE trim with its sport-tuned suspension. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds and had a max payload of 1,685 pounds in the FWD L and LE trims.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent provided 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, expanding to 47.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 86.5 cubic feet with all rear seats down. It came standard with a power liftgate but lacked a hands-free option. The Ascent could seat up to eight passengers, with an option for second-row captain's chairs reducing capacity to seven. The first two rows were spacious, while the third row was more suitable for children. The Ascent featured 19 cupholders and numerous storage compartments.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander offered 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 48.4 cubic feet with the second row in use, and up to 84.3 cubic feet with both rows folded. It featured quick-release latches for easy seat adjustments and a hands-free power liftgate in the Limited and Platinum trims. The Highlander’s interior was designed for convenience, with deep cargo pockets, multiple storage trays, and a spacious center console. The XSE trim included second-row captain’s chairs, providing a center aisle to the third row, which was more suitable for short trips for adults.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent featured Subaru's StarLink infotainment system with logical menus and large icons. It came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two front and two second-row USB ports, satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity. Available tech features included third-row USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came standard with a WiFi hotspot, five USB ports, and an 8-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with hard buttons for easy navigation. The XSE trim included a wireless charging pad and additional USB-C ports. A larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL premium stereo system were available options.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was an IIHS 2021 Top Safety Pick+, thanks to its crash test results and Subaru’s EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features. This included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. Optional safety features included reverse automatic emergency braking, rain-sensing windshield wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, which included forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, and automatic high beams. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a surround-view parking monitor, a head-up display, and adaptive headlights. The lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist systems were very active, sometimes overly so.