Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs Subaru Ascent

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid underwent a significant transformation when it was redesigned in 2019. It transitioned from a softer, more typical crossover look to a more robust and blocky appearance. Its trapezoidal grille, adapted from Toyota's truck line, added a sense of heft, further accentuated by beveled and angled bodywork that framed the headlights. Initially, this bold styling set it apart, but soon other carmakers like Honda with its CR-V and Mazda with the CX-50 adopted similar design cues.

Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid carried over the angular design theme with a multi-tiered dashboard that featured beveled cutouts, adding visual interest to an otherwise plain surface. The layout was fairly standard for vehicles at the time, featuring an infotainment touchscreen mounted at the top of the dash and a good number of physical buttons and knobs for primary control.

Materials were of average quality for the class and price range, with an abundance of hard plastics. However, surfaces frequently touched by occupants were lightly padded. Both the base model and the new Woodland trim noticeably lacked a leather-wrapped steering wheel, opting instead for a rubbery urethane wheel and center armrest, which felt cheap. Fortunately, most other trims came with leather coverings. Build quality was strong, with no noticeable creaks or squeaks when driving over rough pavement.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent had a different approach to styling. Subaru struggled with design, occasionally creating appealing vehicles only to alter them during refreshes. The latest Ascent exemplified this issue, with the addition of visually offensive tusks and a bold spear extending across the grille and into the headlights.

For 2024, the Ascent lineup remained unchanged, continuing in Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, Onyx Edition Limited, and Touring trims. Prices ranged from $34,395 to $48,695, excluding a $1,345 destination charge. The Touring trim, which we tested, offered additional features like a panoramic sunroof, premium Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a navigation system, a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, a camera-based rearview mirror, and a surround-view camera.

The quality of the Ascent’s interior materials looked good overall. Its design, typical of Subaru, appeared as though modular components were snapped together like a giant Lego set—functional and practical but lacking in sophistication or modernity.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor/generator. Together, these were mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that drove the front wheels, while a second electric motor between the rear axle provided all-wheel drive (AWD). The system generated a combined 219 horsepower, allowing the RAV4 to sprint to 60 mph in a respectable 7.5 seconds. While not necessary for everyday driving, this power was handy for merging onto highways or climbing steep ramps.

Compared to other RAV4 models, the Hybrid powertrain was about half a second quicker than the standard version, while the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid managed an impressive 5.5-second 0-60 mph time. Among compact hybrid SUVs, the Kia Sportage Hybrid was slightly quicker, and the Honda CR-V Hybrid reached 60 mph in about 8 seconds, making them competitive in terms of acceleration.

The braking system operated seamlessly, with the initial pedal stroke engaging regenerative braking to charge the hybrid battery, and physical brakes kicking in under more aggressive stops. The suspension effectively smoothed out bumps and potholes, providing confident cornering without aiming for sportiness. The RAV4 Hybrid’s driving dynamics were calm and effortless, similar to its competitors.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent, on the other hand, came with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 260 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 277 pound-feet of torque between 2,000 and 4,800 rpm. A CVT powered all four wheels through a standard AWD system with active torque vectoring. Subaru claimed the Ascent could tow up to 5,000 pounds (2,000 pounds for the Base trim).

The Ascent excelled in various driving conditions, from city and suburban roads to rural gravel paths and dirt trails. It handled neighborhood speed humps, off-road terrains, and winding gravel roads with ease, demonstrating versatility akin to a rally car. While it handled fast-flowing traffic with aplomb, it did struggle on twisty mountain roads due to its weight, softly tuned suspension, and all-season tires. The turbo engine, coupled with a CVT with eight programmed ratios, mimicked a conventional automatic transmission quite well.

Fuel economy was a drawback for the Ascent. Equipped with 20-inch wheels, its EPA ratings were 19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. Our tests revealed even lower figures, with 16.7 mpg in the city and 18.6 mpg overall. However, a 19.3-gallon fuel tank provided a range of 325 miles before requiring a refill.

The interior of the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid was designed with practicality in mind. The front seats provided ample space for larger passengers, while the rear seats could comfortably accommodate average-sized adults. While rear headroom was slightly more than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage, legroom was marginally less, though the differences were negligible in practice. However, installing a rear-facing infant seat might necessitate adjusting the front seat forward. Additionally, the rear seat cushions were set low, which might cause discomfort for taller passengers on long trips.

Cargo space was generous, with up to 37.5 cubic feet available behind the rear seats, only a tenth of a cubic foot less than the non-hybrid RAV4. This was impressive as some hybrids sacrifice cargo space for a battery pack. For comparison, the Honda CR-V offered 39.5 cubic feet and the Kia Sportage 39.3 cubic feet, showing no significant advantage among these models. The rear seatbacks folded flat with the cargo floor, but shorter individuals might find it challenging to reach them. Interior storage was a standout feature, with a wide dashboard shelf, a phone tray, and large cupholders and door pockets.

In contrast, the 2024 Subaru Ascent emphasized practicality. The Touring trim featured soft Nappa leather upholstery for the front seats, which were both heated and ventilated. However, a height adjuster for the front passenger was missing, though the seat still offered good leg support. The back doors opened nearly 90 degrees, making it easy to load children and cargo. The seats provided good support, but legroom was somewhat snug compared to rivals. Wide-opening doors also facilitated strapping cargo to the roof rails, which supported up to 700 pounds.

In the third row, seat comfort was passable for adults on short trips, though access was limited. The seats were high enough to support legs, with air conditioning vents and ample storage to keep passengers comfortable. Behind the third row, the Ascent offered up to 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 43.5 cubic feet with the seats folded, and maxing out at 75.6 cubic feet with the second-row seats down. A plastic-lined underfloor compartment was handy for storing wet items. The panoramic sunroof reduced these capacities slightly.

For 2023, the RAV4 Hybrid received an upgraded infotainment system, which was a significant improvement over previous versions. The touchscreen had modern, sharp graphics with logically arranged menus. The screen placement on top of the dashboard reduced driver distraction. Most trims came with an 8.0-inch display, while higher trims featured a 10.5-inch touchscreen. The base display’s on-screen buttons were small, requiring precision to accurately press them.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all RAV4 models, with an optional wireless charging pad available. Over-the-air software updates kept the system current, and connectivity options included a Wi-Fi hotspot and remote vehicle monitoring. Higher trims featured a fully digital instrument panel. The standard six-speaker audio system provided decent sound, while the top Limited trim boasted an 11-speaker JBL system for a superior auditory experience.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent came with the latest Starlink infotainment system, featuring an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. Standard features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and text-messaging capability. Higher trims added Starlink connected services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon system. The Safety & Security plan included automatic collision notification, SOS emergency assistance, and remote start.

The test vehicle had all these features, though the display washed out in direct sunlight, making it difficult to see. The native voice-recognition system was poor, so pairing a phone for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto was recommended. A wireless charging pad was available as an accessory. Physical buttons and knobs controlled most functions, ensuring ease of use. Higher trims included a Cabin Connect feature to project the driver’s voice through the speakers and a surround-view camera. The Touring trim had a camera-based rearview mirror for enhanced visibility when the cargo area was full.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid earned top safety scores from both the NHTSA and IIHS. The NHTSA awarded it five stars for overall and side crash protection, and four stars for frontal and rollover tests. The IIHS gave it a "Good" rating in most tests and an "Acceptable" rating in moderate overlap frontal and side-impact tests. It was also named a Top Safety Pick, the IIHS's second-highest honor.

All RAV4 Hybrid models came standard with Toyota's Safety Sense 2.5 suite, which included forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and a traffic sign reader. The XLE trim added a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alerts, and the Limited trim included front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking. Optional features included a surround-view camera system and a digital rearview mirror. These systems functioned reliably, with adaptive cruise control providing smooth inputs and gentle stops.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent was synonymous with safety, featuring high-strength steel construction and EyeSight driver assistance systems. The NHTSA awarded it five stars in all assessments except for rollover resistance, where it received four stars. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+ for 2023, its highest safety honor.

The EyeSight suite included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control, and evasive steering assist. Automatic high-beam headlights were standard. Upgraded trims offered blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, automatic reverse braking, and a Driver Focus monitoring system with facial recognition.

However, EyeSight had some drawbacks. The lane-centering assist struggled with freeway exits, entrance ramps, and lane changes, leading to instability and driver frustration. On winding roads, the system's resistance to manual inputs could make the vehicle feel wobbly and unsafe. Despite these issues, the core safety features provided reliable protection.