2022 Subaru Ascent vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was a standout in the midsize SUV segment, boasting a design that was anything but mundane. Its bold styling featured wide headlights, a long hood, and a distinctive trapezoidal grille, making it easily recognizable among its peers. The character line along its side, reminiscent of the Supra sports car, and Lexus-inspired taillights added to its unique appeal. The introduction of the XSE trim level brought a sportier look with a restyled front end, 20-inch alloy wheels, and a more aggressive appearance package. Inside, the Limited trim offered a luxurious experience with high-quality materials, including tan leather seats and wood details, ensuring a comfortable and upscale ride.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Ascent introduced the Onyx Edition trim, which featured a trendy blacked-out exterior, including black 20-inch aluminum wheels and unique grille design. The interior was equipped with water-repellant StarTex synthetic leather, although it had a tendency to trap sweat. The Ascent's styling was sporty, and the interior offered a gray two-tone scheme with metallic trim. While the StarTex material was practical for families, it lacked the luxury feel of the Highlander's interior. The Ascent's design was functional, with a focus on practicality and durability, making it suitable for families seeking a rugged and capable SUV.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it offered both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. While not designed for high-speed thrills, the Highlander provided smooth and reliable performance, making it a solid choice for family transportation. Its powertrain was competitive within its class, offering similar horsepower and torque to rivals like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. The XSE trim added sportier suspension tuning, enhancing driving excitement without compromising comfort.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive, the Ascent offered brisk acceleration and commendable passing power. Its flat-four engine design contributed to a lower centre of gravity, improving handling. The Ascent's towing capacity of up to 2,270 kilograms was impressive, and its X-Mode off-road traction control system provided enhanced off-road capability. While the Ascent excelled in urban and suburban environments, its lane-keeping and lane-centring technologies could feel intrusive on highways.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander excelled in interior space and functionality, with a set of shelves ahead of the front seats for convenient storage. Second-row passengers enjoyed ample legroom, and the available captain's chairs added comfort. The third row was suitable for adults only if the second row was adjusted. Cargo space was practical, with 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,150 litres with the third row folded, and 2,245 litres with both rows down.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent accommodated up to eight passengers, though the third row was best suited for children. The Ascent's interior was designed for comfort, with features like triple-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a wiper de-icer. The second-row seats were easy to access, and the available panoramic sunroof added a sense of openness. Cargo space was generous, with 458 litres behind the third row, 1,193 litres behind the second row, and a maximum of 2,061 litres with both rows folded.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander offered an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch display available on the Platinum trim. Both systems were user-friendly, with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The JBL audio system provided good sound quality, though the larger screen's limited app display was a drawback.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen on the base trim, with an 8-inch display on higher trims. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. The system's voice recognition needed improvement, and the standard stereo speakers lacked sonic quality. The Premier trim offered additional features like a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree-view front camera.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. It received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent also earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and received five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover rating. It featured Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist technology, though it had limitations in direct sunlight and with adaptive cruise control. Additional safety features included steering responsive LED headlights and reverse automatic braking.