2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2022 Subaru Ascent

The 2022 Subaru Ascent introduced a new Onyx Edition trim level, which featured a blacked-out exterior trim that gave the SUV a sporty appearance. This trim level was positioned in the middle of the Ascent lineup, offering a unique grille design, black 20-inch aluminum wheels, and special interior trim. The interior was wrapped in water-repellant StarTex synthetic leather, available only in a gray two-tone scheme with light gray stitching. While the blacked-out treatment added a sporty flair, the StarTex material had a tendency to trap sweat, making ventilated seats a desirable option, though they were only available on the Ascent Premier trim.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from the Tacoma pickup truck, featuring a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia that lent it a rugged appearance. However, the design introduced some softness with a character line that swooped over the rear wheel arch, adding unnecessary visual weight. The interior was unconventional, with an asymmetrical dash and metallic styling elements. The Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition featured 18-inch bronze alloy wheels and light grey fabric seat upholstery with a triangle motif. The Softex synthetic leather substitute was less convincing compared to alternatives, and the third row had more hard plastics, making it less comfortable for longer journeys.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The Ascent's fuel consumption was rated at 10.5 litres per 100 kilometres combined, with our testing averaging 11.5 L/100 km. The CVT offered eight programmed ratios and manual shift control, contributing to a towing capacity of up to 2,270 kilograms. The Ascent's X-Mode off-road traction control system, hill descent control, and 22 centimetres of ground clearance provided off-roading capability. However, the lane-keeping and lane-centring assistance technologies could feel uncertain and unstable.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, producing 243 horsepower. It featured a CVT and standard AWD, with a supplemental electric motor powering the rear axle. The Highlander Hybrid reached 100 kilometres per hour in just over eight seconds. The electric motors provided quick initial acceleration, but the gasoline engine's hum became a drone under heavy acceleration. The brake pedal was soft, with regenerative braking seamlessly transitioning to physical brakes. The ride quality was soft, and the cabin remained mostly free of wind and road noise, making it one of the quieter midsize SUVs.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent could carry up to eight people, but the third row was best suited for children. The Ascent Onyx Edition featured water-resistant seat material, triple-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a wiper de-icer. The second-row seats were easy to load, with wide rear doors and available captain’s chairs. The Ascent provided 458 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,193 litres with the second row folded, and 2,061 litres with both rows down.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid's front seats were well-cushioned, with plenty of storage options. The second-row seats were spacious, accommodating six-footers with ease. The third row was less accommodating, intended for occasional use by children. The Highlander offered 453 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,370 litres with the seatbacks folded, and 2,387 litres with the second row stowed. Limited and Platinum trims included a hands-free power liftgate.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent featured a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, and satellite radio. Touring trim added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services. The system's voice recognition technology needed improvement, and the Onyx Edition's standard stereo speakers lacked sonic quality. Premier trim included a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree-view front camera.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option for the top trim. The system was quick to respond, with physical shortcut buttons and separate climate control knobs. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless charging on Limited and Platinum trims. Navigation and an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system were also standard on these trims.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. It came with EyeSight driver-assist technology, including adaptive cruise control and lane-centring technology. However, EyeSight's performance was affected by direct sunlight, and the adaptive cruise control and lane-centring technology lacked refinement.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid achieved a five-star overall score from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist could use fine-tuning, with abrupt stops and resistance in the steering wheel.