Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs Subaru Ascent

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was priced at just over $50,000 for the base Hybrid LE, including destination charges and fees. In Canada, all-wheel drive was standard, while the U.S. offered a front-wheel drive version. The Highlander Hybrid XLE AWD came with a Special Edition package, and the Limited trim allowed for a Platinum package upgrade. The Limited trim with the Platinum package had an MSRP of $61,800 in Canada. Minimal changes were made to its appearance, with a new Cypress Green paint colour being the only notable update. The Highlander Hybrid's design was criticized for being overly styled, with exaggerated forms and a lack of subtlety both inside and out. The interior was described as visually obnoxious, with mismatched textures and tones, and controls that felt inexpensive. Despite these criticisms, the vehicle was noted for its quietness on the road.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent's styling was less successful, with a refresh that added visually offensive elements to its design. The Canadian lineup remained unchanged, with trims ranging from Convenience to Premier, priced between $44,674 and $57,674. The Premier trim included features like premium Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and a surround-view camera. The interior materials were of good quality, but the design was likened to a giant Lego set, lacking sophistication. The Ascent's focus was on practicality, with functional features like a panoramic sunroof and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The interior was functional and practical, though not particularly modern or sophisticated.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, providing standard all-wheel drive. It delivered 243 combined horsepower, tasked with moving 2,060 kilograms in Limited trim. The electric motors assisted with acceleration and allowed for low-speed electric-only driving. However, the gas engine's torque was limited, making high-speed passing challenging. The Highlander Hybrid could tow up to 1,588 kilograms, but this was not recommended due to limited power. The vehicle offered Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with a Trail mode for light off-road use. The Predictive Efficient Drive system aimed to maximize fuel efficiency, but the test vehicle returned 8.2 L/100 km, higher than the expected 6.7 L/100 km. The driving experience was described as uninspiring, with soft suspension and a continuously variable transmission contributing to a lack of engagement.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It used a continuously variable automatic transmission with all-wheel drive and active torque vectoring. The Ascent could tow up to 2,270 kilograms, making it versatile for various driving conditions. It handled well on different terrains, from city streets to off-road trails, and the turbocharged engine provided ample power for merging into traffic. The CVT mimicked a conventional automatic transmission, though not perfectly. The Ascent struggled with twisty mountain roads due to its weight and suspension tuning. Fuel economy was a downside, with the test vehicle returning 14.0 L/100 km in the city and 12.6 L/100 km overall, despite a 73-litre fuel tank allowing for a decent range.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was designed to accommodate seven or eight passengers, though the third-row seat was best for occasional use. Standard features included three-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats, with additional comforts in the Platinum package. The second-row captain’s chairs were comfortable, and the third-row access was tight. The Highlander offered 453 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,387 litres with the second-row seats folded. However, the storage areas were unlined, and the centre armrest storage console was complex and inconvenient.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent prioritized function, with features like a dashboard shelf, large cupholders, and backpack pegs. The Premier trim offered comfortable front seats with premium Nappa leather, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The rear doors opened wide, facilitating easy loading of children and cargo. The Ascent's third-row seat was comfortable for short trips, with air conditioning vents and storage space. Cargo space measured 458 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,140 litres with the second-row seats folded. The underfloor storage compartment was practical for wet items.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment systems. The Limited trim featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Remote Connect allowed for remote access to vehicle functions, and the Drive Connect service plan offered advanced features like natural voice recognition and cloud-based navigation. The test vehicle included a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system, though the graphics could be improved for better visibility.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent was equipped with the Starlink infotainment system, featuring an 11.6-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered navigation and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The display struggled in direct sunlight, and the native voice-recognition system was subpar. Physical buttons and knobs controlled essential functions, and Cabin Connect projected the driver’s voice through the speakers. The Premier trim included a surround-view camera and a digital rearview camera.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with additional features on higher trims. The Highlander received excellent crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though the ADAS occasionally struggled with lane navigation.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent featured the EyeSight safety package, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered blind-spot monitoring and a Driver Focus system. The Ascent received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for rollover resistance. However, the lane-centring assist technology was criticized for its performance.