The Toyota Highlander Has a Rival It Never Saw Coming
Toyota owns the family SUV segment. The Toyota Highlander has been the default choice for suburban parents for two decades. It’s reliable, efficient, and about as exciting as a minivan with better marketing.
But there’s a Japanese three-row crossover that does almost everything the Highlander does—and some things it simply won’t. It’s not from Honda. It’s not from Nissan. It’s the Subaru Ascent, and it’s been flying under the radar since 2019.
Here’s why this underrated Japanese 3-row SUV deserves a spot on your driveway.
Standard All-Wheel Drive That Actually Works
The Highlander offers all-wheel drive, sure. But it’s an option. You pay extra. And on base trims, you’re driving front-wheel drive—which is fine until winter hits.
The Ascent makes symmetrical all-wheel drive standard on every trim. No options. No upcharges. Just grip, in every season, on every surface.
Subaru’s system is also smarter than most. It constantly shifts torque between wheels based on traction, and it works with the vehicle’s X-Mode off-road settings. That means the Ascent can handle gravel roads, muddy trails, and snowy commutes with equal composure. The Highlander feels like a minivan with an SUV body. The Ascent feels like a proper all-weather machine.
Capability You Can Actually Use
Ground clearance on the Ascent sits at 8.7 inches. That’s more than the Highlander’s 8.0 inches. It doesn’t sound like much, but it’s the difference between confidently cresting a snowy ridge and getting high-centered on a rock.
Add in hill descent control and the ability to tow up to 5,000 pounds, and you’ve got a family hauler that can drag a small camper. The Highlander matches that tow rating, but only when properly equipped—and you’ll pay for the privilege.
Interior Space That Puts the Highlander to Shame
Open the Ascent’s rear doors and you’ll find something rare in this segment: a third row that adults can actually use. Legroom in the way-back measures 31.7 inches. The Highlander offers just 27.7 inches.
That four-inch difference is massive. It’s the difference between your in-laws complaining and your in-laws falling asleep. The Ascent also offers captain’s chairs on higher trims, making access to the third row genuinely easy—even for kids in car seats.
Cargo space tells a similar story. With all three rows upright, the Ascent provides 17.8 cubic feet. Fold the third row flat and you get 47.9 cubic feet. Drop everything and you’re looking at 86.5 cubic feet of hauling capacity. The Highlander trails in every single measurement.
Family-Focused Features as Standard
Subaru didn’t just make the Ascent big. They made it smart. The standard EyeSight driver-assist suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking—all without forcing you into a pricey options package.
Higher trims add a 180-degree front-view camera, which is a godsend when you’re trying to park in a crowded school lot. There’s also a rear-seat reminder system that nudges you to check the back before locking up. Small touches, but they matter when you’re running on three hours of sleep.
Reliability Without the Toyota Tax
Toyota charges a premium for its reputation. The Highlander starts around $39,000. The Ascent starts closer to $34,000. That’s a five-grand difference for a vehicle that’s just as dependable.
Subaru’s boxer engine—a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder—produces 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It’s punchy, responsive, and paired with a smooth continuously variable transmission that doesn’t drone like older CVTs. The Highlander’s base engine makes 265 horsepower, but you’ll need to rev it harder to get there.
Reliability-wise, the Ascent has proven itself. It’s not perfect—early models had some transmission software quirks—but Subaru addressed those with updates. Consumer reports and owner forums consistently rank it above average for long-term dependability.
The Verdict: Why Buy a Highlander When You Can Get More?
The Toyota Highlander is a fine vehicle. It’s efficient, holds its value, and has a dealer network that’s everywhere. But the Subaru Ascent does the same job with more capability, more space, and a lower price tag.
If you live somewhere with real winters, if you tow occasionally, or if you just want a three-row SUV that doesn’t feel like a penalty box, the Ascent is the smarter buy.
Toyota may own the reputation, but Subaru owns the value. And in a crowded segment full of lookalikes, that’s worth something.
