2021 Toyota Highlander L | vs | 2021 Subaru Ascent |
$34,910 | Starting MSRP | $32,295 |
3.5L V6 | Engine | 2.4L turbo 4-cyl |
295 hp / 263 lb-ft | Horsepower / Torque | 260 hp / 277 lb-ft |
8-speed auto | Transmission | CVT |
FWD or AWD | Drivetrain | AWD |
21/29/24 | Fuel Economy | 21/27/23 |
The 2021 Toyota Highlander has both more standard and available infotainment features than the 2021 Subaru Ascent. The 2021 Highlander L has an 8-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and five USB ports. The 2021 Ascent doesn’t have Amazon Alexa, has a 6.5-inch touchscreen, and gets one fewer USB ports (for a total of four). Also, the 2021 Highlander gets access to a 12.3-inch touchscreen, an in-car PA system, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster display, and a household-style power outlet. The 2021 Ascent gets none of those features. In fact, it makes you pay extra for an 8-inch touchscreen and a Wi-Fi hotspot, both which are standard on the 2021 Highlander.
Many Subaru vehicles are plagued with poorly matched powertrains. The 2021 Subaru Ascent is not one of them, however. It has decent acceleration and is adequately powerful. It also provides balanced steering and handling. The 2021 Toyota Highlander outperforms it, though. The secret is the V6. Specifically, the lack of a turbocharger. Since the 2021 Highlander 3.5L V6 has no turbo, and thus no turbo lag, it has stronger acceleration all-around. The 2021 Highlander matches the steering and handling of the 2021 Ascent, while also feeling more planted around corners.