Head to head
2026 Subaru Ascent vs Toyota Highlander
The sourced numbers side by side, no verdict attached. Each column shows the 2026 lineup's representative trim, the one with the median EPA combined MPG.
At a glance
Subaru Ascent
Shown: 2026 Ascent Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo, the only 2026 trim.
- Recalls, 2026 model year
- 1
- Owner complaints, 2026 model year
- 3
Toyota Highlander
Shown: 2026 Highlander Hybrid AWD Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, the median MPG trim of 3 2026 trims.
- Recalls, 2026 model year
- 0
- Owner complaints, 2026 model year
- 2
Spec by spec
| Spec | 2026 Subaru Ascent Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo | 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid AWD Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L |
|---|---|---|
| Make | Subaru | Toyota |
| Model | Ascent | Highlander Hybrid AWD |
| Trim / config | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo | Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L |
| HP | 260 | 186 |
| Power to weight | 0.057 hp/lb | 0.042 hp/lb |
| MPG Hwy | 26 mpg | 35 mpg |
| MPG City | 19 mpg | 35 mpg |
| MPG Comb | 22 mpg | 35 mpg |
| Transmission | Automatic (AV-S8) | Automatic (AV-S6) |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | Naturally aspirated |
| Powertrain | Gas | Hybrid |
| Fuel $/yr | $3,050 | $1,900 |
| Eco Score | 4/10 | 6/10 |
| CO₂ | 405 g/mi | 254 g/mi |
| Length | 197 in | 195 in |
| Width | 72 in | 76 in |
| Height | 76 in | 68 in |
| Wheelbase | 114 in | 112 in |
| Curb Weight | 4,522 lb | 4,442 lb |
| Recalls | 1 | 0 |
| Complaints | 3 | 2 |
How this page picks its numbers
Both columns share the newest model year the Subaru Ascent and the Toyota Highlander both offer, 2026. Each column shows the 2026 lineup's representative trim, the one with the median EPA combined MPG. Fuel economy figures come from EPA records; recall, complaint, and crash rating figures come from NHTSA. Other trims differ, so open the comparison tool above to swap in the exact trims you are cross-shopping.