When it comes to midsize SUVs built for families, the Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent consistently top the shortlist. They’re both packed with safety features, offer three rows of seating, and come standard or available with AWD. But if you’re looking for the best blend of value, comfort, and capability for family life, which SUV is right for you?
Let’s compare the 2025 Toyota Highlander and 2025 Subaru Ascent across the key areas that matter most to families: AWD performance, safety features, interior space, and overall cost of ownership.
AWD and Handling: Confident Rides for All Seasons
Both the Highlander and Ascent offer solid AWD options, but Subaru edges ahead with its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive on all trims—no upgrades required. This full-time system provides excellent traction in snow, rain, and even mild off-road situations.
The Toyota Highlander, on the other hand, features available AWD on most trims, with an optional Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD on higher trims. While capable, it’s a part-time system, meaning it only kicks in when slip is detected.
Winner: Subaru Ascent for standard AWD confidence out of the box.
Safety Features: Two of the Safest Midsize SUVs
Both SUVs shine in safety.
- The 2025 Highlander includes Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0, with adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and pedestrian detection.
- The 2025 Ascent is equipped with Subaru’s EyeSight® Driver Assist Tech, featuring automatic emergency braking, lane centering, and adaptive cruise.
Both models earned Top Safety Pick+ awards from IIHS in prior years and are expected to maintain high crash test ratings in 2025.
If your family includes new or teenage drivers, either option is a fantastic choice. Subaru slightly edges out Toyota for the standard inclusion of rear-seat reminder and DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System on more trims.
Winner: Tie, but Subaru offers more advanced features at lower trims.
Interior and Cargo Space: Room for Everyone?
| Feature | 2025 Toyota Highlander | 2025 Subaru Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | Up to 8 | Up to 8 |
| Cargo Space (Behind 3rd Row) | 16.0 cu ft | 17.8 cu ft |
| Max Cargo Space | 84.3 cu ft | 86.5 cu ft |
| 3rd Row Comfort | Tight for adults | Better legroom |
The Subaru Ascent edges out Toyota slightly when it comes to third-row comfort and cargo volume—especially behind the third row. That can make a big difference on a Costco run or a weekend road trip with strollers, bags, or gear.
The Highlander’s cabin is more upscale in higher trims, though, with premium materials and a quieter ride.
Winner: Subaru Ascent for function, Toyota Highlander for form.
Tech & Infotainment
- Highlander: 12.3″ touchscreen available, wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 11-speaker JBL system (optional)
- Ascent: 11.6″ vertical screen, standard smartphone integration, optional Harman Kardon audio
Both SUVs now come loaded with wireless phone compatibility, multiple USB ports for each row, and family-focused conveniences like rear climate controls and built-in navigation.
Winner: Tie — pick based on personal interface preference.
Cost and Value
| Model | Starting MSRP | Max MSRP (fully loaded) | Hybrid Option? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Highlander | ~$39,000 | ~$52,000 | ✅ |
| 2025 Ascent | ~$37,000 | ~$49,000 | ❌ |
The Subaru Ascent comes in slightly more affordable at the entry level, and still includes AWD standard. The Toyota Highlander, however, offers a fuel-saving hybrid variant, which averages over 35 MPG combined—a huge plus for long commutes or rising gas prices.
Winner: Highlander for fuel savings, Ascent for base AWD value.
Summary Table
| Feature | Winner |
|---|---|
| AWD System | Subaru Ascent |
| Safety Technology | Tie |
| Interior Space | Subaru Ascent |
| Infotainment & Tech | Tie |
| Cost Efficiency | Toyota (Hybrid Option) |
Final Verdict: Which SUV Wins?
- Choose the Subaru Ascent if you want AWD standard, more usable space, and a budget-friendly 3-row SUV with strong safety tech.
- Choose the Toyota Highlander if you’re prioritizing refinement, a hybrid option, and high resale value.
Both SUVs are top-tier family haulers, but your lifestyle and driving environment (e.g., hilly terrain, fuel costs, hybrid incentives) may tip the scale.