You and your family have plenty of exciting adventures ahead of you. Whether those plans involve your favorite places in Tinton Falls, Middletown Township, or Long Branch, NJ or exciting highway road trips where anything is possible, your choice in SUV matters. You’ve likely heard about two popular choices: the Subaru Ascent and the Toyota Highlander. So, which is the model for you?
We know how important it is to research your next family vehicle before you decide. That’s why we’ve done the research for you and put the Ascent and the Highlander in a head-to-head comparison so you can see the difference for yourself. Once you’re ready, our World Subaru of Tinton Falls team will be there to help you start your next chapter on the road!
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
HILL DESCENT CONTROL
DISTRACTION MITIGATION
You and your crew have plenty of exciting trips in your future, and that means your SUV needs to be ready to rise to the occasion. Whether you plan to stick to the road or head off the beaten path, preparation is the key. So, how do these SUVs stack up?
Both the Ascent and the Highlander have comparable mechanical design under their respective hoods. They each generate around 260 horsepower to conquer the road ahead. That means the key difference between them lies in how that power is used.
The Subaru Ascent comes standard with Hill Descent Control, which stabilizes the vehicle as you head downhill. When you reach steep descents, the Ascent lets you travel safely. The Highlander offers this as an available feature on select trims.
The Ascent helps you drive on and off the road more safely thanks to forward-thinking design. It comes standard with the Lineartronic® CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), which uses micro shifts to make acceleration seamless. You can merge onto the highway easily, compared to the traditional transmission in the Highlander.
The Ascent also comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, a Subaru-exclusive drivetrain. This unique system sends power to each wheel as needed, offering the added traction you need for dirt, mud, rocks, and more. You’ll only find this dynamic drivetrain on the Ascent—if you plan to take weekend camping getaways, it’s the SUV for you.
You and your family will spend a lot of time inside the cabin of your next SUV, so it should be a space you look forward to seeing. Making things comfortable for you and your riders is the key to better road trips, and it all comes down to design.
As the pilot leading the charge, you deserve to enjoy a premium experience in the driver’s seat. More options and features will help you settle in for the long haul. While both models offer similar options like heated seats, there’s one key difference maker.
The Subaru Ascent offers an available 12-way power adjustable driver’s seat, allowing you to find your ideal position. This lush seat also features 4-way lumbar support to give your back the extra care it needs. The Highlander tops out at 10-way adjustment and 2-way lumbar support, meaning the Ascent gives you more options.
A spacious cabin is better for everyone; you’ll have room to stretch out, settle in, and get comfortable for the long drives ahead. Drivers and passengers alike will be happier with a larger interior that provides more personal space, and the difference between the Ascent and the Highlander is clear.
Inside the Highlander, you’ll have 141.8 cubic feet of passenger volume to work with. When eight passengers come along for the trip, there may be a struggle for legroom and head space. The Ascent, however, stretches even farther with its 153.2 cubic feetof passenger volume. Everyone can find their comfort zone and ride satisfied thanks to the massive boost in space.
Safety is a prime concern for all drivers, especially when they have their family along for the ride. Modern driving comes with more support than ever before thanks to state-of-the-art technology. As you’d expect, when it comes to these systems, the more the merrier.
Both the Ascent and the Highlander have their own collections of these convenient systems. Using sensors throughout the vehicle, you’ll have an eye out for you on all sides. The two collections, Subaru EyeSight® and Toyota Safety Sense™, share a lot of similar features:
There are many different potential threats out on the road, and driver-assistive tech helps you stay alert and aware. The more safety features in your SUV, the more peace of mind you’ll have. That’s where the Ascent shines, as it lets you address safety from inside the cabin.
Only the Ascent comes with an available DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System. This system keeps track of your habits and alerts you when you might start to lose focus, whether due to distractions or fatigue. It will let you know when it’s time to pull over for a break. You won’t find a similar system in the Highlander.
Thanks to rugged engineering made for the outdoors and thoughtful design throughout, the Subaru Ascent is the clear choice for families looking for their next trusted SUV. You and your riders will look forward to every drive in Tinton Falls, Middletown Township, or Long Branch, NJ, when you have the Ascent waiting for you in the driveway.
Now that you see what the Subaru Ascent is capable of, it’s time to take your next steps toward driving your own. Our World Subaru of Tinton Falls team is ready to make that process easy and streamlined. Contact us to schedule a test drive, and start your next adventure with the Ascent today!
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