Close 2026 Subaru Ascent vs Toyota Highlander
2026 Subaru Ascent vs. 2026 Toyota Highlander
If you are comparing midsize three-row SUVs, the 2026 Subaru Ascent and 2026 Toyota Highlander are two family-focused options that share similar missions but take different approaches. This page brings together pricing, fuel economy, cargo space, passenger room, towing, safety, and drivetrain details so you can compare them side by side before deciding which SUV fits your needs.
At McCarthy Subaru of Lawrence, we know many three-row SUV shoppers want strong safety, family comfort, and real everyday utility. The 2026 Subaru Ascent stands out for standard all-wheel drive, strong safety technology, competitive passenger room, and family-ready practicality. The 2026 Toyota Highlander answers with a higher expert rating, stronger fuel economy figures in the comparison details you shared, and a more refined everyday driving character.
View our new Subaru Ascent inventory, explore our finance department, schedule service, or contact our team when you are ready for the next step.
Quick Comparison
| Category | 2026 Subaru Ascent | 2026 Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $42,245 | $47,840 |
| Car and Driver Expert Rating | 6/10 | 8/10 |
| Rank In Segment | #17 in Best Mid-Size 3-Row SUVs | #13 in Best Mid-Size 3-Row SUVs |
| Fuel Economy (EPA Est. MPG) | 22 combined / 19 city / 26 highway | 24 combined (est.) / 21 city (est.) / 28 highway (est.) |
| Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Blind Spot Monitor | Yes | Yes |
Key Differences
The comparison details you supplied show the 2026 Toyota Highlander with an advantage in expert rating, fuel economy, cargo room, and overall refinement. It uses an eight-speed automatic instead of a CVT, includes two years of complimentary maintenance, and returns stronger test and EPA efficiency figures in the summary you provided.
The 2026 Subaru Ascent answers with standard all-wheel drive, stronger safety feature coverage in the comparison notes, a slightly quicker 0-60 mph time in the test figures you shared, and more total passenger volume. For buyers who prioritize all-weather confidence and practical family space, the Ascent remains a serious option.
What You Need to Know
2026 Subaru Ascent
The 2026 Subaru Ascent is a three-row SUV designed for families who want standard all-wheel drive, generous safety equipment, and solid everyday utility. In the comparison details you provided, the Ascent uses a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four making 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, and it reached 60 mph in 6.8 seconds in testing.
The Ascent also offers 5,000 pounds of towing capacity and 18 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. While the source notes some powertrain coarseness and a tighter third row, it also highlights the Ascent's generous standard features and safety tech, making it a practical choice for families who want Subaru capability.
2026 Toyota Highlander
The 2026 Toyota Highlander delivers a smoother and more polished driving experience in the comparison notes you shared. Its turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder makes 265 horsepower and works through an eight-speed automatic transmission, helping it deliver an estimated 24 mpg combined and 30 mpg in the cited 75-mph highway test.
The Highlander also offers more cargo room behind the third row and behind the second row, plus two years of complimentary maintenance. For shoppers who value road-trip comfort and efficiency above all else, the Highlander makes a strong case.
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Ascent | Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Capacity | 19.3 gallons | 17.9 gallons |
| Fuel Economy (EPA Est. MPG) | 22 / 19 / 26 | 24 (est.) / 21 (est.) / 28 (est.) |
| 75-mph Highway Test | 28 mpg | 30 mpg |
Warranty
| Coverage | Ascent | Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Roadside Assistance | 3 years / 36,000 miles | 2 years / unlimited miles |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Drivetrain | 5 years / 60,000 miles | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Complimentary Maintenance | No complimentary scheduled maintenance | 2 years included per source summary |
Interior & Storage Space
| Measurement | Ascent | Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
| Passenger Volume | 153.2 cu ft | 139.5 cu ft |
| Cargo Volume Behind Third Row | 18 cu ft | 23 cu ft |
| Cargo Volume Behind Second Row | 43.5 cu ft | 48.4 cu ft |
| Cargo Volume Behind First Row | 75.6 cu ft | 84.3 cu ft |
| Third Leg Room | 31.7 in | 28.0 in |
Specifications
| Specification | Ascent | Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 260 @ 5600 | 265 @ 6000 |
| Torque | 277 @ 2000 | 310 @ 1700 |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive |
| Transmission | CVT | 8-speed automatic |
| Turning Diameter | 38.0 ft | 37.4 ft |
| Minimum Ground Clearance | 8.7 in | 8.0 in |
Safety & Driver Assistance
| Feature | Ascent | Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Collision Mitigation | Yes | Not listed in the source comparison |
| Front Collision Mitigation | Yes | Yes |
| Lane Departure Warning | Yes | Yes |
| NHTSA Overall Safety Rating | 5 stars | 5 stars |
Why McCarthy Subaru of Lawrence?
McCarthy Subaru of Lawrence offers a straightforward place to research, compare, and shop for the 2026 Subaru Ascent. From new Subaru inventory and online finance tools to service support and trade-in resources, our dealership is built to help local and regional shoppers move from research to ownership with confidence.
Our Why McCarthy message emphasizes customer satisfaction and values such as teamwork, opportunity, integrity, adaptability, and community. If the Ascent's standard all-wheel drive, generous safety technology, and family-focused practicality fit what you want from a three-row SUV, our team can help you compare trims, review availability, value your trade, and explore financing options.
Learn more on our Why McCarthy page, shop new Ascent inventory, or get started with our finance department.
Helpful Links
Continue your research with these helpful pages: Ascent inventory | Finance | Service | Contact | Subaru showroom
External Sources
This comparison page was informed by the following source: Car and Driver comparison tool
Frequently Asked Questions
Which SUV gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Subaru Ascent or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
In the comparison figures you provided, the 2026 Toyota Highlander has the fuel economy advantage, with estimated 24 mpg combined compared with 22 mpg combined for the 2026 Subaru Ascent.
Do both SUVs come with all-wheel drive?
Yes. In the comparison details you supplied, both the 2026 Subaru Ascent and the 2026 Toyota Highlander comparison trims include all-wheel drive.
Which SUV has more cargo room behind the third row?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander has more cargo room behind the third row in the comparison figures you shared, with 23 cubic feet compared with 18 cubic feet in the 2026 Subaru Ascent.
Which SUV has more passenger room?
The 2026 Subaru Ascent has more total passenger volume in the comparison data you provided, along with slightly better third-row legroom than the 2026 Toyota Highlander.
Why choose the 2026 Subaru Ascent?
The 2026 Subaru Ascent is a strong fit for buyers who want standard all-wheel drive, generous safety features, competitive family space, and solid towing capability in a three-row SUV.
Can I shop 2026 Subaru Ascent inventory online?
Yes. You can explore new 2026 Subaru Ascent inventory online at McCarthy Subaru of Lawrence, then contact our team for trim availability, financing questions, and next-step help.
Where is McCarthy Subaru of Lawrence located?
McCarthy Subaru of Lawrence is located at 2101 W 29th Terrace, Lawrence, KS 66047. You can reach the dealership at (785) 503-3297 for sales, service, finance, and inventory support.