2026 Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander
A three-row SUV needs to work when the seats are full, the bags are packed and your schedule doesn't leave much room for surprises. If you're comparing the 2026 Subaru Ascent and Toyota Highlander around Evergreen Park, start with how you'll actually use the third row, the equipment included and the room left for everyone's gear.
Start with comparable trims
We're comparing the 2026 Subaru Ascent Premium 7-Passenger with the gas-powered 2026 Toyota Highlander XLE AWD in its standard seven-seat configuration. These are the starting trims in their respective 2026 gas lineups, and both include all-wheel drive, second-row captain's chairs, heated front seats, synthetic upholstery and a power rear gate. The Highlander has some additional comfort features, including a standard moonroof. This is a gas-to-gas comparison, not a comparison with the Highlander Hybrid or the larger Grand Highlander. Specifications apply to U.S. models without extra-cost options unless noted.
Where the Subaru Ascent makes its case
The Ascent Premium includes an 11.6-inch touchscreen and Reverse Automatic Braking without moving up to a higher trim. Add its water-resistant StarTex upholstery, 8.7 inches of ground clearance and standard X-MODE® with Hill Descent Control, and you've got a practical place to start for busy family use.
What to give the Toyota Highlander credit for
The Highlander XLE has more horsepower and torque, higher EPA city and highway fuel-economy estimates, and more published maximum cargo space. A standard moonroof, wireless phone charger and second-row sunshades also give it useful comfort features.
Side by side: the details that matter
| Feature | 2026 Subaru Ascent Premium 7-Passenger | 2026 Toyota Highlander XLE AWD (gas) |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 2.4-liter turbocharged SUBARU BOXER® 4-cylinder | 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower / torque | 260 hp / 277 lb.-ft. | 265 hp / 310 lb.-ft. |
| Drive system | Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive | Standard mechanical AWD |
| Transmission | Lineartronic® CVT with 8-speed manual mode | 8-speed automatic |
| Seating, as compared | 7; second-row captain's chairs | 7; second-row captain's chairs |
| Upholstery / heated front seats | StarTex® / standard | SofTex® / standard |
| Maximum cargo volume¹ | 75.6 cu. ft.; second and third rows folded | 84.3 cu. ft.; second and third rows folded |
| Maximum towing² | 5,000 lb., properly equipped | 5,000 lb., properly equipped |
| EPA-estimated city / highway MPG³ | 19 / 26 | 21 / 28 |
| Standard center touchscreen | 11.6 in. | 8.0 in.; 12.3-in. screen available |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay® / Android Auto™ | Standard / standard | Standard / standard |
| Power rear gate | Standard | Standard, with hands-free operation |
| Moonroof | Not available on Premium | Standard power tilt/slide moonroof |
| Driver-assistance suite⁴ | Standard EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology | Standard Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ |
| Blind-spot detection / rear cross-traffic alert⁴ | Standard / standard | Standard / standard |
| Automatic braking while reversing⁴ | Standard Reverse Automatic Braking | Not included on XLE; Parking Assist with Automatic Braking is standard on Limited and Platinum |
Make the third row part of the test drive
The Ascent Premium has 31.7 inches of published third-row legroom and 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind that row. Those numbers are useful, but the real test is getting your regular passengers into the back with the second row set where you'd normally keep it. Check the step-in, the path between the captain's chairs and where everyone's knees land.
Bring your stroller, sports bags or travel gear, too. The Highlander's larger maximum cargo figure is measured with both rear rows folded, so it doesn't tell you how much fits when seven people are riding. Try the cargo opening and the space behind the third row in both vehicles. If you need eight seats, an Ascent Premium 8-Passenger and a Highlander XLE with the optional second-row bench are also offered.
AWD is standard in both for 2026
There's an important model-year detail here: the 2026 Highlander now includes AWD throughout its gas and hybrid lineups. You don't need to add it to the XLE we're comparing. The Ascent continues to include Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and X-MODE with Hill Descent Control as standard.
The Ascent's 8.7 inches of ground clearance can be useful on uneven entrances and rutted surfaces. The Highlander gas model also includes Multi-Terrain Select. Neither AWD nor a terrain mode makes a slippery road safe on its own. Appropriate tires, speed and conditions matter, especially during a Chicago-area winter.
Why we'd start with the Subaru Ascent
If a straightforward family setup is your priority, the Ascent Premium gives you some useful equipment right at the starting trim. Its larger standard touchscreen is worth trying with your phone connected, and its water-resistant StarTex upholstery makes sense for a cabin that regularly carries kids, pets and gear.
Standard Reverse Automatic Braking is another reason to look closely at the Ascent. It's designed to help detect certain objects behind the vehicle and apply the brakes when necessary while reversing. The Highlander XLE includes a backup camera and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, but Toyota's Parking Assist with Automatic Braking starts on higher grades. These systems have different capabilities and limitations; none replaces checking your surroundings.
The Highlander still has clear strengths. Its 21 city/28 highway EPA estimates compare with 19/26 for the Ascent Premium, and its extra torque and standard moonroof may matter more to your household. If reducing fuel use is your main goal, consider the separately offered Highlander Hybrid as well, while accounting for its different price, equipment and lower towing limit.
Don't choose a tow vehicle by one number
Both gas models are rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Before choosing either one, check the loaded trailer weight, tongue weight, hitch equipment, trailer-brake requirements and the vehicle's passenger and cargo load. A maximum rating isn't a promise that any 5,000-pound trailer will work with a fully loaded SUV.
On the test drive, compare the CVT in the Ascent with the Highlander's eight-speed automatic on a route similar to your daily driving. Then ask for written quotes with comparable equipment and all applicable charges. Confirm the exact window sticker and current 2026 availability before deciding.
Frequently asked questions
Which 2026 Subaru Ascent and Toyota Highlander trims are compared?
This comparison uses the 2026 Subaru Ascent Premium 7-Passenger and the gas-powered 2026 Toyota Highlander XLE AWD with its standard seven-seat layout. Both have second-row captain's chairs, heated front seats, synthetic upholstery and a power rear gate.
Do both the Subaru Ascent and Toyota Highlander have standard all-wheel drive?
Yes. Every 2026 Subaru Ascent includes Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and all 2026 Toyota Highlander gas and hybrid grades now include all-wheel drive. The Highlander XLE gas model uses mechanical AWD.
Can both of these SUVs tow 5,000 pounds?
Both compared gas-powered configurations have a maximum towing rating of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The actual allowable trailer load depends on passengers, cargo, equipment and weight limits. Follow the specific vehicle's owner's manual. Highlander Hybrid models have a different, lower 3,500-pound maximum rating.
Which has more cargo space with the rear seats folded?
The Toyota Highlander has more manufacturer-published maximum cargo volume: 84.3 cubic feet versus 75.6 cubic feet for the Subaru Ascent Premium without a moonroof. These figures are with the second and third rows folded. Measurement methods can differ, so check your own gear in the actual vehicle.
Does the Subaru Ascent have a larger touchscreen?
The Subaru Ascent Premium has an 11.6-inch standard center touchscreen. The Toyota Highlander XLE has an 8.0-inch standard touchscreen, with a larger 12.3-inch screen available as an option. Both include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid included in the main comparison?
No. The main comparison uses the turbocharged gas Highlander XLE AWD to match the gas-powered Ascent Premium. The Highlander Hybrid is a separate option worth considering if fuel economy is a priority; its powertrain, fuel-economy ratings and towing limit differ.
Take the next step at Subaru Evergreen Park
Let's look at the seating setup and features that matter to your family, then confirm the exact vehicle's equipment and availability. Visit us at 3101 W 95th St in Evergreen Park, or contact our team before you make the trip.
Sources and comparison notes
Reviewed November 10, 2026. U.S. model specifications from the manufacturers:
- Subaru of America, 2026 Ascent specifications, 2026 Ascent brochure and “Subaru Announces Pricing on 2026 Ascent 3-Row SUV.”
- Toyota, 2026 Highlander brochure and “2026 Toyota Highlander Gets Standard All Wheel Drive Across the Lineup” (September 5, 2025).
¹ Cargo figures are manufacturer-published. Maximum volume is with the second and third rows folded. Ascent Premium figures are for the configuration without a moonroof. Measurement methods can differ. Cargo capacity is limited by weight and distribution.
² Maximum towing depends on equipment, configuration and loading. Follow the specific owner's manual, trailer-brake requirements and all applicable weight limits. Highlander Hybrid's maximum rating is 3,500 pounds, not the 5,000-pound gas-model rating.
³ EPA fuel-economy estimates for the compared 2026 U.S. configurations. Actual mileage varies with driving conditions, vehicle condition and other factors.
⁴ EyeSight is a driver-assist feature that may not operate optimally in all weather and road conditions. Drivers always remain responsible for safe and attentive driving. See the owner's manual for system operation and limitations. Blind-spot, rear cross-traffic, automatic braking and other driver-assistance systems are not substitutes for checking your surroundings. AWD and terrain modes do not replace appropriate tires or safe driving.
Specifications, equipment and availability can change. Confirm the window sticker and current manufacturer information for the specific vehicle. This editorial comparison is not a price, financing or availability offer.