2019 Toyota Highlander vs. 2019 Subaru Ascent

Exterior Comparison

The 2019 Toyota Highlander was updated to give you a more inspiring design. On the front end of this vehicle, you have a dynamic front grille that follows into the beautifully sculpted headlights. You also have daytime running lights so that you are better seen. The Highlander also offers you some optional exterior upgrades like black trim, a rear spoiler, and black 19-inch wheels.

The 2019 Subaru Ascent was built with high-strength steel body structure to give you more power and capability. You also have an available panoramic moonroof on the Ascent that is 54 inches so that everyone can enjoy the view. The roof rails also give you an adventurous look and added function with additional storage options.

Interior and Technology

The 2019 Toyota Highlander seats eight people with cloth upholstery on is base configuration. However, you have the option to replace a second-row bench seat with captain's chairs, which would reduce passenger capacity to seven. Also available in the interior are genuine leather seats, heated front seats, heated second row seats, ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.

In terms of cargo space, the Highlander offers you 13.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 42.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and 83.7 cubic feet behind the first row.

The Highlander also offers you some great standard technology features. This SUV gives you a 6.1-inch touchscreen, five USB ports, an infotainment system, and voice recognition standard. You also get standard safety features like a rearview camera and Toyota Safety Sense P. The safety technology available through Safety Sense P includes pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams.

You can upgrade your 2019 Highlander to get additional technology. The available options include an 8-inch touchscreen, a navigation system, a 12-speaker JBL audio system, push-button start, a proximity key, and a rear-seat entertainment system. You can also add safety features like blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera.

In the Subaru Ascent, you can find standard seating for eight people on cloth upholstery. Like the Highlander, you can get captain's chairs in the second row. Other available upgrades include leather upholstery, heated first and second row seats, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and power-adjustable front seats.

Cargo space in the 2019 Ascent is 17.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 47.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 86.5 cubic feet behind the first row.

Technology features that come standard in the Ascent include Bluetooth, four USB ports, a Starlink infotainment system, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. You also get a few standard driver assistance features like a rearview camera, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

The available features on the 2019 Subaru Ascent include a Harman Kardon audio system, an 8-inch touchscreen, a navigation system, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. You also get available safety features including blind spot monitoring, a surround-view camera, and rear cross traffic alert.

Both of these vehicles have a lot going for them in terms of technology and features. They both give you standard connective technology and even some standard safety technology features.

Performance

On the base model of the 2019 Toyota Highlander, you can find a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine is paired to a six-speed automatic transmission, and it gives you 185-horsepower. The fuel efficiency for the base engine is estimated at 20 city and 24 highway miles per gallon.

However, on every Highlander model except the base model, you will find a more powerful engine. The other engine is a 3.5-liter V6 engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine accelerates a bit quicker, and it offers you 295-horsepower. This 3.5-liter V6 engine can also give you 5,000 pounds of towing capacity. For fuel efficiency, the V6 engine gives you 21 city miles per gallon and 27 highway miles per gallon.

As for the 2019 Subaru Ascent, this vehicle has just one engine available. The Ascent is home to a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that is paired with a continuously variable transmission. This turbocharged engine gives you 260-horsepower. You also get an estimated 21 city miles per gallon and 27 highway miles per gallon for fuel efficiency. The final thing to note about the performance of the 2019 Ascent is that this vehicle can tow up to 5,000 pounds when it is properly equipped.

The 2019 Subaru Ascent and 2019 Toyota Highlander have some similar statistics when it comes to performance. Both of these vehicles have a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Also, they both offer you estimated fuel efficiency of 21 city and 27 highway miles per gallon. The 2019 Highlander does offer you more horsepower in its V6 engine, while the Ascent offers you a turbocharged four-cylinder.

Which is Right for You?

This comparison showed you two great SUV options. They both offer you a stylish and capable exterior. The interior of both of these vehicles is brimming with connective technology and safety technology. In terms of performance, these vehicles are also very similar. They both have a 5,000-pound towing capacity and similar fuel efficiency. The 2019 Toyota Highlander does offer you a V6 engine, while the Ascent gives you a four-cylinder.

Also, if you look at price, the 2019 Toyota Highlander has a starting price of $31,530, and the 2019 Subaru Ascent has a starting price of $31,995. This is also very similar, but the Highlander is just slightly more affordable.

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