The Subaru Ascent received a face-lift for 2023 along with a few safety features and multimedia upgrades, and it also got a new Onix Edition Limited trim. The Ascent is a three-row SUV that sold an average of 63,769 units over the past three years Stateside. This mid-life update came just as Toyota is bringing up what is shaping up to be the new benchmark in the midsize SUV segment, the Toyota Grand Highlander. And by the looks of it, the Ascent could be in trouble.
The Grand Highlander will offer more legroom in the third row, a solution that is so obvious, and yet, so overlooked by the industry. But The Ascent has a few cards up its sleeve to face this upcoming match. It is Subaru’s biggest SUV and can seat either seven or eight people depending on the trim selected even though the ones in the third row might not be as comfortable as if they were on the Grand Highlander.
Two Mainstream Three Row SUVs From Subaru And Toyota Clash
The 2023 Subaru Ascent has redesigned front and rear elements. It also features Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology with a newly added wide-angle camera. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all trims. The Ascent is available in six different trims (a new Onyx Edition Limted trim) and starts at a base MSRP of $33,895, which puts it at an advantage versus the Toyota Grand Highlander, estimated to arrive with a base MSRP of around $43,000.
The Ascent features Subaru’s standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive on all six trims, while all-wheel drive on the Grand Highlander won’t be available as standard on all trims. Subaru’s pedigree in rally allowed them to develop a great and reliable all-wheel drive system. According to Subaru, it constantly evaluates acceleration, braking, and cornering in all sorts of terrain to continuously deliver power to all four wheels. Toyota is no stranger to all-wheel drive systems either, but Subaru might have the upper hand here, especially considering its availability on all trims.
The Toyota Grand Highlander will come with three different powertrains, with the standard one being similar in spec to the only powertrain offered on the Subaru Ascent. It’s a 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine that outputs 265 horsepower and is available in the standard Toyota Highlander.
The other two powertrains featured on the Grand Highlander are a hybrid, 2.5 liter, four-cylinder with two electric motors for a total combined output of 243 horsepower, and a top spec hybird-max model combining the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 362 horsepower. The most frugal of the bunch will be the 2.5-liter Hybrid with up to 34 combined mpg. Towing is rated between 3,500 to 5,000 pounds.
The Ascent’s only engine is also a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, but in typical Subaru fashion, it’s a boxer configuration, and it makes 260 horsepower, roughly the same as the Toyota. Regardless of the trim you choose, the Ascent can haul 5,000 pounds with a 19 City / 25 highway and combined 21 mpg.
The Main Difference Between the Ascent And The Grand Highlander Is The Transmission
A fundamental difference in the powertrains from both Subaru and Toyota is in the transmission. Subaru uses its standard Lineartronic CVT transmission while Toyota uses a more traditional eight-speed automatic. CVTs are hard to beat when it comes to efficiency. Subaru claims the Ascent’s highway driving range can be as high as 500 miles.
Irrespective of that, the Grand Highlander 2.5 hybrid gets better mileage than Subaru’s ICE-only spec. Also, the CVT is not everyone’s cup of tea and most people would likely prefer an eight-speed automatic transmission from Toyota. Subaru’s CVT transmission does have an 8-speed manual mode though, to give the driver more control if he chooses to.
Ascent Offers Value, The Grand Highlander, Flair And Status
The Grand Highlander is built on Toyota’s TNGA-K platform and is being marketed as having a spacious, adult-size, third-row. This is where it will differ from most of its three-row competitors. In its roomy interior drivers will find the standard 12.3-inch multimedia display and a configurable center console that can fit a tablet once the internal tray is removed.
Subaru’s Ascent on the other hand, while not having a spacious third row, does have an interesting feature made specifically for it. In trims equipped with the Harman Kardon QuantumLogic surround sound speaker system, the driver’s voice is connected to speakers in the third row so that passengers in the back can hear the driver easily. But for 2023, the Ascent gets 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system with Subaru Starlink as Standard. Also new is the Surround View Camera with available 360-degree overhead view.
The Ascent also features steering responsive LED headlights with high beam assist, seat belt reminder for all seats, and a tri-zone air-conditioner. The Grand Highlander doesn’t lack amenities either. The entry-level trim will have heated front seats, window shades in the second row, and a wireless charging pad for smartphones. Driver aids are also present in the Toyota with a blind spot monitor, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and like the Ascent, high beam assist.
The Ascent’s six trims MSRP goes from $33,895 to $48,195 which is the price of the Touring trim, while the Grand Highlander trims are estimated to go from $43,000 up to $56,000. The Subaru is in its mid-life, with plenty of miles to put under its belt still. It offers good value for the money, especially in the entry trims.
Alternatively, the Grand Highlander is a brand new product with a third row that is actually usable, packed with amenities and safety features, and the Toyota brand name is renowned for its reliability. Subaru, however, doesn’t seem to be lacking in this department as it claims 96 percent of Subaru vehicles sold in the last 10 years are still on the road today, which is more than Toyota and Honda, according to Subaru.