The Subaru Ascent and Toyota Highlander are two popular choices in the mid-size SUV market. Both offer a spacious and comfortable driving experience, but there are some key differences that set the Subaru Ascent apart from the Toyota Highlander. In this article, we will explore the positive benefits of the Subaru Ascent versus the Highlander.

1. Superior Performance
The Subaru Ascent is equipped with a powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This is significantly more powerful than the Highlander's standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 185 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The Ascent also offers a smooth and responsive driving experience, thanks to its standard all-wheel drive system and continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). On the other hand, the Highlander only offers all-wheel drive as an optional upgrade and comes with a traditional six-speed automatic transmission. Overall, the Ascent's superior performance makes it a more enjoyable and capable vehicle to drive.

2. Spacious and Comfortable Interior
When it comes to interior space, the Ascent has a clear advantage over the Highlander. The Ascent offers seating for up to eight passengers, while the Highlander can only accommodate seven. This may not seem like a significant difference, but the third-row seating in the Ascent is more spacious and comfortable, making it an ideal choice for families or those who frequently have passengers. Additionally, the Ascent has more cargo space than the Highlander, with up to 86.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded down.

3. Better Fuel Efficiency
Another positive benefit of the Subaru Ascent is its superior fuel efficiency compared to the Highlander. The Ascent has a fuel economy rating of 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, which is impressive for a three-row SUV. The Highlander, on the other hand, has a fuel economy rating of 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway for its base model, but this decreases with the optional all-wheel drive. Both vehicles have similar fuel tank capacities, but the Ascent's better fuel efficiency translates to more savings at the gas pump in the long run.

4. Standard Safety Features
The Subaru Ascent and Toyota Highlander both come with a suite of advanced safety features, but the Ascent has a slight edge with its standard EyeSight driver assist technology. EyeSight includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and pre-collision braking, which are all designed to keep you safe on the road. In contrast, the Highlander only offers these features as optional upgrades on its base model.

5. More Affordable Pricing
Last but not least, the Subaru Ascent has a more affordable starting price compared to the Toyota Highlander. The base model Ascent starts at $32,295, while the Highlander's base model starts at $34,910. This may not seem like a significant difference, but when you consider the additional features and capabilities that the Ascent offers, it is a better value for the price.

In conclusion, the Subaru Ascent clearly has several positive benefits over the Toyota Highlander. It has a more powerful and efficient engine, a more spacious and comfortable interior, and comes with more standard safety features at a more affordable price. If you are in the market for a mid-size SUV, the Subaru Ascent is definitely worth considering as it offers a well-rounded, practical, and enjoyable driving experience.