Subaru Ascent vs the Competition

Looking for a rugged, reliable ride than can easily carry your entire family? For too long, you were out of luck. Fortunately, 2019 brings a new model to the Subaru lineup: the 2019 Subaru Ascent. This three-row SUV can seat seven or eight, depending on the configuration, and with its famous Subaru capability, it can handle almost anything you ask of it. While some drivers may be considering the Toyota Highlander or the Honda Pilot, the truth is that the Subaru Ascent is the superior choice by far. Here are just a few reasons why:

Subaru Ascent vs the Toyota Highlander

SUV Performance for Florence Driving

• The 2019 Subaru Ascent is powered by a standard turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces an impressive 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. The standard engine in the 2018 Toyota Highlander is a 2.7-liter four-cylinder, which only generates 185 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Subaru gives you the power you need, right out of the gate.
• The 2019 Subaru Ascent features a standard efficient continuously variable transmission. The 2018 Toyota Highlander has a standard six-speed automatic transmission.
• Like every Subaru model (except for the Subaru BRZ), the 2019 Subaru Ascent comes with standard symmetrical all-wheel drive, which gives drivers extra control and capability on the go. The 2018 Toyota Highlander comes with standard front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive costs extra.

Ascent vs. Highlander: Space & Storage

• Carrying all your cargo is easy in the 2019 Subaru Ascent; it has 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seating, and 86.5 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats down. The 2018 Toyota Highlander only has 13.8 cubic feet of cargo space, and 83.7 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats down.
• The 2019 Subaru Ascent has standard roof rails, making it easier still to haul all of your gear. Roof rails cost extra on the 2018 Toyota Highlander.
• The 2019 Subaru Ascent has an impressive 8.7 inches of ground clearance. You don't need to worry about bottoming out in your Subaru Ascent. The 2018 Toyota Highlander has 8 inches of ground clearance; not bad, but not as good as the Subaru Ascent.
• The 2019 Subaru Ascent has more front headroom and front shoulder room than the 2018 Toyota Highlander, giving a more comfortable drive to taller drivers. It has more rear headroom and rear shoulder room than the 2018 Toyota Highlander as well, making rear passengers more comfortable too.

Interior Features & Technology Comparison

• The standard 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen in the 2019 Subaru Ascent features both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The 2018 Toyota Highlander comes with a standard 6.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, and does not offer Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. In fact, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are not available on any Toyota model!
• The 2019 Subaru Ascent offers an available 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, for you audiophiles out there. The 2018 Toyota Highlander tops out with an available 12 speakers.

Fuel Efficiency and Warranty

• The standard trim level of the 2019 Subaru Ascent has an EPA-estimated 21/27/23 city/highway/combined mpg. The standard trim level of the 2018 Toyota Highlander has an EPA estimated 20/24/22 city/highway/combined mpg.
• The 2019 Subaru Ascent comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile (whichever comes first) roadside assistance plan. The 2018 Toyota Highlander only has a 2-year roadside assistance plan.

Subaru Ascent vs the Honda Pilot

Performance

• Like the 2018 Toyota Highlander, the 2018 Honda Pilot features standard front-wheel drive.
• The 2018 Honda Pilot comes with a standard six-speed automatic transmission, not a continuously variable transmission.
• The 2018 Honda Pilot only has 7.3 inches of ground clearance, over a full inch less than the 2019 Subaru Ascent. You might want to stick to paved roads in your 2018 Honda Pilot.
• The 2018 Honda Pilot has 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space, and 83.9 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats down. That's more than the 2018 Toyota Highlander, but it still can't match the 2019 Subaru Ascent.
• The 2019 Subaru Ascent has more front headroom and front legroom than the 2018 Honda Pilot.
• Roof rails cost extra on the 2018 Honda Pilot.
• The standard trim level of the 2018 Honda Pilot gets an EPA-estimated 19/27/22 city/highway/combined mpg... less than the 2019 Subaru Ascent.

From Entertainment to Safety Features, Subaru Boasts Great Tech

• The 2018 Honda Pilot has a standard 5-inch central display screen, with no touchscreen functionality. A touchscreen is available, as are Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, but they all cost extra.
• The 2019 Subaru Ascent features standard Subaru EyeSight, which adds safety features such as forward collision warning with emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. These features all cost extra on the 2018 Honda Pilot, and are not available on the standard trim level.
• The 2019 Subaru Ascent makes it easy for you to keep all your devices charged on the go, thanks to its standard five USB ports. The 2018 Honda Pilot only has one standard USB port.

Come See for Yourself

Toyota and Honda both put out quality vehicles. However, neither of them can match the 2019 Subaru Ascent. If you're looking for a new family car, the 2019 Subaru Ascent is the clear choice. Come see it for yourself today, right here at Joseph Subaru of Florence. Give us a call at (866) 798-9551, and we'll help you set up a test drive, or come set one up in person here in Florence, KY. We proudly serve drivers from all over the Cincinnati, Covington, and Fort Thomas areas. Let us know what we can do for you today; we can't wait to help you too.