Compare The Subaru Ascent
vs. Toyota Highlander in Hyannis, MA
If you are in the market for a new three-row SUV near Yarmouth, MA, be sure to check out what's for sale at Copeland Subaru Hyannis. At our dealership, we are excited to bring you the 2026 Subaru Ascent. The latest version of Subaru's largest SUV continues to deliver the capability and dependability you expect from the Subaru brand, coupled with the most spacious interior of any Subaru model. But is it the best three-row, midsize SUV for you? If you are wondering how the Ascent stacks up to the Toyota Highlander, keep reading to learn more.
Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander: Performance
When it comes to overall performance, the Subaru Ascent and Toyota Highlander are similar. The Ascent comes with a 2.4-liter turbocharged Subaru BOXER® four-cylinder engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. The Toyota Highlander gets a 2.4-liter turbocharged I4 engine that generates 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Both vehicles also come standard with all-wheel drive, so either way you can count on great traction on and off the road near Barnstable, MA.
The similarities don't end there, either. The Ascent and Highlander can both tow a maximum of 5,000 pounds. The Ascent has one very slight advantage on the Highlander though: it boasts a standard EPA-estimated fuel economy of 22 MPG, compared to 21 MPG for the Highlander.
Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander: Interior
If you want a midsize SUV that does not skimp on space in Bourne, MA, it's hard to beat the 2026 Subaru Ascent. The Ascent ha 17.8 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the rear seats, and expands to provide 75.6 cubic feet for storage when you fold down the rear two rows of seats. Meanwhile, you will enjoy ample comfort on every drive thanks to 41.2 inches of front head room and 42.2 inches of front leg room. Rear seat passengers also get plenty of space, with 40 inches of head room, 38.6 inches of leg room, and 60.3 inches of shoulder room.
While the Highlander does offer somewhat more maximum storage space than the Ascent (84.3 cubic feet with both rear rows folded down), it has less if you want to use all the seats, with just 16 cubic feet for storage behind the rear row. Additionally, the Highlander has less room for the front and rear passengers. The driver and front passenger get 39.6 inches of head room and 42 inches of leg room, while rear passengers get 39.4 inches of head room, 38.7 inches of leg room, and 58.4 inches of shoulder room.
Subaru Ascent vs Toyota Highlander: Technology
Every Subaru Ascent comes standard with an impressive 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, which provides intuitive control over vehicle settings, navigation, audio, apps, and more. The Highlander comes standard with just an eight-inch touchscreen. While a slightly larger 12.3-inch touchscreen is available, it only comes with the top two trims, so you must pay considerably more to get it.
If you love listening to music as you drive around Cape Cod, then you will want to upgrade your Ascent with the available 14-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system, which provides pristine audio quality. The Toyota Highlander also offers a sound system upgrade, to an available 11-speaker JBL setup.
Test Drive a New 2026 Subaru Ascent Today
You don't just have to take our word for it that the Subaru Ascent is an exceptional three-row SUV. When you make the trip from Mashpee, MA, to Copeland Subaru Hyannis, you can get behind the wheel of a new Ascent on a test drive. To schedule your test drive, contact us today.
-
Copeland Subaru Hyannis
95 Falmouth Rd
Hyannis, MA 02601
- Sales: (508) 893-4825





