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Is the 2023 Subaru Ascent or the 2023 Toyota Highlander the better 3-Row SUV? According to a new ranking from Consumer Reports (by subscription), when the Subaru Ascent debuted, it took on and outscored the previous generation Toyota Highlander as the best three-row midsized SUV in its tests. But Consumer Reports (CR) says the landscape has changed.
CR says, "The Subaru Ascent and Toyota Highlander provide well-rounded packages that generally satisfy their owners. But they each have strengths and weaknesses that buyers should know about before making their purchase decision."
What does CR say about the Toyota Highlander?
"The fourth-generation Toyota Highlander's incremental changes and marginal gains maintain its status as a smart choice for families. The Highlander Hybrid, which uses a four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, got an astounding 35 mpg overall in our tests with all-wheel drive. That's better than every non-hybrid compact SUV."
CR likes the Highlander's ride quality, ease of entry, comfortable rear seats, and safety technology; both reliability and owner satisfaction are above average.
What CR doesn't like about the Highlander?
CR says the Highlander could be more sporty and handle the road course better. "One of the bigger letdowns is the Toyota Highlander's interior. Outward visibility pales in comparison with the Ascent and its giant greenhouse."
What does CR say about the Subaru Ascent?
In the Subaru, the 2.4-liter engine delivers plenty of power, and its 22 mpg overall is tied with the Highlander (and a few others) for the best among non-hybrid models in this class.
CR likes the Ascent's ride quality and seat comfort, and the third-row seat is slightly bigger than the Highlander's. They also like the Ascent's excellent outward visibility, standard all-wheel-drive system, and EyeSight safety technology.
What CR doesn't like about the Ascent.
CR says the Ascent leans noticeably in corners, with pronounced body roll. "Still, the Ascent managed to go through our avoidance maneuver at 52 mph, two mph faster than either version of the Highlander we tested."
CR says, "Our Limited trim Ascent has some minor cabin flaws. The center console is made of hard, cheap-looking black plastic, and the door pockets have rough, visible mold lines. Plus, the center console is wide and intrudes into the driver's right knee space."
Consumer Reports bottom line.
"The Toyota Highlander (both versions) wins out with a significantly better Overall Score, buoyed by its better-predicted reliability rating.
The Toyota's fuel economy is on par with the Subaru, although the Hybrid's mileage is stellar for many cars, let alone an SUV. Loyal Toyota buyers will feel at home when sliding into the cabin. In short, the Highlander is a family-friendly, though unexciting SUV. Note that historically the Highlander holds its value very well.
The Subaru Ascent has great visibility, a stellar ride, a roomy cabin, and a turbocharged four-cylinder that delivers good fuel economy, acceleration, and passing performance.
Our take
What sets the Ascent family hauler apart from other midsize 3-Row SUVs is its standard all-wheel-drive system that provides all-weather capability, X-Mode for severe weather, and dual-function X-Mode on some trim levels for all-terrain ability. In addition, as with all Subaru SUVs, they are designed for active families needing extra off-pavement capability.
Ascent is the lowest cost to own 3-Row SUV.
In Kelley Blue Book's (KBB) 2023 5-Year Cost to Own cars, trucks, and SUV awards. KBB says the 2023 Ascent is the lowest cost-to-own model in the 3-Row Midsize SUV category.
The Ascent will save families more money. KBB predicted the 2023 Ascent to have a 5-year cost-to-own of $47,833 (including the purchase price), which is $5,087 less than the Three-Row Midsize SUV segment average.
What is the 2023 Ascent pricing?
The 2023 Subaru Ascent base starts at $35,120, and Premium trims begin at $39,180. The Ascent Onyx Edition starts at $42,520, the upper Limited starts at $42,820, the new Ascent Onyx Edition Limited is priced at $47,520, and the top-trim Touring has a starting MSRP of $49,420. Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,225).
Consumer Reports picks the 2023 Toyota Highlander over the 2023 Subaru Ascent because of its better-predicted reliability rating. The 2023 Ascent has improved significantly in reliability. Check the report below.
You Might Also Like: 2023 Subaru Ascent Is Now A Consumer Reports Most-Improved Model In Reliability
Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report, where he covers the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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Photo credit: Subaru, Toyota
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