2022 Mercedes-Benz GLA vs. 2022 Jaguar E-Pace
In these modern times, there’s no shortage of great midsize SUVs to choose from. With so many options on the market and different factors to consider, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. This article will compare two popular models in the segment: the 2022 Subaru Ascent and the 2022 Toyota Highlander. We’ll look at Ascent’s performance, safety features, and other important specs before comparing it against its rival from Japan.
Design & Style
- Exterior Design
The Ascent’s exterior design is more modern and less aggressive than its rivals. It has a boxy profile with large wheels, but the body lines give it an elegant appearance. The Highlander’s design is more traditional and conservative, with a long hood and flat windshield. Its grille is shaped like a smile, which adds to its friendly look.
The Ascent’s roofline slopes gently toward its rear end while the Highlander maintains a relatively upright stance. However, both vehicles have similar wheelbase lengths (the distance between the front wheels) at 119 inches each.
- Interior Design
The Ascent’s interior is a bit more like that of a crossover than the Highlander. It has a sleek dashboard and an overall clean appearance, with all the controls placed where you’d expect them to be. However, some materials feel cheap and don’t look or feel up to par with other vehicles in its class.
The Highlander’s interior also feels comfortable and well-built, with soft-touch materials everywhere and simple controls for even basic functions—for example, there are no knobs in sight! It may not have the same premium feeling as some SUVs today, but it does come close.
Technology & Safety
The Ascent comes with a standard 7.0-inch touchscreen and a 12-speaker audio system. That’s in addition to the standard CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB ports.
But there’s more: The Ascent also has a blind spot monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning/prevention, adaptive cruise control with low-speed automatic braking, and lane-centering help when driving solo. It also has something called “driver attention alert,” which will let you know if the car senses that you’re not paying attention while on the road–a nice feature for those prone to letting their minds wander while driving (guilty).
If that weren’t enough tech for you—the Subaru also has standard active torque vectoring all-wheel drive (AWD), hill descent control for when things get slippery down in the valley or on rough terrain; an adaptive suspension; reverse auto braking; 2 USB ports inside upfront plus another 2 in back seats; 8 airbags including a knee airbag for driver; 6 speakers plus a subwoofer and more.
Performance
Both the 2022 Subaru Ascent and the 2022 Toyota Highlander are powered by a 2.4L H-4 Engine. The Subaru’s engine produces 270 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 277 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,000 rpm, while the Toyota’s V-6 engine offers 295 hp and 263 lb.-ft. of torque at 5,600 rpm and 4,700 rpm, respectively.
As expected in this class of SUV, both vehicles sport all-wheel drive (AWD) systems with low-range gearing for off-roading capability when necessary or desired.
The Bottom Line
After weighing all the available facts, we’re confident that the 2022 Subaru Ascent is a better vehicle. It’s more spacious, offers more advanced safety features, and has a lower starting price than its competitor. If you want to spend less on your next family SUV but still get a reliable vehicle with loads of space for your kids and their stuff, then look no further than the Ascent.
Ready to Schedule a 2022 Subaru Ascent Test Drive Today?
At Competition Subaru, we offer a wide variety of Subaru models for you to choose from, including the 2022 Subaru Ascent and we are more than happy to arrange for a test drive so that you can experience the stellar features of this vehicle. Call us today to make an appointment or simply pay us a visit at our showroom today!