Lee Brown

Sales Expert • Matthews Subaru

Shopping for a 3-Row SUV in 2027? See How the Subaru Ascent Compares to the Toyota Highlander

Upstate New York families requiring genuine three-row seating frequently begin their research by looking at the Toyota Highlander due to Toyota's long-standing brand reputation. However, when local drivers compare real-world capability, passenger comfort, and winter road manners across Broome and Tioga counties, the Subaru Ascent consistently wins on functional design. With standard full-time Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive across all trims, 19 cup and bottle holders, expansive third-row window glass, and a standard 260-horsepower turbocharged Boxer engine engineered for low-end mountain climbing power, the Ascent is tailor-made for family adventures. Explore our current 2026 models and incoming 2027 allocations in our new Subaru inventory on Vestal Road.

Local Salesperson Perspective

“When families come into our Vestal showroom looking at three-row SUVs, they usually have the Highlander on their list because it's a familiar name. I always tell them to climb into the third row of both vehicles. In the Highlander, adults and teenagers have their knees up in their chest and the side windows are tiny. In the Ascent, you have genuine headroom, large upright windows so nobody gets carsick, and standard all-wheel drive that doesn't cost thousands extra. Plus, with the Matthews OnePrice policy, you know the exact price before you even sit down.”

Lee Brown • Sales Expert • Matthews Subaru (lbrown@matthewsauto.com)

Starting MSRP & Pricing Policy: The Matthews OnePrice Standard

Purchasing a three-row family SUV in the Southern Tier should never turn into an exhausting negotiation. At Matthews Subaru, we follow the Matthews OnePrice policy, ensuring our best price is clearly displayed online and on every window sticker. We do not charge market adjustment fees or dealer markups above MSRP. Families shopping at traditional brand dealerships across Broome or Chemung counties often discover that advertised starting prices exclude all-wheel drive, requiring expensive packages just to prepare the vehicle for regional winters.

Southern Tier Winter Handling: Full-Time Symmetrical AWD vs. Slip-and-Grip

Winter driving conditions in Upstate New York demand steady, continuous four-wheel mechanical traction, especially when carrying seven or eight passengers. Morning commutes on Route 17 or climbing steep residential hills in Binghamton, Endicott, or Johnson City during lake-effect snow squalls require immediate stability.

Every Subaru Ascent comes equipped with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Power routes continuously through a horizontally opposed SUBARU BOXER engine aligned along the vehicle centerline. Mechanical power flows actively to all four wheels at all times. Because all four tires are permanently powered, the Ascent delivers smooth, immediate grip without waiting for front wheels to slip on black ice before transferring torque rearward.

In contrast, base gasoline trims of the Toyota Highlander utilize a front-wheel-drive platform. During typical cruising, 100% of engine power routes exclusively to the front axle. When front sensors detect wheel spin on a slick hill, an electro-mechanical clutch engages to direct power to the rear wheels. This reactive slip-and-grip delay can cause front tire spinning, steering pull, and lost vehicle momentum when starting from a dead stop on an icy Broome County hill.

Additionally, the Ascent includes standard X-MODE with Hill Descent Control. X-MODE optimizes engine output, transmission gearing, and braking algorithms to maximize traction on slippery terrain, allowing the Ascent to crawl steadily down snow-covered driveways without touching the brake pedal.

Interior Space, Third-Row Comfort & Cargo Versatility

Three-row crossovers must accommodate growing families, sports gear, and road trip luggage without making third-row passengers feel cramped. The Ascent is engineered with upright pillars, tall rear glass, and low side sills to give passengers in all three rows an airy, comfortable ride.

With 19 integrated cup and bottle holders, standard three-zone automatic climate control, and wide rear door openings that swing out to 75 degrees, loading child safety seats and sports bags into the Ascent is simple and practical.

Powertrain Performance, Towing & Highway Cruising

When carrying a full load of passengers and cargo across upstate hills, low-end engine torque makes the difference between smooth acceleration and strained revving. The Ascent comes standard with a 2.4-liter turbocharged SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Its horizontally opposed design places the engine weight low in the chassis, reducing body sway during quick lane changes or winding highway ramps.

Active Safety: Subaru EyeSight vs. Toyota Safety Sense

Family vehicles demand reliable active safety technology, but their optical and radar sensors respond differently to harsh winter conditions like freezing rain, road salt spray, and slush.

Every Subaru Ascent features standard Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology with a Wide-Angle Mono Camera. The dual primary stereo cameras are mounted safely inside the cabin behind the sweep of the windshield wipers. This shielded placement protects the lenses from road grime, front-bumper snow buildup, and mud coating. Standard EyeSight includes Pre-Collision Braking, Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, Lane Keep Assist, and Pre-Collision Throttle Management.

The Toyota Highlander employs Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), combining an interior windshield camera with an exterior front grille-mounted radar unit. During heavy Southern Tier snowstorms, wet road slush can pack onto the front grille badge, temporarily disabling radar-reliant functions like adaptive cruise control until the driver clears the sensor manually.

Factory Warranty & Scheduled Maintenance Coverage

Which 3-Row SUV Best Fits Your Family Routine?

The Subaru Ascent Is Built For You If:

• You regularly carry older children, teens, or adults who need legitimate third-row legroom and expansive window visibility.
• You commute on untreated regional roads where standard full-time Symmetrical AWD and 8.7 inches of ground clearance provide peace of mind.
• You want standard 260-horsepower turbocharged climbing power without paying thousands extra for engine upgrades.
• You value convenient family features like 19 cup holders, wide-opening rear doors, and tri-zone climate controls.
• You prefer a straightforward, transparent buying process backed by the Matthews OnePrice policy.

The Toyota Highlander Might Suit You If:

• Your third row is used strictly for small children on rare occasions and you prioritize a sleeker, tapered roofline.
• You primarily drive flat, cleared interstate highways where front-wheel drive is acceptable.
• You prefer a traditional stepped 8-speed automatic transmission over a continuously variable transmission.
• You are willing to spend an extra $1,600 to $1,950 to equip your crossover with all-wheel drive.
• You are comfortable negotiating vehicle pricing and optional dealer add-ons at traditional dealerships.