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When it comes to family-friendly SUVs, two models that often come to mind are the Subaru Ascent and the Toyota Highlander. Both these vehicles have gained popularity in the market for their spacious interiors, dependable performance, and advanced safety features. However, when it comes to overall benefits, the Subaru Ascent stands out for its unique features and capabilities that set it apart from the Toyota Highlander. In this article, we will be discussing the positive benefits of the Subaru Ascent over the Toyota Highlander.

1. Superb Performance and Handling
The Subaru Ascent comes with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers an impressive 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This powerful engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru's signature symmetrical all-wheel drive system, providing excellent performance and handling on various road conditions. On the other hand, the Toyota Highlander comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, giving it a slight edge in horsepower, but it lacks the grip and control of the Ascent's all-wheel drive system.

2. Adaptable Seating and Cargo Space
One of the standout features of the Subaru Ascent is its adaptable seating and cargo space. It can comfortably seat up to eight passengers, with the option to choose a second-row bench or captain's chairs. The third-row also offers plenty of legroom, making it suitable for adults as well. In contrast, the Toyota Highlander can only accommodate up to seven passengers and has limited legroom in the third-row. Additionally, the Ascent's 60/40 split-folding second and third-row seats allow for various cargo configurations, providing up to 86.5 cubic feet of cargo space, which is more than what the Highlander offers.

3. Advanced Safety Features
Both the Subaru Ascent and Toyota Highlander come with a suite of advanced safety features, but the Ascent takes it a step further. The Ascent comes standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver assist technology, which includes features like adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane keep assist. It also offers available features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking. The Highlander, on the other hand, offers these features as well, but they are not all standard and may come at an additional cost.

4. Affordability
The Subaru Ascent is not only more affordable, with a starting price of around $10,000 less than the Toyota Highlander, but it also offers more features and capabilities for the price. The Ascent comes standard with all-wheel drive, while the Highlander only offers it as an upgrade. Additionally, the Ascent's fuel efficiency is noteworthy, with an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The Highlander, on the other hand, has an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

5. Excellent Warranty Coverage
Subaru has gained a reputation for its exceptional warranty coverage, and the Ascent is no exception. It comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. It also offers a 5-year/ unlimited-mileage corrosion warranty, which is a rare feature in the industry. In comparison, the Toyota Highlander has a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, but it does not offer a corrosion warranty.

In conclusion, while both the Subaru Ascent and Toyota Highlander are excellent choices for a family-friendly SUV, the Ascent stands out with its exceptional performance, adaptable seating and cargo space, advanced safety features, affordability, and excellent warranty coverage. Its unique features and capabilities make it a top contender in the SUV market and a worthy competitor to the Highlander. So, if you're in the market for a reliable and versatile SUV for your family, the Subaru Ascent may just be the perfect fit for you.