What To Know
- The Ascent offers heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium sound system.
- Safety is paramount when choosing a family vehicle, and both the Toyota Sienna and Subaru Ascent shine in this department.
- Fuel efficiency is a critical factor for many families, and both the Sienna and Ascent offer decent fuel economy.
Choosing the right family vehicle is a big decision. You need something spacious, reliable, and safe, but also comfortable and enjoyable to drive. Two popular contenders in the minivan/SUV segment are the Toyota Sienna and the Subaru Ascent. Both offer a lot to families, but which one comes out on top? Let’s dive into a head-to-head comparison to help you make the best choice for your family.
Performance and Handling: A Tale of Two Drivetrains
The Toyota Sienna and Subaru Ascent offer distinct driving experiences. The Sienna, powered by a 245-horsepower V6 engine, delivers smooth and responsive acceleration. While not a sports car, it handles confidently on the road. Its front-wheel drive system provides adequate traction in most conditions, with all-wheel drive available as an option.
The Subaru Ascent, on the other hand, leans towards a more rugged character. Its 260-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine provides ample power, especially when coupled with its standard all-wheel drive system. This setup makes it a more capable choice for tackling snowy roads or light off-road adventures.
While the Ascent offers more power, the Sienna’s V6 engine provides a smoother and quieter ride. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your priorities. If you prioritize smooth acceleration and fuel efficiency, the Sienna might be a better fit. If you want more power and the added security of all-wheel drive, the Ascent could be the winner.
Interior Space and Comfort: A Battle of Versatility
Both the Sienna and Ascent excel in offering spacious and comfortable interiors. The Sienna, with its minivan configuration, provides ample room for passengers and cargo. Its sliding doors make it a breeze to load and unload kids and gear. The second and third rows offer generous legroom and headroom, even for taller adults.
The Ascent, while technically an SUV, offers a surprising amount of interior space. Its three rows of seats can accommodate up to eight passengers, and its cargo area is generous enough for luggage, strollers, and other family essentials. While the second and third rows might not be quite as spacious as the Sienna’s, they still offer comfortable seating for most passengers.
Both vehicles offer a wide array of features to enhance comfort and convenience. The Sienna boasts a versatile seating arrangement, including captain’s chairs and a fold-flat third row. The Ascent offers heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium sound system. The winner in this category depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Safety Features: Peace of Mind for Your Family
Safety is paramount when choosing a family vehicle, and both the Toyota Sienna and Subaru Ascent shine in this department. Both vehicles come standard with a robust suite of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring.
The Sienna goes a step further by offering an optional “Toyota Safety Sense 2.0” suite, which includes features like lane tracing assist, road sign assist, and pedestrian detection. The Ascent also offers a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Subaru’s “EyeSight” driver-assist system, which includes features like lane keep assist, pre-collision braking, and automatic emergency steering.
Ultimately, both vehicles offer excellent safety features. The specific features and their effectiveness may vary slightly, so it’s crucial to research and compare them thoroughly.
Fuel Efficiency: A Tight Race for the Greenest Family Hauler
Fuel efficiency is a critical factor for many families, and both the Sienna and Ascent offer decent fuel economy. The Sienna, with its V6 engine, achieves a combined EPA rating of 36 mpg. The Ascent, with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine, achieves a combined EPA rating of 28 mpg.
While the Sienna boasts a higher fuel economy rating, the Ascent’s all-wheel drive system might offset this advantage in certain driving conditions. Ultimately, the choice depends on your typical driving habits and fuel prices in your region.
Technology and Infotainment: Staying Connected on the Road
Both the Sienna and Ascent offer modern infotainment systems that keep you connected while on the road. The Sienna features a standard 9-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. It also offers optional features like a wireless charging pad and a premium JBL sound system.
The Ascent boasts a standard 11.6-inch touchscreen display that is user-friendly and responsive. It also offers features like a Wi-Fi hotspot, a premium Harman Kardon sound system, and a suite of driver-assist technologies.
Both vehicles offer a variety of technology features to enhance the driving experience. The choice between the two depends on your preferences in terms of screen size, connectivity features, and sound quality.
Reliability and Resale Value: A Reputation for Durability
Toyota and Subaru are known for their reliable vehicles, and both the Sienna and Ascent live up to this reputation. The Sienna has a long history of dependability and consistently ranks high in reliability surveys. The Ascent, while newer, has also earned praise for its reliability and durability.
Both vehicles offer excellent resale value, thanks to their reputation for quality and longevity. The Sienna, with its established reputation and high demand, generally retains its value better than the Ascent. However, the Ascent’s increasing popularity and robust features could lead to strong resale value in the future.
Choosing the Right Family Hauler for You
The Toyota Sienna and Subaru Ascent are both excellent family vehicles that offer a lot to families. The Sienna excels in fuel efficiency, interior space, and reliability. The Ascent stands out with its all-wheel drive system, powerful engine, and comprehensive safety features.
Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you prioritize fuel efficiency, interior space, and reliability, the Toyota Sienna might be the better choice. If you want more power, all-wheel drive, and a more rugged driving experience, the Subaru Ascent could be the winner.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Ride, It’s a Family Experience
Choosing a family vehicle is about more than just transportation. It’s about creating memories, sharing adventures, and ensuring the safety and comfort of your loved ones. Both the Toyota Sienna and Subaru Ascent excel in these areas, offering a blend of practicality, performance, and technology.
Ultimately, the best way to make the right decision is to test drive both vehicles and see which one best fits your family’s lifestyle and needs.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: What is the starting price for the Toyota Sienna and Subaru Ascent?
A: The starting price for the Toyota Sienna is around $36,000, while the starting price for the Subaru Ascent is around $33,000.
Q: Which vehicle offers better fuel economy?
A: The Toyota Sienna offers better fuel economy with a combined EPA rating of 36 mpg, compared to the Subaru Ascent‘s combined EPA rating of 28 mpg.
Q: Which vehicle has more cargo space?
A: The Toyota Sienna offers more cargo space due to its minivan configuration, while the Subaru Ascent offers a respectable amount of cargo space for an SUV.
Q: Which vehicle is better for off-road driving?
A: The Subaru Ascent, with its standard all-wheel drive system and higher ground clearance, is better suited for light off-road driving than the Toyota Sienna.
Q: Which vehicle is more reliable?
A: Both the Toyota Sienna and Subaru Ascent are known for their reliability, but the Sienna has a longer history of dependability and consistently ranks high in reliability surveys.
