Suv vs. minivan: subaru ascent vs. sienna – which is the better choice for your family?

When it comes to choosing the perfect family vehicle, the Subaru Ascent and Toyota Sienna stand out as top contenders. Both offer spacious interiors, advanced safety features, and impressive performance. But which one is the right choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between these two SUVs to help you make an informed decision.

Performance and Fuel Efficiency

The Subaru Ascent is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that provides smooth and responsive acceleration. The Ascent also comes standard with all-wheel drive, making it an excellent choice for families who enjoy outdoor adventures or live in areas with inclement weather.

The Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, offers two powertrain options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 194 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 296 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Sienna is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the Subaru Ascent has a slight edge over the Toyota Sienna. The Ascent gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, while the Sienna gets 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway with the four-cylinder engine, and 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway with the V6 engine.

Interior Space and Comfort

Both the Subaru Ascent and Toyota Sienna offer spacious interiors with ample seating for up to eight passengers. The Ascent has a slightly larger interior volume than the Sienna, with 153.5 cubic feet of passenger space compared to 150.5 cubic feet in the Sienna.

The Ascent features comfortable and supportive seats in both the front and back rows. The second row of seats can be adjusted fore and aft to accommodate different passenger sizes, and the third row of seats offers enough legroom for adults. The Sienna also has comfortable seats, but the second row is not as adjustable as the Ascent’s. The third row of seats in the Sienna is also a bit cramped, especially for taller passengers.

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority for both Subaru and Toyota, and both the Ascent and Sienna come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features. These features include:

• Automatic emergency braking
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane departure warning
• Blind spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert

The Ascent also offers a few additional safety features that are not available on the Sienna, such as:

• Reverse automatic braking
• Driver monitoring system
• Front and rear side curtain airbags

Technology and Infotainment

The Subaru Ascent and Toyota Sienna both offer advanced infotainment systems with large touchscreens and smartphone integration. The Ascent’s infotainment system is user-friendly and responsive, with a clear and intuitive interface. It also comes with a variety of standard features, such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The Sienna’s infotainment system is also easy to use, but it is not as feature-rich as the Ascent’s system. It does come standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but it does not offer a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Reliability and Resale Value

Both the Subaru Ascent and Toyota Sienna have a reputation for reliability and durability. The Ascent has been rated as one of the most reliable SUVs by Consumer Reports, while the Sienna has consistently ranked among the top minivans in the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study.

In terms of resale value, the Toyota Sienna is a better choice than the Subaru Ascent. The Sienna has a higher resale value than the Ascent, which means that you will get more money back when you sell it.

Which Vehicle Is Right for You?

The Subaru Ascent and Toyota Sienna are both excellent choices for families who need a spacious and versatile vehicle. The Ascent offers better performance and fuel efficiency, while the Sienna has a slightly more comfortable interior and a higher resale value. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Final Thoughts

Whether you choose the Subaru Ascent or the Toyota Sienna, you can be confident that you are getting a safe, reliable, and family-friendly vehicle. Both SUVs offer a comfortable and spacious interior, advanced safety features, and a variety of technology and infotainment options. Take the time to test drive both vehicles and see which one is the right fit for you and your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which vehicle has more horsepower?
The Subaru Ascent has more horsepower than the Toyota Sienna, with 260 horsepower compared to 194 horsepower for the four-cylinder engine and 296 horsepower for the V6 engine.

2. Which vehicle has a larger interior?
The Subaru Ascent has a slightly larger interior than the Toyota Sienna, with 153.5 cubic feet of passenger space compared to 150.5 cubic feet in the Sienna.

3. Which vehicle has a higher resale value?
The Toyota Sienna has a higher resale value than the Subaru Ascent.

4. Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient?
The Subaru Ascent is more fuel-efficient than the Toyota Sienna, with an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway compared to 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway for the Sienna with the four-cylinder engine, and 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway for the Sienna with the V6 engine.

5. Which vehicle has a better safety rating?
Both the Subaru Ascent and Toyota Sienna have excellent safety ratings. The Ascent has been rated as one of the most reliable SUVs by Consumer Reports, while the Sienna has consistently ranked among the top minivans in the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study.