DecodedCarsSubaru Ascent vs Toyota Land Cruiser
2026 Subaru Ascent vs 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser — two standard SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Toyota Land Cruiser is more fuel-efficient: 23 vs 22 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $500 a year less in fuel for the Subaru Ascent (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
Across all model years since 2005, the Subaru Ascent has had fewer recall campaigns (13 vs 18).
The two cars
The 2026 Subaru Ascent is a standard SUV offered with a 2.4L 4-cyl turbo engine and all-wheel drive. It measures about 197 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,420 lb (Convenience 4dr SUV).
The 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser is a standard SUV offered with a 2.4L 4-cyl turbo engine, including a hybrid version and 4-wheel drive. It measures about 197 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,038 lb.
Buying used? The 2024 Ascent and the 2020 Land Cruiser have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2019 Ascent and the 2024 Land Cruiser.
| 2026 Subaru Ascent | 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser | |
|---|---|---|
| Class | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Engines | 2.4L 4-cyl turbo | 2.4L 4-cyl turbo |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive | 4-Wheel Drive |
| NHTSA overall | Not rated | Not rated |
| Best combined MPG | 22 MPG | 23 MPG |
| City / highway MPG (best) | 19 city | 22 city |
| Fuel cost per year (EPA) | $3,050 | $3,550 |
| Horsepower (most powerful) | 260 hp | 278 hp |
| Seats (most) | 8 | 5 |
| Driver-assist features standard | 14 | 12 |
| Length | 196.9 in | 196.5 in |
| Width | 71.7 in | 78 in |
| Height | 76 in | 76 in |
| Curb weight (lightest) | 4,420 lb | 5,038 lb |
| Recalls (2026) | 1 | 1 |
| Recalls, all years since 2005 | 13 | 18 |
| Owner complaints (latest year) | 3 | 7 |
| Wikipedia views, 30 days | 4,331 | 61,214 |
| Best used year | 2024 | 2020 |
| Year to avoid | 2019 | 2024 |
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Subaru Ascent if…
- You need more seats (8 vs 5)
- You want more standard driver-assist tech
- You put reliability history first (13 vs 18 recalls since 2005)
Choose the Toyota Land Cruiser if…
- You want a hybrid or electric option
Pros & cons of each
2026 Subaru Ascent
- Seats up to 83 rows of seating.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
2026 Toyota Land Cruiser
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 23 MPG combined — 15% better than the average 2026 standard SUV (20 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Full 2026 Subaru Ascent specs →Full 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →