2021 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2021 Subaru Outback, redesigned for the 2020 model year, retained a familiar and comfortable feel reminiscent of older Subaru models. Its interior, especially in trims above the base, featured a modern 11.6-inch portrait display surrounded by polished black plastic and chrome trim, offering a fresh look compared to the outdated dashboard of the smaller Crosstrek. The Outback's quality was evident in its substantial window switches, dash padding, and surface materials. The Outdoor XT trim, with its water-resistant synthetic upholstery and lime green contrast stitching, added a touch of wildness to the otherwise refined interior. Externally, the Outback's styling was smooth and plain, with gray cladding on its wheel arches and bumpers, and a few chrome flourishes. The 2021 model introduced a new brown paint option and standard adaptive LED headlights, maintaining its lifted wagon appearance.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner maintained its rugged roots, tracing back to the SUV craze of the 1980s. It stayed true to its pickup truck underpinnings, unlike many modern SUVs that evolved into car-based platforms. The 4Runner's design emphasized adventure, with a high ride height, boxy proportions, and a sharply angled front bumper. Inside, the 4Runner's dash layout was reminiscent of the late 2000s, reflecting its last full redesign in 2009. The Canadian models included Trail and SR5 trims, with various TRD and Limited packages. Standard features on the Trail trim included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, push-button start, and a power-sliding rear window. The 4Runner's off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like a locking rear differential and crawl control, especially in the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro models.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's base engine, a 2.5-litre boxer flat-four, produced 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. Despite its direct injection, the engine struggled to move the vehicle efficiently, especially when loaded with passengers and cargo. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) further hampered performance, making the Outback feel slow and noisy. However, the XT trims offered a turbocharged 2.4-litre flat-four engine with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, significantly improving performance and refinement. The turbo engine's fuel efficiency was slightly lower than the base engine, but the trade-off was worthwhile for the added power. The Outback's handling was forgiving, with a comfortable ride and excellent off-road capabilities, thanks to its high ground clearance and proactive all-wheel-drive system.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with a single engine option, a 4.0-litre V6 producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. While reliable, the engine felt underwhelming in most driving situations, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome on paved roads, with noticeable body roll and jostling over bumps. However, off-road, the 4Runner excelled, with its suspension absorbing rough terrain effortlessly. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models featured additional off-road enhancements like crawl control and a locking differential. The 4Runner's towing capacity was up to 2,268 kilograms, surpassing most car-based crossovers.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered impressive interior space, with 2,144 litres of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded and 920 litres with them raised. The cargo area was wide and flat, free of intrusive wheel arches. The Outback provided ample headroom and legroom, with comfortable seating and excellent outward visibility. Storage options were plentiful, with large map pockets, bottle holders, and handy pockets in the front centre console. However, some features like push-button start and rear console climate vents were only available on higher trims. The Outback's standout feature was its standard roof rails with integrated crossbars, allowing for easy installation of a roof rack.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum of 2,540 litres of cargo capacity in the two-row version, with 1,337 litres behind the second row. The three-row model reduced maximum cargo space to 2,514 litres, with 1,311 litres behind the second row and 254 litres behind the rear seats. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-open/close rear window for convenient access. While the cabin packaging was not as efficient as more modern SUVs, the 4Runner provided adequate space for passengers and gear.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system, while functional, appeared dated with graphics reminiscent of older gaming consoles. The system included standard features like SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Subaru EyeSight, standard on all trims, offered adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. However, the system relied solely on forward-looking cameras, which could be impeded in certain conditions.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system's straightforward layout included hard buttons and dials, making it user-friendly, especially for those wearing gloves. While lacking advanced features like a head-up display, the 4Runner's infotainment system covered the basics and complemented its analog driving style.

The 2021 Subaru Outback boasted a strong and stiff chassis, with standard driver and passenger airbags. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking were available on higher trims. The Outback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for the front passenger in a frontal crash and rollover test.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner included the Toyota Safety Sense suite, featuring forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. The 4Runner earned four stars in frontal and side-impact testing from the NHTSA, with three stars for rollover testing. It was backed by a five-year/100,000-kilometre powertrain warranty.