2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2022 Subaru Ascent

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, despite its age, maintained a rugged charm that appealed to those seeking a durable and utilitarian vehicle. Its design, unchanged for over a decade, still resonated with buyers who appreciated its two-box body, flared fenders, and trapezoidal wheel arches. The 4Runner's interior was straightforward, with hard plastic surfaces and a dashboard featuring large knobs and buttons, emphasizing its practical nature. While it lacked some modern infotainment and safety technologies, the 4Runner's simplicity and durability made it a reliable choice for those who valued function over form.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Ascent offered a more contemporary and sporty appearance, especially with the new Onyx Edition trim. This version featured blacked-out exterior trim, black 20-inch aluminum wheels, and a unique grille design, giving it a distinctive look. Inside, the Ascent's StarTex synthetic leather upholstery and metallic trim created a modern and comfortable environment. However, the StarTex material had a tendency to trap sweat, which could be uncomfortable on hot days. Despite this, the Ascent's interior was well-equipped for family use, with ample storage and thoughtful features like triple-zone climate control and heated seats.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. It excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its A-Trac off-road traction control system and optional features like a locking rear differential and Crawl Control. However, on paved roads, the 4Runner felt slow and cumbersome, with heavy steering and clunky handling. Its fuel consumption was high, averaging 14.0 L/100 km during testing, which limited its range to about 620 kilometres on a full tank.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Its continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel-drive system provided smooth and responsive acceleration. The Ascent's fuel efficiency was better, averaging 11.5 L/100 km. It also offered impressive off-road capabilities with its X-Mode traction control system and 22 centimetres of ground clearance. In urban and suburban settings, the Ascent felt nimble and maneuverable, though its lane-keeping assistance could be intrusive.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with ample legroom and supportive seats. Its cargo capacity was generous, with up to 2,540 litres of space available with the rear seats folded down. The 4Runner's high ground clearance could be a challenge for shorter passengers, but it provided excellent visibility and an open-air experience with its power windows and moonroof.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent could accommodate up to eight passengers, though the third row was best suited for children. Its interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with features like a panoramic sunroof, heated seats, and a wiper de-icer. The Ascent's cargo space was slightly smaller than the 4Runner's, with a maximum of 2,061 litres, but it offered practical storage solutions and easy access to the second row.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's technology was basic, with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While it lacked advanced features, the system was user-friendly, with physical buttons and knobs for easy operation. The 4Runner also offered a 120-volt power outlet in the cargo area and a windshield wiper de-icer.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent featured a more modern infotainment system, with a 6.5-inch or 8-inch touchscreen depending on the trim level. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio, though its voice recognition technology needed improvement. The Ascent's higher trims offered additional features like remote engine starting and a Harman Kardon premium sound system, enhancing its appeal to tech-savvy buyers.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane departure warning. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and had mixed safety ratings, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a "Marginal" rating for small overlap frontal-impact protection from the IIHS.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent received top safety ratings, earning a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA. It came standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist technology, which included adaptive cruise control and lane-centring. While EyeSight had some limitations in certain conditions, the Ascent's overall safety features were comprehensive and effective.