2022 Subaru Forester vs 2021 Toyota 4Runner

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, despite its age, maintained a rugged and utilitarian design that appealed to those seeking a durable and reliable SUV. Its exterior, characterized by a two-box body with flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches, exuded timeless styling and balanced proportions. While the 4Runner's appearance was not conventionally attractive, it was functional and practical, much like a well-crafted tool. The interior, though dominated by hard plastic, was easy to clean and in line with the SUV's mission. The dashboard featured large knobs and buttons, offering a straightforward and old-school experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester, particularly in the Wilderness trim, embraced a more rugged and adventurous look. The Wilderness model featured a suspension lift, higher ride height, and extensive protective cladding, giving it a distinctive appearance. Inside, the Forester prioritized function over form, with a cabin that combined hard plastic and soft surfaces to create a sense of quality and purpose. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system, with its physical knobs and buttons, provided an intuitive user experience. The Forester's design, while not immediately appealing, was well-suited for those seeking a practical and capable SUV.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 278 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. This powertrain, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, delivered a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds). Off-road, the 4Runner excelled, thanks to features like A-Trac, a locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select, and Crawl Control. However, on pavement, the 4Runner felt slow, heavy, and clunky, with steering and braking that required effort. Fuel consumption was high, averaging 14.0 L/100 km during testing.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, generating 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. The Forester's continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive system provided a smooth driving experience, with the Wilderness model offering improved off-the-line torque. The Forester's towing capacity doubled to 1,360 kilograms (3,000 pounds) in the Wilderness trim. Fuel efficiency was commendable, averaging 9.1 L/100 km. The Forester's driving dynamics were pleasing, though it lacked the power of a turbocharged engine.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with ample legroom and support in both the front and rear seats. The SUV's high ground clearance could pose a challenge for shorter passengers, but once inside, the 4Runner provided a comfortable ride. Cargo space was generous, with up to 1,337 litres behind the rear seats and 2,540 litres with the seats folded down. The 4Runner's interior storage was decent, and the back bumper served as a convenient seating area.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit thanks to tall seating hip points. The Wilderness trim featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery and all-weather floor mats, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. The Forester's interior was comfortable, with excellent visibility and rear air conditioning vents. Cargo space measured 818 litres without the panoramic sunroof and 762 litres with it, expanding to 2,101 litres with the rear seats folded down. The Forester's roof rails accommodated a three-person roof tent, enhancing its versatility.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's entry-level Trail grade offered basic technology features, including an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system was user-friendly, with physical buttons and knobs for easy operation. Upgraded audio systems were available with additional packages, enhancing the infotainment experience.

The 2022 Subaru Forester came equipped with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the base trim, featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. Higher trims, including the Wilderness, offered an 8-inch screen with available navigation and a Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Forester Wilderness also included a 180-degree forward-view camera, useful for off-roading. The infotainment system was intuitive, though a breadcrumb function for navigation would have been beneficial.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner featured Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The 4Runner received 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 Forester introduced the next-generation EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. Standard features included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. The Forester also offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rear automatic braking system. The NHTSA awarded the Forester a 5-star overall crash-test rating, and it was expected to retain the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" rating.