2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2022 Subaru Outback

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, despite its age, maintained a rugged charm that appealed to those seeking a durable and utilitarian vehicle. Its design, largely unchanged over the years, featured a two-box body with flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches, offering balanced proportions and timeless styling. While not conventionally attractive, the 4Runner's design was practical and functional, akin to a reliable tool that didn't require frequent updates. The interior, though dominated by hard plastic, was easy to clean and in line with the SUV's rugged mission. The dashboard was old-school, with large knobs and buttons, emphasizing simplicity and durability.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness pushed the boundaries of what a station wagon could be, with its increased ground clearance and rugged design elements. It featured aggressive all-terrain tires, oversized fender protection, and restyled bumpers for improved approach and departure angles. The unique grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents added to its distinctive look. Inside, the Outback Wilderness offered a dark gray and black cabin with StarTex water-repellant upholstery, Gunmetal Gray interior trim, and Anodized Copper stitching. The interior was designed for practicality, with waterproof materials and a robust roof rack for outdoor adventures.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. It excelled off-road, thanks to features like A-Trac, a locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select, and Crawl Control. However, on pavement, the 4Runner felt slow and clunky, with heavy steering and brakes. Its body-on-frame construction contributed to its truck-like driving characteristics, which some found charming but others might find cumbersome for daily use. Fuel efficiency was a concern, with an average consumption of 14.0 L/100 km during testing.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. While the engine was strong, the CVT transmission detracted from the driving experience with its droning and soft gear changes. The Outback Wilderness excelled off-road, with its lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, and advanced traction systems. It offered improved approach, breakover, and departure angles, making it the most capable Outback ever. On pavement, it felt quick but was limited by its tires, which were better suited for off-road adventures.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with ample legroom and supportive seats. The back seat provided good visibility, air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports. Cargo space was generous, with up to 2,540 litres available with the rear seats folded down. The 4Runner's high ground clearance could be a challenge for shorter passengers, but it offered an open-air experience with its moonroof and power windows.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The interior offered heated front and rear seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat. Rear seat space was generous, with air conditioning vents and USB ports. Cargo capacity was 920 litres behind the rear seat and 2,144 litres with the seats folded flat. The Outback Wilderness also had a robust roof rack for rooftop camping.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's entry-level Trail grade was light on technology, with a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. The system was user-friendly, with physical buttons and knobs for easy operation. However, advanced features like dynamic navigation and upgraded audio were available only with additional packages.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness boasted an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with integrated climate control. While it had physical knobs for volume and tuning, most functions required the touchscreen. Voice recognition technology was limited, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered better functionality. The Outback Wilderness lacked a premium audio system, which was surprising given its target demographic.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The 4Runner's safety ratings reflected its age, with some concerns in frontal-impact protection.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured the EyeSight suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. It also had steering-responsive LED headlights and a blind-spot warning system. The Outback Wilderness was expected to perform well in crash tests, with the standard Outback earning top safety ratings.