2022 Subaru Forester vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was a standout in the midsize SUV segment, with a design that was anything but boring. Its bold styling featured wide headlights, a long hood, and a trapezoidal grille, giving it a distinctive presence. The character line along the side, reminiscent of the Supra sports car, and Lexus-like taillights added to its appeal. The Highlander XSE trim introduced a sportier look with a restyled front end, 20-inch alloy wheels, and a more aggressive appearance package. Inside, the Limited trim offered a luxurious experience with high-quality materials, including tan leather seats and wood details, making it a comfortable choice for families prioritizing comfort and convenience.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester, particularly in the Wilderness trim, embraced a rugged and practical design. While its exterior might not have been universally appealing, the Forester's functionality shone through. The Wilderness model featured a suspension lift, protective cladding, and a matte-black hood decal, giving it a unique "overlanding" look. Inside, the Forester prioritized function over form, with a cabin that combined hard plastics and soft surfaces. The StarTex simulated leather upholstery was water-repellent, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. The Forester's interior was well-constructed, offering a sense of quality and purpose, even if it appeared somewhat dated.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it offered smooth and predictable performance, whether in front-wheel or all-wheel drive. While not a powerhouse, the Highlander provided adequate acceleration for highway merging and compared favourably with competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. The XSE trim added sportier suspension tuning, enhancing driving excitement without compromising comfort.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. While lacking a turbocharger, the Forester's engine was adequate for most driving situations, though it could feel sluggish at higher altitudes. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive system provided a smooth driving experience, with the Wilderness model offering improved off-the-line torque and increased towing capacity. The Forester's dual-function X-Mode system and re-tuned suspension enhanced its off-road capabilities, making it a compelling choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander excelled in interior space and versatility. It featured a set of shelves ahead of the front seats for convenient storage, while second-row passengers enjoyed ample legroom with available captain's chairs. The third row, though tight for adults, could accommodate them with some compromise. Cargo space was generous, with 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,150 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,245 litres with both rear rows down.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, offering easy entry and exit with tall seating hip points. The Wilderness trim featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery, all-weather floor mats, and a rubber cargo mat, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. The Forester's interior was spacious, with comfortable seating and excellent visibility. Cargo space measured 818 litres without the panoramic sunroof, expanding to 2,101 litres with the rear seats folded, making it one of the roomiest compact SUVs.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander offered an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 12.3-inch screen available on the Platinum trim. Both systems were user-friendly, with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Limited grade and above featured a JBL audio system, though the navigation system struggled with points of interest. The 12.3-inch screen was visually impressive but limited in functionality.

The 2022 Subaru Forester came equipped with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an 8-inch screen available on higher trims. The system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with an optional navigation system and Harman Kardon audio. The Wilderness trim featured a 180-degree forward-view camera, enhancing off-road capabilities. The navigation system was helpful, though a breadcrumb function would have been beneficial.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and more. It received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced EyeSight 4.0, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. It included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Forester also featured a rear-seat reminder, blind-spot monitoring, and rear automatic braking. It earned a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, with expectations of retaining its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.