2022 Subaru Forester vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Subaru Forester, available in various trims including the Wilderness, was known for its practicality and rugged appeal. Prices started at $29,495, with the Premier trim reaching $40,595, plus a $1,800 destination charge. The Wilderness model, priced at $38,995, featured a distinctive white paint and dark grey interior with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather. Despite its homely appearance, the Forester's design emphasized functionality, with a suspension lift and higher ride height providing 22.9 centimetres of ground clearance. The interior, though somewhat dated, combined hard plastic and soft surfaces, offering a quality construction feel. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, though the presence of three display screens was less than ideal.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE) was based on the SR5 trim and added retro body stripes, a heritage grille, and bronze accents for an additional $3,330. The 4Runner lineup included various trims, with prices ranging from $51,050 to $66,220, plus a $1,930 destination charge. The 40 ASE, priced at $54,380, featured a truck-based SUV design reminiscent of the past, with a solid and purposeful interior. Despite the abundance of plastic, the cabin felt of quality, and the controls were easy to use, even with gloves. The retro design elements, such as the yellow, orange, and red stripes, added a nostalgic charm to the vehicle.

The 2022 Subaru Forester was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive, with the Wilderness model offering a 25% increase in initial torque supply. This allowed the Wilderness to double its towing capacity to 1,360 kilograms. The Forester's fuel consumption was rated at 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres, with an observed average of 9.1 L/100 km. The SUV excelled in various environments, including off-road courses, thanks to its dual-function X-Mode system and re-tuned suspension, which improved ride and handling. However, the lack of a turbocharger made the engine feel sluggish at higher altitudes.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4.0-litre V6 engine with 270 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 278 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. It came with a five-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, offering a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The 4Runner's fuel economy was rated at 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres, with an observed average of 13.9 L/100 km. The SUV offered two 4WD systems, with the Limited trim providing a full-time 4WD system. The 4Runner excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to features like Active Traction Control, a locking rear differential, and Crawl Control. However, its on-road performance was less impressive, with leisurely acceleration, heavy steering, and a lack of tire grip.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit due to tall seating hip points. The Wilderness model featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery, all-weather floor mats, and a rubber cargo mat, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. The upgraded roof rails accommodated a dynamic load of 100 kilograms and a static load of 362 kilograms, allowing for a three-person roof tent. The Forester offered comfortable seating, excellent visibility, and decent storage space, with a cargo capacity of 818 litres without the sunroof and 2,101 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner offered a unique feature with its rear window that powered down into the tailgate, providing excellent ventilation. The SUV's interior featured comfortable seats, dual-zone climate control, and numerous storage locations. The second-row seating area was spacious, with good legroom and headroom, while the optional third-row seat was less comfortable and reduced cargo space. The 4Runner's cargo area offered 1,337 litres of space behind the second-row seat, with additional storage cubbies and a 120-volt AC power outlet.

The 2022 Subaru Forester came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen with available navigation and a Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Wilderness model included a 180-degree forward-view camera for off-roading. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the voice recognition system was hit-and-miss.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured traditional analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system used real knobs and buttons, making it easy to use with gloves. Upgrades included a navigation system and a JBL premium sound system. The infotainment system's home screen displayed multiple functions, and the voice recognition performed well, though it struggled with some commands.

The 2022 Subaru Forester debuted the 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 a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. It earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and was expected to retain its "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all trims. The 4Runner received a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with lower ratings for front passenger protection and rollover resistance. The IIHS had not performed a full set of tests on the 4Runner.