2023 Subaru Forester vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner, particularly the 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE), was a nod to the past with its retro body stripes and heritage grille design. This special edition, based on the SR5 trim, added a nostalgic flair with bronze 17-inch wheels and badges, and was available in black, white, or red paint. The interior, while filled with plastic, felt solid and of quality, with controls that were easy to use even with gloves on. The 4Runner's truck-based SUV design gave it a rugged and enduring appeal, reminiscent of the 1970s, which was surprisingly cool again.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Forester maintained a more utilitarian appearance, with a design that had remained consistent over the years. The Premier trim, with its satin chrome exterior trim and 18-inch alloy wheels, was the most visually appealing. The Forester's design was functional, with robust roof rails and a high static-weight rating, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. Inside, the Forester Premier featured brown leather and metallic accents, with a layout that emphasized practicality over style. The mix of traditional buttons and knobs made the controls easy to use, despite the busy appearance.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-litre V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. It featured a five-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The 4Runner offered two 4WD systems, with the Limited trim providing a full-time 4WD system. Its fuel economy was rated at 13.8 L/100 km, and it had 24.4 centimetres of ground clearance. Off-road capabilities were enhanced with features like a locking rear differential and Crawl Control. However, on-road performance was less impressive, with slow steering and a heavy feel, making it more suited for off-road adventures.

The 2023 Subaru Forester, equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivered 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. It used a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with eight programmed ratios and featured Subaru's SI-Drive system for a sportier driving experience. The Forester's X-Mode off-road traction control system included settings for Deep Snow and Mud. The Forester Premier, despite its tamer nature, handled adverse weather conditions with ease, providing confidence in challenging environments. Its driving dynamics were commendable, with a comfortable ride and responsive handling, though the engine was merely adequate. The Forester's fuel economy was 9.1 L/100 km, slightly below its official rating.

The Toyota 4Runner's interior was designed for practicality, with a power rear window and sunroof providing excellent ventilation. The seats were comfortable, with SofTex artificial leather in the 40 ASE trim. The second-row offered ample space, but the optional third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo capacity. Without the third-row, the 4Runner provided 1,337 litres of cargo space, making it a spacious midsize SUV. The tailgate's bumper doubled as a seat, adding to its utility.

The Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, with features like a panoramic sunroof and heated seats standard from the Touring trim. The Premier trim offered leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control. Visibility was excellent, thanks to the high seating position and large windows. The Forester's cargo area was well-designed, with 762 litres of space behind the rear seats and 1,957 litres with the seats folded. The power liftgate and hidden storage added to its practicality.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured traditional analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio, with options for navigation and a JBL premium sound system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs and buttons, and the voice recognition performed well, though it had limitations.

The Subaru Forester's technology appeared outdated but was functional. The Base trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a CD player. An 8-inch touchscreen was available, along with a Harman Kardon audio system. The Forester's user interface was simple, with separate climate controls and easy-to-use knobs. However, the voice-recognition system was unreliable, making smartphone integration essential.

The Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. However, its crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a four-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Marginal rating from IIHS.

The Subaru Forester featured the next-generation EyeSight system, with adaptive cruise control and Automatic Emergency Steering. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on most trims. The Forester's safety systems performed well, though the Rear Automatic Braking system could be overly sensitive. It received a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS and five-star ratings from NHTSA.