2023 Toyota 4Runner vs 2024 Subaru Outback

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner, particularly in its 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE), was a nostalgic nod to the past with its retro body stripes and heritage grille design. This special edition, based on the SR5 trim, added a unique 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 idiot-proof controls that were easy to use even with gloves on. The 4Runner's truck-based SUV stance and purposeful interior design gave it an enduring appeal, reminiscent of the rugged vehicles of the past.

In contrast, the 2024 Subaru Outback maintained its familiar look with a few tweaks, such as a new front fascia and LED fog lights on the Wilderness trim. The Outback Premier XT, with its Autumn Green Metallic colour, was surprisingly appealing. The different trims offered varying levels of black and chrome exterior fittings, with the Premier XT trim featuring tasteful chrome accents. The interior of the top-trim test car was unexpectedly luxurious, with Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery that was both handsome and supple. The Outback's design was more about subtle elegance and comfort, appealing to those who appreciate a refined yet capable vehicle.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 270 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 278 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. 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: a part-time system and a full-time system on the Limited trim. Its fuel economy was rated at 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with our test averaging 13.9 L/100 km. The 4Runner excelled in off-road conditions, with 24.4 centimetres of ground clearance and technologies like Active Traction Control, a locking rear differential, and Multi-Terrain Select. However, on-road performance was less impressive, with leisurely acceleration, heavy steering, and a brake pedal that lacked finesse.

The 2024 Subaru Outback, true to Subaru's style, was equipped with a "Boxer" engine. The base model had a 2.5-litre flat-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The XT trims, including the Wilderness, featured a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, increasing the towing capacity to 1,587 kilograms. The Outback's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Lineartronic CVT provided a smooth driving experience, with the turbo engine managing the vehicle's weight effectively. The Outback offered a comfortable ride, with a suspension system that absorbed bumps well. The Wilderness trim provided additional off-road capabilities with 24.1 centimetres of ground clearance and all-terrain tires.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner offered a unique feature with its rear window that powered down into the tailgate, providing excellent ventilation. The interior was spacious, with comfortable seats and dual-zone climate control. The second-row seating area was roomy, with good legroom and USB charging ports. However, the optional third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space. Without the third row, the 4Runner provided 1,337 litres of cargo space, making it a practical choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2024 Subaru Outback, despite its sleek design, did not compromise on interior space. It offered more headroom and legroom than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The cargo area measured 923 litres with all seats in place and 2,141 litres with the rear seats folded. The Outback came with features like dual-zone climate control, heated seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat. The hands-free power liftgate and power moonroof were standard from the Touring trim, and the raised roof rails with retractable cross bars 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 a navigation system and JBL premium sound. The infotainment system, though dated, was user-friendly, with large knobs and buttons suitable for gloved use. Voice recognition performed well, handling most commands accurately.

The 2024 Subaru Outback offered a mix of old and new technology. The Premier XT trim featured an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The climate controls were integrated into the touchscreen, with hard buttons for essential functions. Bluetooth and SiriusXM were standard, and most trims had a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The Outback also included both USB-C and USB-A ports, catering to various device needs.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense, including 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 across all trims. However, the 4Runner's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Marginal rating from the IIHS for driver protection in the small overlap frontal-impact test.

The 2024 Subaru Outback earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It featured the EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control, automatic pre-collision braking, and lane-keep assist. The Touring trim added reverse automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, and a wide-angle camera for better detection of cyclists and pedestrians. The Premier XT trim included a digital rearview mirror and a driver-attention monitor.