Toyota 4Runner vs Subaru Ascent

The 2024 Subaru Ascent had a design that was somewhat polarizing. Subaru's designers had a history of creating appealing vehicles, only to alter them unfavourably during refreshes. This was evident in the latest Ascent, which had acquired some visually unappealing features, such as tusks and a bold spear running across the grille into the headlights. Despite these design choices, the Ascent remained unchanged in Canada, continuing to offer a range of trims from Convenience to Premier, with prices spanning from $44,674 to $57,674. The Premier trim, which was tested, included premium features like Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and a surround-view camera, making it the most equipped version of the Ascent.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner represented a significant evolution rather than a complete redesign. It retained the horseshoe-shaped grilles from the previous generation but with a more industrial and bulkier personality. The side body panels featured deep beveled creases, blending well with the flared wheel arches, giving the 4Runner a broad-shouldered stance suitable for an off-road SUV. The design paid homage to previous generations, with features like the slanted rearmost window, while maintaining practicality with a sliding rear window for easier cargo access. Inside, the 4Runner shared similarities with the Tacoma pickup truck, featuring a beveled styling motif throughout the cabin. The interior was purposeful, comfortable, and refined for its class, with an abundance of hard plastic for durability and light cushioning for comfort. Overall, the materials quality was superior to that of a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco but not as refined as a Land Rover Defender.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 277 pound-feet of torque between 2,000 and 4,800 rpm. It featured a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that powered all four wheels through a standard all-wheel-drive system with active torque vectoring. The Ascent could tow up to 2,270 kilograms, making it versatile for various driving conditions. It excelled in urban environments, rural roads, and off-road trails, handling speed humps and rutted terrain with ease. The turbocharged engine provided good power, and the CVT mimicked a conventional automatic transmission effectively. However, the Ascent struggled on twisty mountain roads due to its weight and suspension tuning. Fuel economy was another downside, with official ratings of 12.3 L/100 km in the city and 9.4 on the highway, but real-world tests showed higher consumption.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered two engine choices. The standard 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine produced 317 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup promised improved acceleration and fuel economy compared to the previous generation. The Hybrid i-Force Max powertrain, based on the same engine, combined with a 1.87-kWh battery pack and an electric motor, delivered 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. This hybrid variant provided stronger power at lower speeds, ideal for off-roading. The 4Runner's new generation was quieter and more composed on pavement, with improved handling and reduced body roll. It retained its off-road prowess, with various packages offering different levels of capability. The TRD Pro and Trailhunter models were particularly impressive for adventure enthusiasts, with features like a snorkel for added capability.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent prioritized function over form, with features like a dashboard shelf, large cupholders, and backpack pegs for convenience. The Premier trim offered comfortable front seats with premium Nappa leather, though the front passenger seat lacked a height adjuster. The rear doors opened wide, making it easy to load children and cargo. The Ascent's third-row seat was suitable for short trips, with air conditioning vents and storage space. Cargo capacity was impressive, with up to 458 litres behind the third row and a maximum of 2,140 litres with the second-row seats folded.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner was longer than its predecessor, but passenger space gains were minimal. The front seats provided ample room, while the middle row offered adequate legroom and headroom. A third row was available on non-hybrid models but was cramped for adults. The cockpit was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and off-road controls for easy operation. Storage options included slatted pockets, a dashboard tray, and a centre armrest bin. Cargo capacity measured 1,371 litres behind the second row, reduced to 1,206 litres in the Hybrid due to the battery placement. The roof rack could support a static load of 360 kilograms, accommodating overlanding tents.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent featured the Starlink infotainment system with an 11.6-inch touchscreen display. It included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Higher trims offered a navigation system and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. While the features worked well, the display washed out in direct sunlight, and the native voice-recognition system was subpar. Physical buttons and knobs controlled essential functions, and Cabin Connect projected the driver's voice through the speakers for easier communication with passengers.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner boasted an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with an optional 14-inch touchscreen. Both were user-friendly, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A digital instrument panel was standard on Hybrid variants. Off-road models featured external camera views for precise tire placement, and a 14-speaker JBL audio system was available. Remote monitoring and control via a smartphone app, along with a digital key function, added convenience. These tech features marked a significant advancement for the 4Runner.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent was synonymous with safety, featuring a high-strength steel platform and the EyeSight suite of safety features. It received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for rollover resistance, where it earned four stars. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ rating. The EyeSight package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. However, the lane-centring assist technology was criticized for its uncertainty and resistance to driver inputs.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner's crash test results were not yet available, but the Tacoma pickup on which it was based received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. The 4Runner came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including features like frontal collision warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Proactive Driving Assist feature could be intrusive but was disableable. In Canada, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert was standard.