2019 Subaru Ascent vs 2019 Toyota 4Runner

2019 Subaru Ascent
2019 Subaru Ascent
$31,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Toyota 4Runner
2019 Toyota 4Runner
$35,310MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Subaru Ascent
$31,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Toyota 4Runner
$35,310MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$31,995

MSRP

$35,310

Listings

633

Listings

971

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.2 out of 10

Pros

  • Standard all-wheel drive

  • Spacious

  • Standard advanced safety features

Cons

  • Cramped third row

Pros

  • Off-road capability

  • Powerful engine

  • Plenty of cargo space

Cons

  • Outdated technology

  • Advanced safety features are not standard

  • Poor fuel economy

2019 Subaru Ascent Reviews Summary

There are certain vehicle types every major automaker needs to offer if they plan to be taken seriously. The largest automakers are able to offer a full spread of vehicles, from sports cars to full-size trucks. Not every automaker will be able to fulfill every vehicle segment, but if you are a growing automaker, offering a 3-row family-hauling SUV is a must.

Because of this, the 3-row segment is getting pretty saturated. From cornerstone vehicles like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, and Ford Explorer to alternatives like the Kia Sorento, Buick Enclave, Chevy Traverse, Dodge Durango, Mazda CX-9, Volkswagen Atlas, and Hyundai Santa Fe, the list of 3-row SUVs seems exhaustive… because it is!

Enter the 2019 Subaru Ascent. Like all the vehicles listed here, it is a midsize SUV capable of seating 7 or 8 passengers, depending on the configuration. It's clearly designed for families, and it begs the question: How does this newcomer stand out in such a crowded space?

2019 Toyota 4Runner Reviews Summary

If you’re in the market for a modern SUV capable of getting off the beaten path, you have only a handful of options. These include the 2- and 4-door Jeep Wranglers, the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, the Land Rover Range Rover, and the Toyota 4Runner. Of those, only the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and the 4Runner are 4-door SUVs that put off-road grit above all else.

While the Jeep Wrangler is only one year removed from a complete redesign that brought in many new technologies, the 2019 Toyota 4Runner is based on a design first introduced in 2009. For those keeping score at home, that means the DNA underpinning the 4Runner is a decade old. Yet picking which vehicle I’d choose as a daily drivable, off-road-capable SUV is a surprisingly difficult decision.

So where does an old goat like the 2019 Toyota 4Runner fit in the modern SUV market? Interestingly, the 4Runner's advanced age actually helps it in some respects.

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.4L 260 hp H4

Engine

4.0L 270 hp V6

Drive Train

AWD

Drive Train

4X2

Seating Capacity

8

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

260 hp @ 5600 rpm

Horsepower

270 hp @ 5600 rpm

MPG City

21

MPG City

17

MPG Highway

27

MPG Highway

21
2019 Subaru Ascent
2019 Subaru Ascent
$31,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Toyota 4Runner
2019 Toyota 4Runner
$35,310MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Subaru Ascent
$31,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Toyota 4Runner
$35,310MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$31,995
$35,310
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.7

4.8

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Read full review

7.2 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Standard all-wheel drive

  • Spacious

  • Standard advanced safety features

Cons

  • Cramped third row

Pros

  • Off-road capability

  • Powerful engine

  • Plenty of cargo space

Cons

  • Outdated technology

  • Advanced safety features are not standard

  • Poor fuel economy

Summary

There are certain vehicle types every major automaker needs to offer if they plan to be taken seriously. The largest automakers are able to offer a full spread of vehicles, from sports cars to full-size trucks. Not every automaker will be able to fulfill every vehicle segment, but if you are a growing automaker, offering a 3-row family-hauling SUV is a must.

Because of this, the 3-row segment is getting pretty saturated. From cornerstone vehicles like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, and Ford Explorer to alternatives like the Kia Sorento, Buick Enclave, Chevy Traverse, Dodge Durango, Mazda CX-9, Volkswagen Atlas, and Hyundai Santa Fe, the list of 3-row SUVs seems exhaustive… because it is!

Enter the 2019 Subaru Ascent. Like all the vehicles listed here, it is a midsize SUV capable of seating 7 or 8 passengers, depending on the configuration. It's clearly designed for families, and it begs the question: How does this newcomer stand out in such a crowded space?

If you’re in the market for a modern SUV capable of getting off the beaten path, you have only a handful of options. These include the 2- and 4-door Jeep Wranglers, the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, the Land Rover Range Rover, and the Toyota 4Runner. Of those, only the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and the 4Runner are 4-door SUVs that put off-road grit above all else.

While the Jeep Wrangler is only one year removed from a complete redesign that brought in many new technologies, the 2019 Toyota 4Runner is based on a design first introduced in 2009. For those keeping score at home, that means the DNA underpinning the 4Runner is a decade old. Yet picking which vehicle I’d choose as a daily drivable, off-road-capable SUV is a surprisingly difficult decision.

So where does an old goat like the 2019 Toyota 4Runner fit in the modern SUV market? Interestingly, the 4Runner's advanced age actually helps it in some respects.

Video

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.4L 260 hp H4
4.0L 270 hp V6
Drive Train
AWD
4X2
Seating Capacity
8
7
Horsepower
260 hp @ 5600 rpm
270 hp @ 5600 rpm
MPG City
21
17
MPG Highway
27
21
Look and feel

2019 Subaru Ascent

8/10

2019 Toyota 4Runner

7/10

The 2019 Subaru Ascent, rated 8 out of 10 by CarGurus experts, offers a spacious and stylish design with a commanding presence, ample cargo and passenger space, and the latest infotainment and driver-assistance technologies. It features a wheelbase of 113.8 inches, making it the largest Subaru passenger vehicle ever built, and provides a comfortable and well-equipped interior across its trim levels.

The 2019 Toyota 4Runner, rated 7 out of 10, boasts a rugged and capable appearance, with a design focused on off-road performance. It offers a more traditional SUV look and feel, with a focus on practicality and proven off-road capabilities.

Picture of 2019 Subaru Ascent
Picture of 2019 Subaru Ascent
Picture of 2019 Subaru Ascent
Picture of 2019 Subaru Ascent
Picture of 2019 Subaru Ascent
Picture of 2019 Subaru Ascent
Picture of 2019 Subaru Ascent
Picture of 2019 Subaru Ascent
Picture of 2019 Subaru Ascent
Performance

2019 Subaru Ascent

7/10

2019 Toyota 4Runner

9/10

CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Subaru Ascent 7 out of 10 for performance, highlighting its turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine, all-wheel drive, and impressive towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. The Ascent provides a smooth and responsive driving experience, making it suitable for both city and highway driving.

The 2019 Toyota 4Runner receives a performance rating of 9 out of 10, emphasizing its proven 4.0-liter V6 engine, off-road capabilities, and towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. The 4Runner delivers a rugged and reliable performance, ideal for off-road enthusiasts and those seeking a traditional SUV driving experience.

Form and function

2019 Subaru Ascent

8/10

2019 Toyota 4Runner

8/10

The 2019 Subaru Ascent, rated 8 out of 10, offers a spacious and versatile interior, with ample legroom and headroom in the first and second rows. It provides impressive cargo space, making it suitable for family trips and daily use.

The 2019 Toyota 4Runner, also rated 8 out of 10, provides a fully enclosed cabin with generous interior space, offering ample head- and legroom for both front and rear passengers. It also boasts substantial cargo space, making it a practical choice for various activities and adventures.

Technology

2019 Subaru Ascent

8/10

2019 Toyota 4Runner

6/10

The 2019 Subaru Ascent, rated 8 out of 10 for technology, comes equipped with Subaru’s StarLink infotainment system, offering user-friendly interfaces, smartphone integration, and optional premium audio and navigation features.

The 2019 Toyota 4Runner, rated 6 out of 10, features a basic yet straightforward infotainment system, lacking modern connectivity options such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, it provides essential features for navigation and smartphone integration.

Safety

2019 Subaru Ascent

9/10

2019 Toyota 4Runner

6/10

CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Subaru Ascent 9 out of 10 for safety, highlighting its comprehensive suite of standard and available safety features, including Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology, ensuring peace of mind for all occupants.

The 2019 Toyota 4Runner receives a safety rating of 6 out of 10, offering standard safety features but lacking advanced driver-assist technologies found in many modern vehicles.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

Based on the ratings and comparisons, the 2019 Subaru Ascent emerges as the more well-rounded and family-friendly choice, offering a spacious and comfortable interior, advanced safety features, and modern technology. It provides a compelling blend of practicality, versatility, and value, making it an ideal option for families and individuals seeking a capable and refined 3-row SUV.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

Based on the ratings and comparisons, the 2019 Subaru Ascent emerges as the more well-rounded and family-friendly choice, offering a spacious and comfortable interior, advanced safety features, and modern technology. It provides a compelling blend of practicality, versatility, and value, making it an ideal option for families and individuals seeking a capable and refined 3-row SUV.

CarGurus logo

By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

Popular vehicle comparisons

2021 Lexus NX vs 2021 Toyota 4Runner2021 Subaru Ascent vs 2022 Toyota Sienna2021 Lexus GX vs 2021 Toyota 4Runner2021 Subaru Ascent vs 2021 Lexus NX2021 MINI Countryman vs 2021 Subaru Ascent2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 Subaru Ascent2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2021 Subaru Ascent2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Subaru Ascent2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2021 Subaru Ascent2021 Subaru Ascent vs 2022 Honda Odyssey2021 Subaru Ascent vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica2021 Buick Enclave vs 2021 Toyota 4Runner2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2021 Toyota 4Runner2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Subaru Ascent2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 Toyota 4Runner2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2022 Toyota Sienna2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Toyota 4Runner2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Toyota 4Runner2021 Subaru Ascent vs 2021 Lexus RX Hybrid2021 Subaru Ascent vs 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport2021 Subaru Ascent vs 2021 Lexus GX2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport2021 Subaru Ascent vs 2021 Buick Enclave2021 Subaru Ascent vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid2021 Volvo XC90 vs 2021 Toyota 4Runner2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2021 Toyota 4Runner2020 Lexus NX vs 2021 Subaru Ascent2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Subaru Ascent2020 Subaru Ascent vs 2021 Nissan Rogue2020 Subaru Ascent vs 2020 MINI Countryman2020 Toyota 4Runner vs 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport2020 MINI Countryman vs 2020 Toyota 4Runner2020 Volvo XC90 vs 2021 Toyota 4Runner2020 Toyota 4Runner vs 2021 Lexus RX Hybrid2020 Buick Enclave vs 2020 Toyota 4Runner2020 Subaru Ascent vs 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2021 Subaru Ascent2020 Acura MDX vs 2021 Toyota 4Runner2020 Lexus GX vs 2021 Toyota 4Runner2020 Subaru Ascent vs 2021 Buick Enclave2020 Subaru Ascent vs 2020 Lexus GX2020 Toyota 4Runner vs 2020 Lexus RX Hybrid2020 Subaru Ascent vs 2020 Lexus RX Hybrid2020 Subaru Ascent vs 2021 MINI Countryman2020 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 Toyota 4Runner2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vs 2020 Toyota 4Runner2020 Subaru Ascent vs 2020 Chrysler Pacifica2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vs 2020 Subaru Ascent2020 Toyota 4Runner vs 2021 Toyota Sienna2020 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 Subaru Ascent2020 Lexus NX vs 2021 Toyota 4Runner2020 Subaru Ascent vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica2020 Dodge Grand Caravan vs 2021 Subaru Ascent2020 Toyota 4Runner vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid2020 Volvo XC90 vs 2020 Toyota 4Runner2020 Toyota 4Runner vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator2020 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2021 Toyota 4Runner2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2020 Toyota 4Runner2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2020 Subaru Ascent2019 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2020 Toyota 4Runner2019 Toyota Sienna vs 2020 Subaru Ascent2019 Dodge Grand Caravan vs 2020 Toyota 4Runner2019 Honda Odyssey vs 2020 Toyota 4Runner2019 Dodge Grand Caravan vs 2020 Subaru Ascent2019 Honda Odyssey vs 2020 Subaru Ascent2019 Toyota Sienna vs 2020 Toyota 4Runner2019 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2020 Subaru Ascent