2019 Subaru Forester vs 2020 Toyota 4Runner

The 2019 Subaru Forester was slightly larger and wider than its predecessor, resembling a scaled-down version of the Subaru Ascent. This design choice made sense, as the Ascent was previously described as a scaled-up Forester. The Forester's cabin looked modern but prioritized function over aesthetics, ensuring all utility aspects were considered before design choices. Available in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trims, the Forester featured standard LED headlights, symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD), and EyeSight driver-assistance systems across all trims. The base trim was well-equipped with 60/40 split-fold rear seats, dual front USB ports, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen, among other features. Higher trims added more luxurious touches, such as leather upholstery, larger touchscreens, and advanced safety features.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner maintained a timeless design with tall slab sides, a high beltline, and short overhangs, giving it a utilitarian attitude. The flared wheel wells accommodated bulky off-road tires, and the short overhangs allowed the 4Runner to tackle steep pitches and sharp declines. The trim lineup included SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, TRD Pro, and Limited, with the Nightshade and Venture Special Editions adding unique aesthetics and off-road capabilities. Our test model, the Limited trim, aimed at comfort with leather upholstery and an 8-inch touchscreen. Despite its chrome and leather, the 4Runner's utilitarian DNA was evident, with plenty of plastic and a seating position designed for off-road trails rather than highway cruising.

The 2019 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided a smooth ride and a lower center of gravity compared to inline engines. However, the lack of torque made acceleration underwhelming. The Forester came standard with symmetrical AWD and a continuously variable transmission (CVT), designed for efficiency over performance. Subaru's SI-Drive system, standard across all trims, allowed drivers to switch between Intelligent and Sport modes for better throttle response. The X-Mode terrain-management system, available on higher trims, optimized power delivery for various driving conditions. Despite its off-roading capabilities, the Forester offered a smooth ride with minimal body roll and excellent fuel economy, averaging 28.9 mpg in mixed driving conditions.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4-liter V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. This engine was designed for durability and off-road performance rather than fuel efficiency, with an EPA estimate of 16 mpg city, 19 highway, and 17 combined. The 4Runner excelled off-road, thanks to its body-on-frame construction and advanced traction systems like CRAWL control and Multi-Terrain Select. On-road performance was less impressive, with significant body roll and vague steering. The 4Runner's towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds highlighted its utilitarian nature, but its fuel economy and on-road handling left much to be desired.

The 2019 Subaru Forester offered impressive cargo space, with the base trim providing a class-leading 76.1 cubic feet and other trims offering 70.9 cubic feet. The larger wheelbase resulted in more backseat space, and the 8.7 inches of ground clearance made it suitable for dirt and snow. The cabin was designed with a "Function First" philosophy, featuring numerous cubbies, compartments, and bottle holders. The tall greenhouse provided excellent rearward visibility, a rarity among modern crossovers.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner's design prioritized outward visibility, essential for off-roading. The dashboard featured large, chunky knobs for HVAC and stereo controls, and the 8-inch touchscreen was easy to use. The tall seating position and power-retractable running boards made entry and exit easier, though the third-row seats were best suited for short and occasional use. The 4Runner's body-on-frame construction and impressive ground clearance contributed to its commanding driving position and off-road capabilities.

The 2019 Subaru Forester featured the Starlink infotainment system, available with either a 6.5-inch or 8-inch touchscreen. The system was responsive, with high resolution and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Subaru's EyeSight suite of driver-assistance systems included Lead Vehicle Alert, which notified drivers when the vehicle ahead moved away at a stoplight. This feature, along with forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and adaptive headlights, made the Forester a tech-savvy and safe vehicle.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner finally received an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. While Toyota's proprietary system was not difficult to understand, the onboard navigation system was less intuitive than smartphone-based systems. The 4Runner also featured Amazon Alexa compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, and various subscription services. Higher trims offered a JBL stereo and navigation system. However, the 4Runner's technological advancements were more focused on off-road capabilities, with features like CRAWL control and Multi-Terrain Select.

The 2019 Subaru Forester came standard with Subaru's EyeSight suite of driver-assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and adaptive headlights. Lane-keeping Assist provided small steering inputs to keep the vehicle centered in the lane. The Forester also featured a full array of front- and side-impact airbags and a reversing camera, making it a very safe vehicle.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner benefited from Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams. The 4Runner also came equipped with eight standard airbags. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 4Runner four out of five stars overall, but only three out of five in its rollover test. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 4Runner its best score of Good in most crash tests, except for the small overlap front: driver-side test, where it scored a Marginal.