2019 Toyota 4Runner vs 2020 Subaru Outback

The 2019 Toyota 4Runner was a rugged SUV that stayed true to its off-road roots. Its design was not just for show; the stubby front and rear ends, large tires, and flared fenders were all functional elements that enhanced its trail capabilities. The 4Runner's style was a product of necessity, with steep approach and departure angles ensuring it could tackle challenging terrains. Despite a refresh in 2015, the 4Runner's interior remained somewhat dated, with basic features like an 8-way power driver’s seat and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The SR5 Premium trim added some modern comforts, but the lack of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto was noticeable.

In contrast, the 2020 Subaru Outback focused on incremental improvements while maintaining its handsome profile. Built on Subaru’s Global Platform, it boasted a 70% increase in structural rigidity. The Outback's interior was where most changes were evident, featuring an 11.6-inch touchscreen on all but the base trim. Subaru introduced innovative tech like DriverFocus, which used facial recognition to adjust settings between drivers. The Outback offered seven trim levels, with the XT trims featuring a more powerful turbocharged engine. Safety was a priority, with features like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking standard across the lineup.

The 2019 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. This setup, though dated, was reliable and allowed the 4Runner to tow up to 5,000 pounds. The TRD Off-Road and Premium trims came with off-road enhancements like a locking rear differential and Toyota's Multi-Terrain Select system. However, the 4Runner's fuel economy was a downside, with 4WD models achieving just 17 mpg city and 20 mpg highway.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter engine with 182 horsepower and a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with 260 horsepower. The turbo engine, available in XT trims, provided a zippier performance, reaching 60 mph in around 7 seconds. Both engines were paired with a CVT, which Subaru tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission. The Outback's symmetrical AWD system ensured consistent power delivery and enhanced safety. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the Outback could handle light off-road conditions, though it wasn't as rugged as the 4Runner.

The 2019 Toyota 4Runner offered a spacious interior with ample head- and legroom, even for taller drivers. Its fully enclosed cabin provided advantages over competitors like the Jeep Wrangler, with nearly 90 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seats were folded. The 4Runner's interior was simple, with a 6.1-inch touchscreen and large knobs that were easy to operate.

The 2020 Subaru Outback, as a station wagon, provided functional benefits with 32.5 cubic feet of trunk space, expanding to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats down. The interior was spacious enough for taller passengers, and Subaru's focus on visibility ensured great sightlines. However, the rear quarters had a blind spot, which could be mitigated with optional blind-spot monitoring.

The 2019 Toyota 4Runner's tech offerings were basic, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SR5 Premium trim featured the Entune system with navigation and Siri Eyes Free, but the overall infotainment experience was dated.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured a large 11.6-inch touchscreen, which was visually appealing but suffered from lag issues. While the layout was generally intuitive, some functions were buried in menus. The camera resolution was also lacking, detracting from the overall tech experience.

The 2019 Toyota 4Runner came with basic safety features like airbags and a reversing camera, but lacked modern driver-assistance technologies. It received a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA, with a 3-star rating in the rollover test.

The 2020 Subaru Outback included a comprehensive safety suite with features like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. However, the DriverFocus system was problematic, often issuing unnecessary alerts. Subaru's EyeSight system, while standard, could be affected by environmental conditions.