2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2020 Subaru Outback

Subaru had a winning formula with the Outback and aimed for incremental improvements in 2020. The sixth-gen Outback was built on Subaru’s Global Platform, boasting a 70% increase in structural rigidity. The base 2.5-liter engine, though seemingly unchanged, had 90% new parts and offered 182 horsepower. For those seeking more power, the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine from the Ascent was available in higher trims. Externally, changes were subtle, mainly in the head- and taillights, but the interior saw significant upgrades, including an 11.6-inch touchscreen for most trims and the innovative DriverFocus system.

The 2020 Outback came in seven trims, starting at $26,645 for the 2.5i, which included LED headlights, keyless entry, and automatic climate control. The Premium trim, starting at $28,895, introduced the 11.6-inch touchscreen and additional features like dual-zone climate control and heated front seats. Higher trims like the Limited and Touring offered more luxury and tech, with the Onyx Edition XT adding off-road capabilities. The top-tier Touring XT, priced at $39,695, included the turbo engine and premium features.

Toyota last redesigned the 4Runner 12 years ago, and while it received updates over the years, the core design remained largely unchanged. The 4Runner's design, with its two-box body and flared fenders, aged well, maintaining balanced proportions and undeniable utility. The 4Runner was offered in SR5, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro trims, with special editions like the Trail Special Edition, which we tested. Priced at $38,565 for the RWD model, the Trail Special Edition included features like a Yakima RoadWarrior rooftop cargo basket and a custom-made 40-quart cooler.

Inside, the 4Runner Trail Special Edition featured black cloth upholstery with tan stitching, all-weather floor mats, and a sliding rear cargo tray. The interior was dominated by hard plastic, which, while not luxurious, was easy to clean and in line with the 4Runner's rugged mission. The dashboard was old-school, with big knobs and buttons, and the 4Runner required a traditional key to start. These qualities endeared the 4Runner to its owners, representing a simple, durable vehicle that could last for decades.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an upgraded 2.5-liter engine with 182 horsepower, a 7-hp increase over 2019, and improved fuel efficiency at 26 mpg city and 33 highway. For those needing more power, the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine in the XT trims produced 260 hp and 277 pound-feet of torque, enabling a 0-60 mph time of around 7 seconds. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission, minimizing the typical CVT drawbacks.

Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) system was a standout feature, providing consistent power delivery and better handling due to the boxer engine's low center of gravity. The Outback also offered off-road capabilities with 8.7 inches of ground clearance and upgraded X-Mode on the Onyx XT, making it capable of handling various terrains, though not as extreme as a Jeep.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine, produced 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. The 4Runner's off-road prowess was highlighted by its A-Trac system, which helped navigate challenging terrains like the Frame Twister at Hungry Valley. The TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trims added features like a locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select, and Crawl Control for enhanced off-road capabilities.

On-road, the 4Runner felt slow, heavy, and clunky, with truck-like driving characteristics that could be charming or cumbersome, depending on the driver. Fuel efficiency was a downside, with an EPA rating of 17 mpg combined and an average of 16.8 mpg during testing, giving it a range of about 385 miles with its 23-gallon fuel tank.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered significant functional benefits with 32.5 cubic feet of trunk space, expandable to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The interior was spacious, with ample legroom and headroom, even for taller passengers. Visibility was excellent, though the rear quarters had a notable blind spot. The low load height and lower center of gravity compared to SUVs contributed to better handling and safety.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner sat high off the ground, which could be challenging for shorter passengers without running boards. Once inside, the 4Runner provided comfortable seating with good support and ample legroom in the back. The sliding cargo deck, capable of holding 440 pounds, was a useful feature, though it reduced cargo volume. The 4Runner offered up to 47.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 89.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded, complemented by a large roof rack for additional storage.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which was visually impressive but suffered from lag and buried climate-control functions. The system included Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, but the lag in navigation and other functions was a significant drawback. Camera resolution was also subpar, detracting from the overall experience.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner Trail Special Edition came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. The premium audio upgrade added dynamic navigation and voice recognition, enhancing the system's functionality. Physical buttons and knobs made the system easy to use, even with gloves, and the software was effective, though the screen size was smaller compared to the Outback.

The 2020 Subaru Outback included a comprehensive safety suite with features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. However, the DriverFocus system, designed to alert distracted drivers, was problematic, frequently issuing false alerts. Subaru's EyeSight system, while standard, could be obstructed by weather conditions, causing it to turn off unexpectedly.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from NHTSA and a "Marginal" rating for small overlap frontal-impact protection from IIHS, reflecting its older design.