2020 Toyota 4Runner vs 2021 Subaru Forester

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was characterized by its tall slab sides, high beltline, and short overhangs, contributing to its timeless design. Its utilitarian attitude was reminiscent of an XJ Jeep Cherokee, with flared wheel wells designed to accommodate off-road tires and short overhangs for tackling steep terrains. The hood scoop, a visual cue for the TRD trim, was one of the few non-functional elements. The front end featured small, angular headlights, with grille accents varying by trim. The Limited trim, aimed at comfort, featured leather upholstery and an 8-inch touchscreen, though it retained a utilitarian feel with plenty of plastic and a seating position more suited for trails than highways.

The 2021 Subaru Forester, despite a redesign in 2019, maintained a styling that appeared older due to its carryover design. Its boxy, upright shape appealed to SUV shoppers, with the Base trim looking plain but clean. The Forester Sport model added orange striping, a rear spoiler, and black alloy wheels, enhancing its appearance. Built on the Subaru Global Platform, it shared underpinnings with other Subaru models, maintaining a rugged SUV image. The interior was practical, with materials designed to withstand wear, and the Sport trim added orange accents. Cloth upholstery was standard on lower trims, with leather available on higher trims.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. This setup allowed for a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, though it was not fuel-efficient, with an EPA estimate of 16 mpg city and 19 highway. The 4Runner excelled off-road, with body-on-frame construction and advanced traction systems like CRAWL control and Multi-Terrain Select. The full-time 4WD system on the Limited trim was better for maintaining progress, while the part-time system on TRD models handled more challenging terrains.

The 2021 Subaru Forester came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, connected to a CVT. It had a 1,500-pound towing capacity and standard AWD with X-Mode for different surfaces. The Forester's power felt adequate but lacked thrust for highway merging. Its suspension was softly sprung, resulting in poor body control and a bouncy ride. The Forester's AWD system was more sophisticated than competitors, with Dual X-Mode on Sport models and standard hill-descent control on higher trims, offering 8.7 inches of ground clearance for better handling on rough surfaces.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner offered good outward visibility and a tidy turning radius of 18 feet, 7 inches. Inside, it featured large knobs for controls and an 8-inch touchscreen. The tall seating position was aided by power-retractable running boards on the Limited trim. The 4Runner offered an optional third row, but the seats were narrow and lacked legroom, suitable only for short use.

The 2021 Subaru Forester provided above-average headroom and legroom, with a tall roofline enhancing visibility. It offered 35.4 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats up and 76.1 cubic feet with them down. The Forester lacked a sliding second-row bench but had an optional power liftgate. The interior featured large knobs for controls, but the phone-storage cubby was small, and wireless charging was unavailable. A power-adjustable driver’s seat was standard only on higher trims.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner included an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, but the onboard navigation was less efficient than smartphone apps. The 4Runner also offered Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth, and various subscription services. Despite updates, it lagged behind competitors in features and usability, with advanced features focused on the powertrain.

The 2021 Subaru Forester's Starlink infotainment system featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen, with an 8-inch screen on Sport models. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. The system was easy to use, though slow to boot. Additional screens displayed secondary information, but the setup felt complex. Higher trims added navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and a pre-collision system. It had eight airbags and received four stars from NHTSA, with a Marginal score in one IIHS test. The adaptive cruise control worked well, but the lane-departure alert was less effective due to the high center of gravity.

The 2021 Subaru Forester excelled in safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and five stars from NHTSA. It featured EyeSight, with adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The Forester also offered a driver-monitoring system and optional features like blind-spot monitoring. EyeSight's lane-centering was jerky, but the system was comprehensive.