2021 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2021 Subaru Outback, redesigned for the 2020 model year, retained a familiar and comfortable feel reminiscent of older Subaru models. Its interior, especially in trims above the base, featured a modern 11.6-inch portrait display surrounded by polished black plastic and chrome trim, offering a fresh look compared to the outdated dashboard of the smaller Crosstrek. The Outback's quality was evident in its substantial window switches, dash padding, and surface materials, with higher trims like the Limited and Touring offering a luxury car impression with two-tone leather upholstery. The Onyx Edition XT, with its water-resistant StarTex upholstery and lime green stitching, added a touch of wildness to the otherwise conservative design. Externally, the Outback's gray cladding and smooth styling gave it a balanced and stable appearance, with adaptive LED headlights becoming standard in 2021.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner maintained its rugged roots, tracing back to the SUV craze of the 1980s. Unlike many modern SUVs that have shifted to car-based platforms, the 4Runner stayed true to its truck-based construction, sharing underpinnings with the Toyota Tacoma. This design choice allowed the 4Runner to cater to a niche market of off-road enthusiasts, with its high ride height, boxy proportions, and sharply angled front bumper emphasizing its adventurous spirit. Inside, the 4Runner's late-2000s dash layout reflected its last full redesign in 2009, prioritizing function over form. The 4Runner offered a range of trims, from the base SR5 to the off-road-focused TRD Pro, each with unique features catering to different driving needs.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's performance was defined by its two engine options. The base model featured a 2.5-liter flat-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This combination struggled to move the Outback's weight, especially when loaded, resulting in slow and noisy acceleration. However, the XT trims offered a significant upgrade with a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, providing a much-needed boost in performance. The turbo engine was quieter, smoother, and more powerful than the older flat-six it replaced. While the turbo XT's fuel economy was slightly lower than the base engine, its improved capability made it a worthwhile investment. The Outback's handling was forgiving, with a comfortable ride and impressive off-road capability thanks to its high ground clearance and proactive all-wheel-drive system.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with a single engine option, a 4.0-liter V6 producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. While reliable, this engine felt underwhelming in most driving situations, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome on paved roads, with noticeable body roll and a rough suspension. However, these characteristics transformed into strengths off-road, where the 4Runner excelled. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models featured advanced off-road technologies like Crawl Control and a locking differential, enhancing their trail capabilities. The 4Runner's towing capacity of 5,000 pounds was modest compared to compact pickups but exceeded most car-based crossovers.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered impressive interior space, with 76 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. Its wide and flat cargo area was free of intrusive elements, providing ample storage. The Outback's cabin was spacious, with excellent headroom and legroom in all seating positions, and superb outward visibility. Storage solutions were abundant, with large map pockets, bottle holders, and handy pockets in the front center console. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were only available on higher trims. The Outback's standout feature was its standard roof rails with integrated crossbars, offering convenience and cost savings.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner provided a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the two-row version, slightly more than the three-row model. With the second-row seats in use, the two-row 4Runner offered 47.2 cubic feet of cargo space. The optional third row reduced maximum cargo space to 88.8 cubic feet, with limited space behind the rear seats. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-operated rear window for easy access. While not the most spacious SUV, the 4Runner offered adequate storage solutions, though it could benefit from more efficient cabin packaging.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system, while functional, appeared dated with graphics reminiscent of older gaming consoles. Despite this, it offered modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, with optional navigation providing a more contemporary look. Subaru EyeSight, standard on all trims, included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. However, the system relied solely on cameras, which could be less effective in certain conditions compared to systems using both cameras and radar.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a straightforward layout and tactile controls, including hard buttons and dials. It supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth connectivity, Satellite Radio, and multiple USB ports. While lacking advanced features like a head-up display, the system covered the tech basics and was user-friendly, especially for those who appreciated the 4Runner's analog driving style. Optional upgrades included navigation, HD radio, and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system.

The 2021 Subaru Outback boasted a strong and stiff chassis, with standard driver and passenger airbags, and a range of driver assistance features available on higher trims. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was optional on Premium trims and standard on higher trims. The Outback earned top safety ratings, including a 2020 IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four stars for the front passenger in a frontal crash and rollover test.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner, despite its age, remained relevant in terms of safety with the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assistance features. Standard features included forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree parking camera system. The 4Runner earned four stars in frontal and side-impact testing from the NHTSA, with three stars for rollover testing.