2022 Subaru Ascent vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Subaru Ascent introduced a new Onyx Edition trim level, which featured a blacked-out exterior trim, black 20-inch aluminum wheels, a unique grille design, and special interior trim. This trim level aimed to give the Ascent a sporty appearance that it previously lacked. The interior of the Onyx Edition came with StarTex synthetic leather upholstery in a gray two-tone scheme with light gray stitching, which was preferable to an all-black interior. However, the StarTex material had a tendency to trap sweat, making it uncomfortable on hot days. The Ascent Onyx Edition was priced at $37,995, with an additional $2,000 for an option package that included a panoramic moonroof, a navigation system, and a cargo cover.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE) was based on the SR5 Premium trim level and added $4,505 to its price. This special edition featured retro body stripes, a heritage grille design, bronze 17-inch wheels, and bronze badges both inside and out. The 40 ASE was available in black, white, or red paint with a black artificial leather interior. The 4Runner lineup included various trims, with prices ranging from $39,555 to $54,020, plus a $1,335 destination charge. The 40 ASE had a strong retro vibe, with yellow, orange, and red stripes, and bronze wheels that gave it a distinctive look. The interior was functional, with plenty of plastic but solid and of quality, and the controls were easy to use even with gloves on.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It came with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard. The Ascent with 20-inch wheels had an EPA fuel economy rating of 22 mpg combined, and during testing, it averaged 20.5 mpg. The engine's flat-four layout contributed to a lower center of gravity, improving handling. The CVT featured eight programmed ratios and manual shift control, allowing for brisk acceleration and commendable passing power. The Ascent could tow up to 5,000 pounds and had Subaru’s X-Mode off-road traction control system, hill descent control, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner had a 4.0-liter V6 engine that generated 270 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 278 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. It came with a five-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, with optional 4WD systems. The 4Runner had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and an EPA fuel economy rating of 17 mpg combined, averaging 16.9 mpg during testing. The 4Runner offered a minimum of nine inches of ground clearance, Hill-Start Assist Control, and additional off-roading technologies like locking differentials, Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select. The TRD Sport and Limited trims had suspensions designed for on-road performance, while the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trims were tuned for off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent could carry up to eight people with a second-row bench seat, but the third row was best suited for children. The Ascent Onyx Edition featured water-resistant seat material, triple-zone climate control, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, and a wiper de-icer. Loading the second-row seat was easy due to wide rear doors, and captain’s chairs were available. The Ascent provided 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 47.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 86.5 cubic feet with both rows folded down.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner had a power-down rear window, providing excellent flow-through ventilation. The 40 ASE test vehicle had SofTex artificial leather and heated front seats. The second-row seating area was roomy with good legroom, headroom, air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports. The optional third-row seat was uncomfortable and took up cargo space. The 4Runner’s cargo area had several storage cubbies, a 120-volt AC power outlet, and an optional sliding floor. Without the third-row seat, the 4Runner offered 46.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet behind the front seats.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent came with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, satellite radio, and a CD player. The Premium trim added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services, including a WiFi hotspot and remote engine starting. The system’s voice recognition technology needed improvement, and the Onyx Edition’s standard stereo speakers lacked sonic quality. The Touring trim level included a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree-view front camera.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner had traditional analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Upgrades included a navigation system, additional connected services, and a JBL premium sound system. The infotainment system’s home screen displayed multiple functions simultaneously, and the voice recognition performed well, handling most commands accurately.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating for rollover resistance. The Ascent came with Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance tech, including adaptive cruise control with lane-centering technology. However, EyeSight’s performance was affected by direct sunlight, and the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology lacked refinement. Additional safety features included steering responsive LED headlights, automatic high-beam assist, and available blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and a rear-seat reminder system. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all trims. The adaptive cruise control performed well, but the lane-departure warning could be irritating. The 4Runner received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with three-star ratings for front passenger protection and rollover resistance. The IIHS gave the 4Runner a Marginal rating for driver protection in the small overlap frontal-impact test.