2023 Subaru Forester vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner traced its roots back to the SUV craze of the 1980s, a time when robust construction and sharing platforms with pickup trucks defined the segment. While most modern SUVs have diverged to car-based platforms, resembling high-riding wagons, the 4Runner has remained loyal to its rugged origins, retaining its close relationship with the Toyota Tacoma pickup. This steadfast adherence wasn't a matter of stubbornness but a strategic choice by Toyota. With the three-row Highlander fulfilling family-hauling duties, the 4Runner was free to cater to adventurers and off-road enthusiasts.

The 4Runner wore its adventurous spirit prominently. From its high ride height and boxy proportions to the sharply angled front bumper designed for obstacle approaches, functionality defined its form. Inside, this focus on function continued, though it was clear the vehicle hadn't been fully redesigned since 2009. The dash layout exuded an early-2000s aesthetic, a constant reminder of its age.

Trim levels for the 2022 Toyota 4Runner ranged from the base SR5 to the top-tier Limited, with notable editions like Trail Special, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and TRD Pro in between. The SR5 came equipped with push-button start, remote keyless entry, a power-sliding rear window, satellite radio, multiple USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additionally, Toyota Safety Sense P provided a suite of driver assistance features. The 4Runner came standard with two rows of seating, with an optional upgrade to three rows on select trims.

Our experience with the Trail Special Edition showcased features like 17-inch dark gray alloy wheels, a unique monotone paint scheme, a Yakima LoadWarrior cargo basket, and all-weather floor mats, enhanced by the "Lunar Rock" paint option. The TRD Sport, with its 20-inch alloy wheels and X-REAS performance suspension, leaned towards road-oriented capabilities, while the TRD Off-Road prioritized off-road performance with features like a locking rear differential and terrain management system.

The 2023 Subaru Forester, in contrast, had a more subtle appearance that echoed its predecessors from the past two decades. The Cascade Green Silica paint on our test model reinforced its timeless, if somewhat unremarkable, design. Despite this, the 2023 Forester came in a variety of trims, from the Base to the Touring, priced between $26,395 and $36,495, excluding a $1,225 destination charge.

The Touring trim, which we tested, showcased 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim, enhancing its overall aesthetic. Robust roof rails, albeit their practical over aesthetic focus, supported a 700-pound static-weight rating for camping enthusiasts. Inside, Saddle Brown leather, exposed stitching, and metallic accents decorated a cabin that followed traditional Subaru design principles. Amidst the abundant hard plastics, the Forester maintained a clean and functional layout.

The Forester's appearance, though busy, was practical in its use of gray and silver lower body cladding. The interior's reliance on traditional buttons and knobs provided ease of use, a refreshing touch in an era dominated by touchscreens.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came equipped with a single engine option: a 4.0-liter V6 that produced 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. Despite being dated, this engine was chosen for its reliability and decent performance off the line. Paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, it delivered power to either the rear wheels or an available 4WD with a low range.

Driving the 4Runner, especially if accustomed to modern SUVs, felt harsh and cumbersome due to significant body roll and a jolty ride over bumps. Yet, this rugged character resonated with those nostalgic for traditional SUVs, offering a driving experience that required more attention and engagement. The rough ride diminished when off-road, where the 4Runner truly shined. At low speeds, the suspension absorbed rocks, bumps, and trails with ease. Models like the TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road further enhanced off-road performance with features like Crawl Control, a locking differential, and optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System.

In terms of towing, the 4Runner could manage up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped—a modest figure compared to compact pickups but commendable among car-based crossovers.

Contrastingly, the 2023 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. It utilized a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to power all four wheels, simulating an automatic transmission with eight programmed ratios and a Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) system offering a Sport mode to enhance responsiveness.

The Forester, except the Base trim, came equipped with an X-Mode off-road traction management system. Premium trims added normal, snow, and dirt driving modes, while Sport trims included settings for deep snow and mud. The Wilderness trim further excelled in off-road capabilities with various modifications (details available in a separate review).

Our testing of the Forester Touring in diverse weather conditions, including torrential rains and muddy trails in Southern California, demonstrated its competence and confidence in adverse weather. While the engine didn't deliver an exhilarating performance, it felt more spirited in the lighter Forester than the similar Subaru Outback. The Forester's driving dynamics were commendable, blending a comfortable ride with entertaining and reliable handling. The suspension tuning ensured minimal lateral rocking and maintained a firm yet communicative ride.

Despite performing adequately, the Forester's engine lacked the excitement of a turbocharged option, and the fuel economy in real-world testing fell short of EPA ratings. Improving efficiency with a hybrid or plug-in hybrid version would further elevate the Forester's appeal.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum cargo capacity of 89.7 cubic feet in its two-row configuration, slightly more than the three-row model's 88.8 cubic feet. With the second-row seats in use, the two-row variant provided 47.2 cubic feet of cargo space. Opting for the three-row version reduced this to 46.3 cubic feet and a mere 9 cubic feet behind the rear seats. Seating capacity in three-row models extended to seven, available on SR5, SR5 Premium, and Limited trims for an additional $805.

The 4Runner's power rear liftgate was absent, compensated by a power open/close rear window, enhancing convenience. However, the dated cabin design fell short in modern interior packaging and efficiency.

In comparison, the 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, exuding simplicity and substance. The Premium trim provided appealing features like a panoramic glass sunroof, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and heated front seats, while higher trims introduced luxury touches like StarTex artificial leather or perforated genuine leather, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated rear seats.

The Forester excelled in outward visibility, aided by tall glass, thin pillars, and large mirrors, making driving and parking easy. Entry and exit for both front and rear seats were equally effortless. Despite the panoramic sunroof’s insufficient tinting and the rear seats' limited comfort, Forester's practicality shone through.

Cargo-wise, the Forester offered 26.9 cubic feet of space behind the back seat (28.9 cubic feet in Base trim) and 69.1 cubic feet with the seats folded (74.2 cubic feet in Base trim). These figures were average for the compact SUV segment, providing a useful and flexible cargo area with various storage options.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While not cutting-edge, it provided essential functionalities such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth connectivity, Satellite Radio, and multiple USB ports. Navigation, HD radio, and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system were available upgrades.

Though the system lacked the sophistication of modern infotainment setups, its tactile controls and simplicity appealed to those favoring a near-analog driving style. However, features like a head-up display or more advanced tech were missed.

The 2023 Subaru Forester initially seemed dated in technology but offered practical features. The Base trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Premium trims added satellite radio, HD Radio, and Starlink connected services with remote engine starting and Wi-Fi hotspot. An 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and Harman Kardon audio was available in higher trims. Notably absent was a wireless smartphone charger.

The older Subaru Starlink system with physical controls was user-friendly. Climate controls, volume, and tuning knobs were separate, ensuring easy operation. However, the voice-recognition system struggled with accuracy, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable for navigation and commands.

Despite its age, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner remained relevant in safety with the Toyota Safety Sense suite. Standard features included forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. Additional features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system required extra cost.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 4Runner four out of five stars for frontal and side-impact tests, but only three stars for rollover testing. It was yet to be evaluated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for 2022.

The 2023 Subaru Forester introduced the next-generation EyeSight system with improved software and wider camera views. Forester models with blind-spot monitoring included a new Automatic Emergency Steering feature, aiding in avoiding obstacles at speeds under 50 mph. Rear Automatic Braking (RAB) was standard on Wilderness and Touring trims, but its sensitivity required caution.

The Forester's DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System, exclusive to the Touring trim, monitored driver attention and provided gesture controls for climate settings. The EyeSight system performed better in the Forester than in the similar 2023 Outback, offering smoother and more confident operation.

The Forester earned a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS, down from the previous year's Top Safety Pick+ award due to an Acceptable rating in side-impact tests and a Marginal rating in a small-overlap frontal-impact test. NHTSA awarded the Forester five-star ratings in crash tests and a common four-star rating for rollover resistance.