2023 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner retained its rugged, truck-based roots, a nod to its origins in the 1980s SUV craze. Unlike many modern SUVs that evolved into car-based platforms, the 4Runner stayed true to its pickup truck lineage, sharing underpinnings with the Toyota Tacoma. This design choice allowed the 4Runner to maintain its off-road prowess, appealing to those who venture off the beaten path. The 4Runner's high ride height, boxy proportions, and sharply angled front bumper were all designed for tackling obstacles, while the interior, though functional, showed its age with a dash layout reminiscent of the late 2000s.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Outback received a facelift, featuring a new front end with redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark gray vertical cladding. These changes gave the Outback a more aggressive appearance, especially when paired with dark paint colors or the Onyx Edition's black wheels and trim. The Outback's interior, particularly in the Touring trim, was upscale and cohesive, with Java Brown premium Nappa leather upholstery and contrasting stitching. Despite some wind noise on the highway, the Outback's cabin was comfortable and spacious, making it a pleasant place for long journeys.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with a single engine option: a 4.0-liter V6 producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, provided decent acceleration but felt underwhelming in most driving situations. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome on paved roads, with significant body roll and a rough suspension. However, off-road, the 4Runner excelled, with its suspension effortlessly absorbing rocks, bumps, and other obstacles. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models included features like Crawl Control and a locking differential, enhancing their off-road capabilities. The 4Runner could tow up to 5,000 pounds, more than most car-based crossovers.

The 2023 Subaru Outback offered two engine options: a standard 2.5-liter flat-four engine with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The standard engine, while adequate for city driving, struggled with passing and climbing power, and its fuel efficiency was disappointing at 25.6 mpg. The turbocharged engine provided better acceleration and responsiveness, making it a better choice for those needing more power. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that mimicked an eight-speed automatic. The Outback's standard all-wheel-drive system and X-Mode traction system enhanced its off-road capabilities, while its suspension provided a comfortable ride in various driving conditions.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet of cargo space in the two-row version, with 47.2 cubic feet behind the second row. The three-row version had slightly less cargo space, with 88.8 cubic feet maximum and 46.3 cubic feet behind the second row. The third row, optional on select trims, reduced cargo space to just 9 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-open/close rear window, making it easy to stow items in the back. Despite its age, the 4Runner's cabin was functional, though not as spacious or efficient as more modern SUVs.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a robust roof rack, flat door sill trim, and a dashboard storage shelf. The Touring trim offered a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, and heated and ventilated front seats, all wrapped in premium Nappa leather. The rear outboard seats were also heated. The Outback's cargo space measured 32.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 75.6 cubic feet with the back seat folded down. The flat, textured door sills served as steps to reach the roof rack, enhancing the Outback's practicality. However, the Outback could benefit from more practical storage space in the cabin.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth connectivity, Satellite Radio, and multiple USB ports. While the system was straightforward and relied on tactile controls, it lacked advanced features like a head-up display. Optional upgrades included navigation, HD radio, and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system. The infotainment system covered the basics but felt dated compared to more advanced systems on the market.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, except for the Base trim, featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with physical controls for volume, tuning, and climate control. The base model had a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Higher trims offered wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a navigation system, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. The Starlink system, though improved, still had usability issues, and the native voice recognition system was unreliable. Additional technologies included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera, though a surround-view camera was not available.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner included the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assistance features, such as 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, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree parking camera system. The 4Runner earned four out of five stars in frontal and side-impact testing from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and three stars for rollover testing. It had not been evaluated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured Subaru's EyeSight system, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a new Automatic Emergency Steering system. The Outback Limited and Touring offered a third Wide-Angle Mono Camera for better pedestrian and cyclist detection. The Outback earned top marks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, including in the new side-impact crash test. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist systems had a distinctly artificial feel, and the rear automatic braking system was incompatible with some driveways.