2024 Toyota 4Runner vs 2023 Subaru Forester

The 2023 Subaru Forester, despite its familiar and somewhat plain exterior, offered a practical and functional design. Its Cascade Green Silica paint was reminiscent of many Foresters seen over the years. The SUV came in various trims, with the Touring trim being the most visually appealing due to its 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim. The Forester's design was utilitarian, with robust roof rails capable of supporting a tent, and an interior featuring Saddle Brown leather, metallic accents, and a mix of traditional buttons and knobs for easy control access. The interior was busy but practical, with a focus on functionality over aesthetics.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner retained its classic, boxy shape, which was both a nod to its rugged roots and a sign of its need for a redesign. The TRD Pro model featured flared fenders, underbody skid plates, and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road persona. Inside, the 4Runner's design felt dated, with analog instruments and an eight-inch touchscreen that seemed out of place in a modern vehicle. The interior was filled with hard plastics, but cushioned panels provided some comfort. The 4Runner's design was more about durability and off-road capability than modern aesthetics.

The 2023 Subaru Forester was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that mimicked a traditional automatic. The Forester's SI-Drive system offered a Sport mode, and most trims included an X-Mode off-road traction management system. The Forester Touring, despite its modest power, handled well in various weather conditions, including rain and mud, thanks to its excellent driving dynamics. It returned 25.9 mpg on a test route, slightly below its EPA rating of 29 mpg combined. The Forester's ride was comfortable and communicative, though a turbocharged engine or hybrid option would have been welcome for better performance and efficiency.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4.0-liter V6 engine with 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. While its power figures were competitive, the transmission lagged behind competitors like the Bronco and Wrangler, which offered more gears for better acceleration and fuel economy. The TRD Pro model came with standard four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case. On-road, the 4Runner felt sluggish, with noticeable rear-end squat during acceleration and a loud engine and exhaust. Off-road, it excelled with features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select, but its on-road handling suffered from body roll and floatiness.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, offering features like a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable seats, and heated elements in various trims. Its interior provided excellent visibility, easy entry and exit, and ample legroom and headroom. However, the rear seats lacked support, and the sunroof's tint was insufficient for sunny days. The Forester's cargo space was practical, with 26.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 69.1 cubic feet with them folded, making it suitable for various needs.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's interior felt dated but functional, with easy-to-use controls and excellent visibility. It offered spacious front seats, though taller drivers might find the steering wheel's reach limited. The second row provided ample legroom, but headroom was limited for taller passengers. The 4Runner's cargo space was generous, with 47.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 89.7 cubic feet with them folded. However, accessing the rear seats required some effort, and there was no powered liftgate option. The sliding glass rear window and party speakers were unique features, and the 4Runner could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2023 Subaru Forester's technology appeared outdated but was user-friendly. It featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an 8-inch screen available on higher trims. The infotainment system was easy to use, with separate climate controls and physical knobs. However, the voice-recognition system was unreliable, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable for navigation and other tasks.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's infotainment system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the eight-inch touchscreen was challenging to use while driving. The TRD Pro model came with a 15-speaker JBL audio system, but road noise often overshadowed its quality. The 4Runner featured additional terrain controls in the headliner, but their pictogram labels required consulting the owner's manual for full understanding. Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select were useful for off-roading, but the system lacked some modern off-road apps and gauges.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured the next-generation EyeSight system with improved software and cameras. It included Automatic Emergency Steering on models with blind-spot monitoring, and Rear Automatic Braking on higher trims. The Forester earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with some areas needing improvement. The NHTSA awarded it five stars in crash tests, with a four-star rollover rating.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with four stars from the NHTSA for overall and frontal crash protection, and five stars for side impacts. The IIHS gave it "Good" ratings for some tests, but "Marginal" and "Poor" results in others. The 4Runner included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The TRD Pro and Limited trims offered a surround-view camera system, but the 4Runner's alerts were often oversensitive.