2024 Subaru Ascent vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition, or 40 ASE for short, showcased a unique retro aesthetic based on the SR5 Premium trim. Priced at $4,505 above the standard SR5 Premium, $1,875 went toward its standard four-wheel-drive system. The remaining $2,630 added vibrant retro body stripes, a heritage grille design, 17-inch bronze wheels, and several bronze-themed interior touches, including badges, stitching, and a numbered plaque on the dashboard. This edition was available only in black, white, or red paint with a black artificial leather interior.

The 4Runner lineup included SR5, TRD Sport, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited, and TRD Pro trim levels. Prices ranged from $39,555 to $54,020, plus an additional $1,335 destination charge. Our test vehicle, a 40 ASE, carried an MSRP of $48,455 without any added options.

One of the highlights of the 40 ASE was its nostalgic ‘70s design elements, particularly the yellow, orange, and red stripes paired with bronze wheels. This visual package evoked a strong Southern California vibe. The teenager-driven reaction was aptly summed up with: “This thing looks like it should have a surfboard on it.”

The 4Runner's fifth generation had been around for quite some time, maintaining its classic truck-based SUV appeal with a robust look and stance. Inside, the cabin featured durable materials and straightforward, glove-friendly controls. Despite an abundance of plastic, the interior offered a solid, quality feel.

In contrast, the 2024 Subaru Ascent struggled to win beauty contests. Its design hailing from last year's refresh included visually offensive tusks and a bold spear running across the grille into the headlights, which wasn't universally well-received. The 2024 model lineup remained consistent with Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, Onyx Edition Limited, and Touring trims, with prices ranging from $34,395 to $48,695 (minus a $1,345 destination charge). Our test vehicle, a Touring trim with optional all-weather floor liners, had an MSRP of $50,181, including destination.

Opting for the Ascent Touring over the Ascent Limited brought a panoramic sunroof, premium Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a navigation system, a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, a camera-based rearview mirror, and a surround-view camera. Although functional and practical, the Ascent's modular, snap-together design resembled a giant Lego set, lacking the sophistication some buyers expect.

Powering every 2023 Toyota 4Runner was a robust 4.0-liter V6 engine that produced 270 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 278 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. It connected to a five-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels, or optionally, all four wheels—standard in the 40 ASE trim. With a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, the 4Runner was built for rugged reliability.

The 4Runner offered different 4WD systems: a part-time setup for most trims and a full-time system as an option for the Limited trim. No matter the drivetrain, the fuel economy rating was 17 mpg in combined driving. During our tests, the 40 ASE averaged 16.9 mpg.

Off-road capabilities featured prominently in the 4Runner with its nine-inch ground clearance, Hill-Start Assist Control, Downhill Assist Control, Active Traction Control, and various other technologies like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select. Specific trims enhanced performance in specific scenarios: the TRD Sport and Limited targeted better on-road handling, while the TRD Off-Road trims catered to wheel articulation and high-speed dirt performance.

Our driving in the 4Runner over days of heavy rain showcased its off-road prowess as it navigated thick mud and standing water with ease. However, rear-wheel drive mode in suburban errands required cautious driving due to slippery conditions. The 4Runner proved less agile on winding roads, its heavy and slow steering combined with a somewhat disconnected ride over bumps.

Conversely, the 2024 Subaru Ascent housed a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 277 pound-feet of torque between 2,000 and 4,800 rpm. Its standard all-wheel-drive system with active torque vectoring paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), allowing the Ascent to comfortably tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The Ascent excelled in a variety of driving scenarios. Whether navigating city streets, suburban roads, or rural trails, it proved to be a versatile and comfortable companion. It handled speed humps and off-road terrain with ease and mirrored rally car dynamics on gravel roads. Power delivery was smooth but was ultimately hindered by its weight and suspension tuning on curvy mountain roads.

Fuel economy-wise, the Ascent's official EPA ratings were 19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg in combined driving with 20-inch wheels. However, our test vehicle returned 16.7 mpg in the city and 18.6 mpg overall, which meant frequent gas station stops. Fortunately, its 19.3-gallon fuel tank compensated somewhat by providing a decent range.

One standout feature of the 2023 Toyota 4Runner was its power-operated rear window, which allowed for a unique airflow experience when combined with the sunroof and automatic windows. However, shorter individuals might struggle with ingress and egress due to its height, though the interior seating compensated with comfort—for example, the SofTex artificial leather in the 40 ASE.

Storage solutions were plentiful, though some lacked rubber liners causing items to slide and rattle. The second-row seating offered substantial legroom, headroom, AC vents, and USB charging ports. While the optional third-row seat was available, it was best avoided due to its discomfort, cargo space constraints, and raised load floor.

Without the third-row seat, the 4Runner provided 46.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and up to 89.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, making it a cargo-friendly SUV.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent, designed with function in mind, featured conveniences like a dashboard shelf, large cupholders, and numerous storage options. Upper trims like Touring added premium Nappa leather, heated and ventilated front seats, and overall good leg support. The rear doors opened nearly 90 degrees, convenient for loading children and cargo. Its second-row captain’s chairs, while comfortable, offered less legroom than some competitors. The third-row seating was suitable for adults on short trips and provided adequate leg support, AC vents, and storage.

Cargo space in the Ascent was practical, offering 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 43.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 75.6 cubic feet with all rear seats stowed. These figures slightly reduced with the panoramic sunroof.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a blend of analog and digital interfaces, including traditional gauges and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen. This simplicity complemented the 4Runner’s rugged charm, with large knobs and buttons easily operable even with gloved hands. The infotainment system, while not the most modern, was effective with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Additionally, available upgrades included a navigation system, enhanced connected services, and a JBL premium sound system. Voice recognition was generally reliable, though it showed some limitations.

In contrast, the 2024 Subaru Ascent boasted Subaru's latest Starlink infotainment system with an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. Features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, plus Starlink connected services like a Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, and a Harman Kardon surround-sound system. However, the display visibility suffered in direct sunlight, and the native voice-recognition system was subpar. Practical physical controls for essential functions remained a boon. Upper trims featured additional perks like Cabin Connect for easier driver-passenger communication.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner equipped its Toyota Safety Sense bundle, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and rear-seat reminder. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard across all trims. During testing, adaptive cruise control performed smoothly, although lane-departure warning could become obtrusive.

However, the 4Runner’s crash-test ratings reflected its age. The NHTSA awarded it an overall four-star rating, with three stars for front-passenger protection and rollover resistance. IIHS ratings were incomplete, but the 4Runner received a Marginal rating for driver protection in the small overlap frontal-impact test.

Subaru’s 2024 Ascent embraced safety with standard EyeSight technology, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic reverse braking, and a Driver Focus system with facial recognition.

The Ascent shone in crash tests, earning five-star NHTSA ratings in all but rollover resistance (four stars) and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. However, the latest EyeSight system revealed weaknesses, notably lane-centering assist issues during nuanced driving conditions.