2023 Toyota 4Runner vs 2024 Subaru Outback

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition, or 40 ASE, was based on the SR5 Premium trim level and added a distinctive flair with retro body stripes, a heritage grille, and bronze accents. This special edition 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 destination charge. The 40 ASE had a strong Southern California vibe, reminiscent of the 1970s, with its groovy stripes and bronze wheels. Its truck-based SUV design gave it an enduring appeal, and the interior, though filled with plastic, felt solid and of quality. The controls were straightforward and easy to use, even with gloves on.

The 2024 Subaru Outback maintained its familiar look, with the Wilderness trim receiving a new front fascia and LED fog lights. The Outback Touring XT tester featured an appealing Autumn Green Metallic color, contrasting nicely with dark gray cladding. The Outback trims varied in black and chrome exterior fittings, with tasteful chrome on the Touring trim. Wheel sizes and designs differed by trim, with the Wilderness trim getting matte black wheels. The interior of the top-trim test car was impressive, with Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery providing a luxurious feel. The Outback offered a range of seating materials across trims, from cloth to synthetic leather, catering to different preferences.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and had a fuel economy rating of 17 mpg combined. The 4Runner featured two 4WD systems, with the Limited trim offering a full-time 4WD option. It boasted off-roading capabilities with technologies like Hill-Start Assist Control, Downhill Assist Control, and Active Traction Control. The TRD trims provided specific ride and handling enhancements for off-road performance. Despite its off-road prowess, the 4Runner's on-road performance was less impressive, with leisurely acceleration, heavy steering, and a lack of tire grip on dry roads.

The 2024 Subaru Outback was powered by a "Boxer" engine, with the base model featuring a 2.5-liter flat-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The XT trims, including the Wilderness, were equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, increasing the towing capacity to 3,500 pounds. The Outback came standard with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a Lineartronic CVT. The turbo powertrain provided a better fit for the vehicle's weight, and the CVT mimicked the feel of eight distinct gears. The Outback offered a comfortable ride, with a well-engineered suspension and adequate steering feel. The Wilderness trim increased ground clearance to 9.2 inches and included all-terrain tires and advanced X-Mode for off-road adventures.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a unique power-down back window, providing excellent ventilation when combined with the sunroof and other windows. The interior offered comfortable seats, with the 40 ASE trim using SofTex artificial leather and heated front cushions. Storage locations were plentiful but lacked rubber liners, causing items to slide and rattle. The second-row seating was spacious, with good legroom and USB charging ports. A third-row seat was available but compromised cargo space and comfort. The cargo area offered 46.3 cubic feet of space behind the second row, expandable to 89.7 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2024 Subaru Outback provided ample interior space despite its sleek design. It offered more headroom and legroom than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The cargo area measured 32.6 cubic feet with all seats in place and 75.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Outback featured dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat starting from the Premium trim. Higher trims offered additional features like heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a hands-free power liftgate. The Outback's raised roof rails with retractable cross bars added practicality for outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner had a straightforward technology setup, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio, with available upgrades like a navigation system and JBL premium sound. The voice recognition system performed well, though it had limitations with certain commands. The infotainment system's home screen displayed multiple functions simultaneously, a feature not found in newer Toyota models.

The 2024 Subaru Outback offered a mix of old-school and modern technology. The top-trim Touring featured an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen, while the base trim retained a dual-7-inch-screen system. The Starlink multimedia platform included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, with wireless capability starting from the Premium trim. The climate controls were integrated into the touchscreen, with hard buttons for defoggers and temperature adjustments. Wi-Fi capability was available on all but the base trim, and most trims featured a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

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

The 2024 Subaru Outback earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It featured the EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency steering. Reverse automatic braking became standard from the Onyx trim, and the Touring trim added a wide-angle camera, digital rearview mirror, and driver-attention monitor. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on the Onyx Edition.