2025 Toyota 4Runner vs 2024 Subaru Outback

The 2024 Subaru Outback maintained much of its aesthetic from the previous year, with the Wilderness trim receiving a refreshed front fascia and LED fog lights. The dark gray cladding provided a striking contrast to the Autumn Green Metallic paint of the Touring XT model, which was described as a "green-tinged dark khaki." The Outback's exterior varied across trims, with different levels of black and chrome fittings, and wheel designs ranging from black 17-inch alloys to machine-finished 18s. Inside, the top-trim Touring XT impressed with its Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery, offering a level of luxury unexpected from Subaru. Other trims featured a mix of leather and synthetic materials, with cloth seats on the base and Premium trims.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner, in its sixth generation, evolved its design rather than reinventing it. The exterior retained the horseshoe-shaped grilles but adopted a bulkier, industrial look. Deep beveled creases on the side panels and flared wheel arches contributed to a broad-shouldered stance. The design paid homage to earlier models, notably with the slanted rearmost window reminiscent of the first-gen 4Runner. Inside, the cabin mirrored the Toyota Tacoma, with a beveled styling motif and a mix of hard plastics and light cushioning. The materials were more refined than those in a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, though not as luxurious as a Land Rover Defender.

The 2024 Subaru Outback was powered by a "Boxer" horizontally opposed engine, with a standard 2.5-liter flat-four producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The XT trims, including the Wilderness, featured a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 3,500 lbs. The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Lineartronic CVT were standard, with the CVT mimicking eight distinct gears. The turbo engine provided a better fit for the vehicle's weight, and the suspension contributed to a comfortable ride. Ground clearance was 8.7 inches, with the Wilderness trim offering 9.2 inches and all-terrain tires.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered two engine choices. The base was a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 317 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive optional. The i-Force Max Hybrid powertrain combined the four-cylinder engine with a 1.87-kWh battery and electric motor, producing 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid provided stronger power at lower speeds, beneficial for off-roading. The 4Runner was quieter inside and more composed on pavement, with improved handling and reduced body roll. Off-road capabilities remained strong, with nine trims offering varying levels of prowess.

The 2024 Subaru Outback offered ample interior space despite its sleek design. It provided more headroom up front than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, and competitive legroom in both rows. Cargo space was 32.6 cubic feet with seats up and 75.6 cubic feet with seats down. Features included dual-zone climate control, heated front seats from the Premium trim, and a heated steering wheel starting with the Onyx Edition. The hands-free power liftgate was optional on the Premium trim and standard on higher trims, with roof rails and retractable cross bars standard.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner was five inches longer than its predecessor, with a slightly longer wheelbase. Front seats offered ample space, but the middle row was less accommodating. Third-row seating was available on non-hybrid models but was cramped. The cockpit was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and grouped off-road controls. Storage included door pockets, a dashboard tray, and a center armrest bin. Cargo capacity was 44.8 cubic feet, reduced to 42.6 cubic feet in the hybrid due to battery placement. A sturdy roof rack supported up to 800 pounds.

The 2024 Subaru Outback featured a mix of old-school and modern tech. The Touring trim included a CD player, while USB-C and USB-A ports were available on all but the base trim. The top trims had an 11.6-inch infotainment screen, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto becoming wireless from the Premium trim. The Starlink multimedia platform was standard, with climate controls integrated into the touchscreen. Wi-Fi capability, Bluetooth, HD Radio, and SiriusXM were standard, with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system on most trims.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner combined ruggedness with tech-savvy features. An 8-inch infotainment touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch option available. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad were offered. Hybrid models included a digital instrument panel. Off-road models featured external camera views and automatic camera activation. A 14-speaker JBL audio system was available, along with a portable Bluetooth speaker. Remote monitoring, control, and a digital key function were also included.

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

Crash test results for the 2025 Toyota 4Runner were not available, but the Tacoma, on which it was based, was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. The 4Runner included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 with frontal collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Proactive Driving Assist was included but could be disabled. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alerts was optional.