2024 Toyota 4Runner vs 2025 Subaru Outback

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner was a nostalgic nod to the past, with its design largely unchanged since its 2010 redesign. Its boxy shape and flared fenders gave it a robust and stable appearance, ideal for off-road adventures. The TRD Pro model further emphasized this ruggedness with underbody skid plates and all-terrain tires. However, the interior showed its age with outdated technology and styling, featuring an analog instrument panel and a small eight-inch infotainment touchscreen. Despite the hard plastic surfaces, the 4Runner offered cushioned panels for comfort, though the materials resembled vinyl more than leather.

In contrast, the 2025 Subaru Outback stood out as one of the few remaining wagons in the U.S., embracing crossover trends with its rugged design elements. The Outback's exterior was complemented by a practical and well-executed interior, featuring a mix of chrome and glossy black plastic. The vehicle offered a choice between a standard 2.5-liter engine and a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, with the latter providing a more spirited drive. The Outback's smooth ride and comfortable handling made it a pleasant companion on various road conditions, though its stop/start technology and CVT had room for improvement.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. While these figures were comparable to competitors like the Bronco and Wrangler, the 4Runner's five-speed automatic transmission limited its performance. The TRD Pro model came with standard four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case, making it capable off-road. However, on-road performance was less impressive, with slow acceleration and noticeable body roll during cornering. The soft suspension, while beneficial for off-roading, resulted in a floaty ride on highways.

The 2025 Subaru Outback featured a horizontally opposed "Boxer" engine, available in two forms: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 182 horsepower and a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine producing 260 horsepower. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive. The turbocharged engine provided a more responsive drive, making it a recommended choice for those seeking better performance. The Outback's 8.7 inches of ground clearance and X-Mode system enhanced its off-road capabilities, with the Wilderness model offering even more ground clearance and additional off-road features.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's interior was functional but dated, with large climate-control dials and sturdy handles for off-road stability. It offered ample space for front passengers, though taller drivers might find the steering wheel's reach limited. The second row provided generous legroom, but headroom was restricted due to the elevated bench. The 4Runner's cargo capacity ranged from 47.2 to 89.7 cubic feet, depending on seat configuration, with a nearly flat load floor for convenience. However, the lack of remote seat releases and a powered liftgate were drawbacks.

The 2025 Subaru Outback's wagon shape provided practicality, with easy entry and exit and a low center of gravity for agile handling. Its cargo space measured 32.6 cubic feet with the rear seat up and 75.6 cubic feet with the bench folded, offering a flat and square cargo area. The Outback's total passenger volume of 109 cubic feet surpassed its crossover competitors, providing more front headroom and legroom. Buyers were advised to test different trims, as the Wilderness model's off-road features affected its driving dynamics. The Outback's towing capacity ranged from 2,700 to 3,500 pounds, depending on the engine.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's infotainment system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but its eight-inch touchscreen was small and challenging to use while driving. The TRD Pro model featured a 15-speaker JBL audio system, though road noise often overshadowed its quality. Additional terrain controls were located in the headliner console, requiring familiarity with the owner's manual for optimal use. The system included Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select, enhancing off-road capabilities.

The 2025 Subaru Outback's technology package featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen with large icons, though the Starlink infotainment system was slow to respond. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, with wireless connectivity for most models. The Harman Kardon 12-speaker audio system performed well, though Starlink disturbances occasionally limited audio output. The dashboard offered a mix of physical controls and touchscreen functions, with a surprising inclusion of a CD player. USB-A and USB-C ports were available for device connectivity.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with four out of five stars from NHTSA for overall and frontal crash protection, and five stars for side impacts. However, it scored three stars in rollover evaluations. IIHS ratings were similarly mixed, with "Good" scores for moderate frontal overlap and side protection tests, but "Marginal" and "Poor" results in the small overlap frontal test. The 4Runner included a full suite of safety features, though some alerts were overly sensitive.

The 2025 Subaru Outback featured EyeSight driver-assist technology, offering adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keep assist. While the system kept the Outback in its lane, it exhibited more side-to-side movement than desired. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, which functioned effectively. The DriverFocus system occasionally issued false notifications, but overall, the Outback's safety features were reliable. The 2024 Outback earned a Top Safety Pick designation from IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with the 2025 model expected to perform similarly.