2025 Toyota 4Runner vs 2025 Subaru Outback

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner, in its sixth generation, maintained a design evolution rather than a complete overhaul. It retained the horseshoe-shaped grilles from the previous generation but with a more robust and industrial exterior. The side body panels featured deep beveled creases that seamlessly blended with the flared wheel arches, giving the 4Runner a broad-shouldered stance suitable for an off-road SUV. Paying homage to its predecessors, the new model included design elements like the slanted rearmost window from the first-gen 4Runner. Inside, the cabin mirrored the Toyota Tacoma's design, with beveled styling throughout. The interior was functional, comfortable, and refined for its class, with hard plastics for durability and light cushioning for comfort. The materials were of higher quality than those in a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco but not as luxurious as a Land Rover Defender.

The 2025 Subaru Outback stood out as one of the few remaining wagons in the U.S., adopting crossover trends like chunky wheel-arch flares and skid plate-like fascias. Its design conveyed a rugged intent, suitable for off-road adventures. The Crimson Red Pearl paint paired well with the black leather interior, though earthy shades were preferred for the Outback's aesthetic. Subaru focused on buyers needing off-road capabilities, a strategy that paid off with the Outback's popularity. The 2025 model saw no major changes, with trims offering various upholstery and features. The Touring XT trim boasted Nappa leather and ventilated front seats. The Outback's exterior ruggedness housed a well-executed interior, with minimal chrome and glossy black plastic. The dashboard featured easy-to-read gauges and a digital display for essential information.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered two engine choices. The base model came with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 317 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup improved acceleration and fuel economy compared to the previous five-speed unit. Rear-wheel drive was standard on some trims, with four-wheel drive available. Off-road models came standard with 4WD. The i-Force Max Hybrid powertrain, based on the same four-cylinder engine, combined with a 1.87-kWh battery and an electric motor, delivered 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. This hybrid was more about power than fuel efficiency, offering strong low-speed power for off-roading. The 4Runner's new generation was quieter and more composed on pavement, with improved handling and reduced body roll. Off-road prowess remained intact, with nine trims offering varying off-road capabilities. The TRD Pro and Trailhunter models were the most capable, with approach angles between 18 and 33 degrees, departure angles from 22 to 24 degrees, and ground clearance from 8.1 to 10.1 inches.

The 2025 Subaru Outback featured a horizontally opposed "Boxer" engine in two forms. The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder produced 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque, while the XT trims had a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engines ran on regular unleaded gas and were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive. The turbocharged engine provided better acceleration, making it a recommended upgrade. The Outback offered 8.7 inches of ground clearance, with the Wilderness model increasing it to 9.5 inches and adding a front skid plate. The Outback's ride was smooth and comfortable, with light steering, smooth throttle, and powerful brakes. However, the stop/start technology was intrusive, and the CVT could be slow to respond during throttle transitions.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner was five inches longer than its predecessor, with a 2.4-inch longer wheelbase. Despite this, passenger space gains were minimal. The front seats accommodated taller passengers, but the middle row offered only adequate legroom. Third-row seating was available on non-hybrid models but was cramped and uncomfortable. The cockpit was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and grouped off-road controls for easy operation. The 4Runner offered various off-road features, including terrain programs and camera views for navigating tough terrain. Towing capacity ranged from 5,800 to 6,000 pounds. Storage included door pockets, a dashboard tray, cupholders, and a center armrest bin. Cargo capacity was 44.8 cubic feet, reduced to 42.6 cubic feet in the Hybrid due to the battery. The roof rack supported a static load of 800 pounds.

The 2025 Subaru Outback's wagon shape provided practicality, with easy entry and exit and a lower roof height for loading the roof rack. The low center of gravity, aided by the flat-four engine, allowed for quick direction changes. The Outback offered 32.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat up and 75.6 cubic feet with it folded. The flat floor and square shape maximized usability. The Outback's total passenger volume was 109 cubic feet, larger than its crossover competitors. Buyers were advised to test drive different trims, as the Limited, Touring, and Wilderness models offered distinct driving experiences. Towing capacity was 2,700 pounds, increasing to 3,500 pounds with the turbocharged engine.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with a 14-inch option available. Both screens were user-friendly, with logical menus and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a wireless charging pad, were offered. Hybrid models included a digital instrument panel, available on other trims. Off-road models had external camera views for trail navigation, with automatic activation when slowing down. A 14-speaker JBL audio system was available, along with a portable Bluetooth speaker. Remote monitoring and control via a smartphone app and a digital key function were also included.

The 2025 Subaru Outback's technology package included an 11.6-inch touchscreen with large icons, though the Starlink infotainment system was slow to respond, especially at startup. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, with wireless functionality except on the base model. The Harman Kardon 12-speaker audio system worked well, though navigational commands limited audio to the rear speakers. The dashboard featured buttons and knobs, but some tasks required touchscreen interaction. The 2025 Outback Touring included a CD player and both USB-A and USB-C ports.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner's crash test results were unavailable, but the Tacoma pickup it was based on received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. All 4Runner models came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including features like frontal collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign reader, and automatic high beams. The Proactive Driving Assist feature could be intrusive but was disableable. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alerts was optional.

The 2025 Subaru Outback featured EyeSight driver-assist technology with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency steering. The system kept the Outback in its lane but with more side-to-side movement than desired. Onyx and higher trims included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The DriverFocus system monitored for driver distraction but occasionally gave false notifications. The 2024 Outback earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, which was expected to carry over to the 2025 model.