2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2021 Subaru Forester

The 2021 Subaru Forester, despite its 2019 redesign, retained a classic look that felt older due to its continuity with previous models. Its boxy, upright shape appealed to SUV shoppers, offering a clean and unpretentious appearance. The Forester Sport added flair with orange striping and black alloy wheels, enhancing its visual appeal. Built on the Subaru Global Platform, it shared underpinnings with other Subaru models, maintaining a rugged yet familiar design. Inside, the Forester's no-nonsense interior featured durable materials, with the Sport trim adding orange accents for a touch of color.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from the Tacoma, with a rugged trapezoidal grille and upright fascia. However, its side profile introduced a swooping character line, adding unnecessary visual weight. The rear echoed the grille design, resulting in a somewhat disjointed appearance compared to more cohesive competitors. Inside, the Highlander featured an asymmetrical dash with a metallic styling element, creating storage space and breaking monotony. The Bronze Edition's light grey fabric upholstery was less practical, attracting dirt and lacking durability, while other trims offered more conventional materials.

The 2021 Subaru Forester was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. Its boxer engine configuration provided a lower center of gravity, but the lack of a turbocharged option left it feeling underpowered during highway maneuvers. The Forester's suspension was tuned for comfort, resulting in significant body roll and bounce on uneven surfaces. Standard AWD and X-Mode enhanced its off-road capabilities, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance and hill-descent control on higher trims.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine with 243 horsepower, paired with a CVT and standard FWD. AWD was available via an electric motor for the rear axle. It reached 60 mph in just over 8 seconds, with the hybrid powertrain providing a smooth but uninspired acceleration. The Highlander's ride quality was soft, with a quiet cabin at highway speeds. Braking was seamless, transitioning smoothly from regenerative to physical brakes, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Subaru Forester offered generous headroom and legroom, thanks to its tall roofline, which also improved visibility. Cargo space was ample, with 35.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 76.1 cubic feet with them folded. However, it lacked a sliding second-row bench. Interior storage was practical, though the phone cubby was small, and wireless charging was unavailable. The Forester's controls were user-friendly, despite a cluttered steering wheel.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid provided comfortable front seats with ample adjustments, though the driver's armrest was awkwardly positioned. Storage options were plentiful, with trays and bins throughout the cabin. The second row was spacious, with sliding and reclining captain's chairs or an optional bench. The third row was less accommodating, suitable for children or short trips. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2021 Subaru Forester's Starlink infotainment system included a 6.5-inch touchscreen, with an 8-inch upgrade on Sport models. It featured Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM, with navigation on higher trims. The system was user-friendly but slow to start. Additional screens displayed secondary information, though their complexity seemed unnecessary.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option on top trims. The system was responsive, with logical menus and physical controls for climate settings. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Higher trims offered navigation and a JBL audio system, enhancing the tech experience.

The 2021 Subaru Forester excelled in safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star NHTSA rating. Standard EyeSight features included adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. Optional features like blind-spot monitoring enhanced safety, though lane-centering felt jerky.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid also received top safety ratings, with standard features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. However, the systems needed refinement, with abrupt stops and steering resistance noted. Optional features were limited to higher trims, impacting overall safety accessibility.