2022 Subaru Forester vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid initially presented a bold and distinctive design, with its blunt and bulbous nose giving it an aggressive appearance. Over time, this look became more familiar, blending into the landscape of modern SUVs. The black windshield pillars created a floating roof effect, while the swollen haunches balanced the styling. However, the cartoonishly-flared quarter panels, even with 20-inch wheels, seemed overwhelming. The interior offered a two-tone look with soft leather in higher trims, but the dashboard's asymmetrical design and reflective screen detracted from its appeal. Despite sensible control layouts, the mix of illumination colors made the gauges appear busy.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester, particularly in the Wilderness trim, embraced a rugged aesthetic with its suspension lift and protective cladding. The matte-black hood decal added to its adventurous look, though it wasn't universally appealing. Inside, the Forester prioritized function over form, with a straightforward cabin design. The use of hard plastics and soft surfaces conveyed quality, even if it felt somewhat dated. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, though the presence of three display screens was less than ideal. The Wilderness trim's unique styling elements, such as copper-colored accents and all-terrain tires, emphasized its off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid transitioned from a V6 engine to a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, achieving an EPA rating of 36 mpg in combined driving. With 243 horsepower, the hybrid offered adequate power but lacked excitement, especially when climbing hills or accelerating hard. The E-CVT transmission mimicked an automatic, but the engine's noise during strenuous tasks was noticeable. The steering felt lifeless, though the regenerative brakes performed well. The Highlander Hybrid's ride was soft, leading to unwanted body movement on uneven roads. However, it excelled in providing a smooth and quiet experience on flat terrain and highways.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower. While lacking a turbocharger, the Forester's CVT and AWD system provided a 25% increase in initial torque for the Wilderness model, doubling its towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The Forester averaged 25.9 mpg during testing, slightly below its EPA rating. The engine's boxer-style grumble was endearing, though it felt sluggish at higher altitudes. The CVT's eight programmed ratios and SI-Drive's Sport mode improved responsiveness. The dual-function X-Mode system enhanced off-road capabilities, and the re-tuned suspension offered a comfortable ride with improved ground clearance.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited offered comfortable seating for the driver and front passenger, with power adjustments and leather upholstery. The second-row bench seat increased capacity to eight but felt narrow for three adults. The third-row seat was uncomfortable, with limited legroom and headroom. Storage was adequate, though the dashboard shelf and center armrest storage seemed smaller than before. Cargo space measured 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2022 Subaru Forester emphasized practicality, with easy entry and exit due to tall seating hip points. The StarTex upholstery was water-resistant, and the Wilderness trim included all-weather mats and washable materials. Roof rails accommodated a three-person roof tent. The Forester's interior offered high comfort levels, with ample rear-seat space and convenient storage options. Cargo space was 28.9 cubic feet without the sunroof, expanding to 74.2 cubic feet with seats folded, making it competitive among compact SUVs.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured a comprehensive infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The Limited trim offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen, JBL audio, and navigation. The system was user-friendly, though the sound quality varied. Driver Easy Speak and a video rearview mirror enhanced convenience, while the driver information display provided detailed data.

The 2022 Subaru Forester included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with smartphone mirroring and Starlink services. Higher trims offered an 8-inch screen, navigation, and Harman Kardon audio. The Wilderness trim featured a forward-view camera for off-roading. The PIN Code Access allowed keyless entry, and the voice recognition system was hit-and-miss.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering advanced driver-assist features. Intersection support and emergency steering assistance were new additions. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance had room for improvement. The Highlander received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was expected to achieve a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced EyeSight 4.0, with improved camera-based technology and Automatic Emergency Steering. The system included standard ADAS features and showed confidence in operation. The Forester offered a rear-seat reminder, blind-spot monitoring, and DriverFocus technology. It earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was anticipated to retain its "Top Safety Pick+" rating from IIHS.