2024 Toyota 4Runner vs 2025 Subaru Forester

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner was a nostalgic nod to the past, with its design largely unchanged since 2010. Its boxy shape and flared fenders gave it a rugged, stable appearance, ideal for off-road adventures. The TRD Pro model enhanced this tough persona with underbody skid plates, all-terrain tires, and a robust roof rack. However, the interior showed its age with outdated technology and styling, featuring an analog instrument panel and a small eight-inch infotainment touchscreen. While some might appreciate the nostalgic feel, others could mistake it for a well-maintained used vehicle. The interior materials, including hard plastics and vinyl-like upholstery, were typical for off-road vehicles, prioritizing durability over luxury.

In contrast, the 2025 Subaru Forester focused on practicality and capability, with a refreshed design that smoothed out its previous ruggedness. The Forester Sport model featured bronze trim accents and 19-inch wheels, while the Touring trim offered a low-profile roof rack and chrome badging. The Forester maintained its large-greenhouse shape, with geometric wheel arches and a more decisive window design. Inside, the Forester offered cloth upholstery with contrast stitching, while higher trims provided genuine leather seating. The cabin had a more intentional design, with structural dash elements that felt premium. Overall, the Forester's design updates aimed to balance functionality with a more refined appearance.

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 competitive with rivals like the Bronco and Wrangler, the 4Runner's five-speed automatic transmission limited its acceleration and fuel efficiency. The TRD Pro model came standard with four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case, while other trims offered rear-wheel drive with optional 4WD. Off-road, the 4Runner excelled, but on pavement, it felt sluggish, with noticeable rear-end squat during acceleration and a loud engine. The soft suspension provided excellent wheel articulation but resulted in body roll and floatiness on highways.

The 2025 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a Lineartonic CVT and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, the Forester offered a smooth and stable driving experience. Subaru's X-Mode system, standard on the Premium trim and above, enhanced off-road capability with features like Hill Descent Control. The Forester's acceleration was modest, but its steering was fluid and confident on various surfaces. Fuel economy was rated at 26 mpg city, 33 highway, and 29 combined, with slight variations for Sport and Touring trims. A hybrid version was anticipated, promising improved efficiency.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's interior was straightforward, with large climate-control dials and sturdy handles for off-road stability. Visibility was excellent, thanks to forward-positioned roof pillars. The front seats offered ample space, but the steering wheel's limited telescoping range could be an issue for taller drivers. The second row provided generous legroom, though headroom was limited for taller passengers. Cargo space was substantial, with 47.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 89.7 cubic feet with them folded. However, the lack of remote seat releases and a powered liftgate were drawbacks. The 4Runner's towing capacity was 5,000 pounds, suitable for small campers.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced a hands-free power liftgate, standard on higher trims, and increased cargo space to 29.6 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 74.4 cubic feet with them folded. The cargo area featured eight heavy-duty hooks, enhancing practicality. While the Forester's cargo space was slightly less than some competitors, it offered a roomy second row. Interior features included a dark headliner to resist marks, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat on the Premium trim, and additional power adjustments on higher trims. The Touring trim added driver’s seat memory, seat ventilation, and heated rear seats.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's infotainment system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the small eight-inch touchscreen was 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, with Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select systems for off-road adventures. However, the pictogram labels required consulting the owner's manual for full functionality.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced an 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus infotainment system, standard on all but the base trim, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Premium trims and above offered dual USB-A and USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. The Touring trim included a voice-activated navigation system and an 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, available on Sport and Limited trims. Subaru's Starlink connected services suite added features like Valet Mode and Remote Vehicle Configuration.

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. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-departure warning. The TRD Pro and Limited trims offered a surround-view camera system, with parking sensors exclusive to the Limited.

The 2025 Subaru Forester featured Subaru's EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technology, with enhancements for 2025, including a wider field of view and an electric brake booster. Emergency Stop Assist, available on the Touring trim, activated if the driver became unresponsive, slowing the vehicle and notifying emergency services. The Forester also included a rear seat reminder system and a digital rearview mirror on the Touring trim. While crash-test ratings were not yet available for the 2025 model, the 2024 Forester earned a Top Safety Pick award from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA.