2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2021 Subaru Outback

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner had not seen a complete redesign in 12 years, though it had received updates over time. Despite its age, the 4Runner's design remained functional and appealing to those who valued utility over aesthetics. The SUV's two-box body, flared fenders, and trapezoidal wheel arches gave it a balanced and timeless look. The 4Runner was available in various trims, including SR5, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro, with special editions like the Trail Special Edition. Pricing ranged from $36,950 to $50,570, with the Trail Special Edition starting at $38,565 for the RWD model. The interior featured hard plastic materials, a traditional dashboard with large knobs and buttons, and a twist key ignition, emphasizing its rugged and durable nature.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Outback had been redesigned for the 2020 model year, but it retained a familiar and comfortable feel. The interior was fresher than the smaller Crosstrek, with a more modern design, especially in trims above the base model. The Outback featured an 11.6-inch portrait display on Premium and higher trims, surrounded by polished black plastic and chrome trim. Quality materials were evident, with higher trims offering leather upholstery and contrast stitching. The Onyx Edition XT featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery with lime green stitching. The exterior design was smooth and plain, with high gray cladding for protection. The Outback's styling remained consistent, emphasizing its lifted wagon design, making it a great alternative to typical crossovers or SUVs.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its A-Trac off-road traction control system. With a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, the 4Runner was capable but felt slow and heavy on paved roads. The five-speed automatic transmission and part-time 4WD system contributed to its truck-like driving characteristics. The 4Runner's maximum tow rating was 5,000 pounds, but its fuel economy was poor, averaging 16.8 mpg during testing. Despite its age, the 4Runner's off-road capabilities and rugged charm made it appealing to those who valued adventure over daily driving comfort.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter flat-four with 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. The base engine struggled with the Outback's weight, making it slow and noisy. The turbocharged engine, available on higher trims, provided a significant performance boost, making the Outback more capable and refined. The Outback's ride comfort and handling were excellent, with long-travel springs and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Subaru's electronically-variable AWD system and X-Mode driving modes enhanced its off-road capabilities, making it more proficient than many crossovers and SUVs.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's high ground clearance could be challenging for shorter passengers, but once inside, it offered comfortable seating and ample legroom. The rear seats provided good visibility, air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports. The 4Runner's cargo space measured up to 47.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 89.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The sliding cargo deck, available in some models, could hold up to 440 pounds, adding to its practicality. The 4Runner's interior storage was decent, and the back bumper served as a convenient seating area for various activities.

The 2021 Subaru Outback boasted impressive ground clearance, surpassing many trucks and SUVs. Its interior was spacious, with 76 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. The cargo area was wide and flat, free of intrusive elements. The Outback offered ample headroom and legroom in all seating positions, with excellent outward visibility. Storage options included large map pockets, bottle holders, and handy pockets in the front center console. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were only available on higher trims. The Outback's standard roof rails with integrated crossbars were a standout feature, providing convenience and cost savings.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner Trail Special Edition lacked advanced technology features, but it included a windshield wiper de-icer system and a 120-volt AC power outlet in the cargo area. The standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, SiriusXM satellite radio, and five USB ports. The premium audio upgrade added dynamic navigation, point-of-interest search, and voice recognition, along with a one-year subscription to Destination Assist concierge services. The system's physical buttons and knobs made it easy to use, even with gloves on.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system appeared outdated, with graphics reminiscent of older gaming consoles. The central screen in the instrument panel was particularly lacking. However, the system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features. Subaru EyeSight, standard on all trims, provided adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. The system's functionality was impressive but relied solely on forward-looking cameras, which could be impeded in certain conditions. The optional navigation system was more modern-looking, but the base model's dual-screen setup was less cohesive and attractive.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic forward emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a "Good" roof crush strength rating from the IIHS. The SUV's age likely contributed to its lower ratings in some crash tests.

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a stronger and stiffer chassis, with standard driver’s knee and passenger seat-cushion airbags. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was available on higher trims, and rear emergency braking was standard on some models. The Outback earned the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award for 2020, with top ratings in all crash tests and for headlights. The NHTSA awarded the Outback an overall five-star rating, with four stars for the front passenger in a frontal crash and four stars for the rollover test.