Toyota 4Runner vs Subaru Ascent

The 2024 Subaru Ascent continued with its unchanged lineup, featuring a design that some found visually challenging. The previous year's refresh introduced bold elements like tusks and a spear-like grille, which were not universally appreciated. Despite these design choices, the Ascent offered a range of trims from Base to Touring, with prices starting at $34,395 and reaching up to $50,181 for the Touring trim with optional features. The Touring trim was well-equipped, offering a panoramic sunroof, premium Nappa leather upholstery, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, among other features. The interior, while functional and practical, lacked a sophisticated or modern appearance, resembling a modular assembly.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner presented a more evolutionary design rather than a revolutionary one. It retained the horseshoe-shaped grilles of its predecessor but with a bulkier, industrial look. The exterior featured deep beveled creases and flared wheel arches, giving it a broad-shouldered stance suitable for an off-road SUV. The design paid homage to previous generations, with elements like the slanted rearmost window reminiscent of the first-gen 4Runner. Inside, the 4Runner shared similarities with the Toyota Tacoma, featuring a beveled styling motif that was both attractive and functional. The interior materials were durable, with light cushioning for comfort, and the overall quality was superior to competitors like the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco, though not quite at the level of the Land Rover Defender.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 277 pound-feet of torque between 2,000 and 4,800 rpm. It featured a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive with active torque vectoring. The Ascent could tow up to 5,000 pounds, except for the Base trim, which had a 2,000-pound capacity. It excelled in various driving conditions, from city streets to off-road trails, and handled speed humps and rutted terrain with ease. However, it struggled on twisty mountain roads due to its weight and suspension tuning. Fuel economy was a downside, with EPA ratings of 19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, though real-world tests showed lower figures.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered two engine options. The standard 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produced 317 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive was standard on some trims, with four-wheel drive available. The more powerful i-Force Max Hybrid powertrain combined the four-cylinder engine with a 1.87-kWh battery and an electric motor, delivering 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid variant provided stronger power at lower speeds, ideal for off-roading. The 4Runner's new generation improved on-road composure, reducing body roll and nosedive. It offered nine trims with varying off-road capabilities, and the TRD Pro and Trailhunter models excelled in off-road performance. Towing capacity ranged from 5,800 to 6,000 pounds.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent prioritized function over form, with features like a dashboard shelf, large cupholders, and backpack pegs. The Touring trim offered comfortable front seats with premium Nappa leather, though the front passenger seat lacked a height adjuster. The rear doors opened wide, facilitating easy loading of children and cargo. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable, but legroom was slightly limited. The third-row seats were suitable for short trips, with air conditioning vents and storage space. Cargo space was ample, with up to 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 75.6 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner grew five inches longer, with a 2.4-inch increase in wheelbase. While front passenger space was generous, the middle row offered adequate legroom and headroom. Third-row seating was available on non-hybrid models but was cramped. The cockpit featured logically placed controls, with oversized knobs for climate control and off-road controls grouped together. Storage options included slatted door pockets, a dashboard tray, and a center armrest bin. Cargo capacity was slightly reduced, with 44.8 cubic feet behind the second row, and the hybrid variant further reduced it to 42.6 cubic feet. The roof rack supported a static load of 800 pounds.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent featured the Starlink infotainment system with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims included connected services, a navigation system, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The system had physical buttons for common functions, but the display washed out in sunlight, and the voice-recognition system was subpar. A surround-view camera and camera-based rearview mirror were available on upper trims.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with a 14-inch option available. Both systems were user-friendly, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Off-road models featured external camera views and automatic activation for trail navigation. A 14-speaker JBL audio system was available, along with a portable Bluetooth speaker. Remote monitoring, a digital key function, and a smartphone app were also offered, marking a technological advancement for the 4Runner.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent was synonymous with safety, featuring a high-strength steel platform and the EyeSight suite of safety features. It received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for rollover resistance, and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The EyeSight package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, the lane-centering assist was problematic, causing steering issues during testing.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner's crash test results were not yet available, but the Tacoma, on which it was based, received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. The 4Runner came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including frontal collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. The Proactive Driving Assist feature was included but could be intrusive. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alerts was optional.