Subaru Forester vs. Toyota 4Runner

You’re not one to plan multiple stops while on a road trip or when exploring the great unknown. Driving an SUV with superior fuel efficiency is a must, but which of these models offers the efficiency you need?

The 4Runner achieves an EPA-estimated 16 city/19 highway MPG rating, allowing you to travel up to 437 miles without needing to refuel. The Forester, on the other hand, lets you travel farther distances since it achieves an EPA-estimated 26 city/33 highway MPG rating.* Coupled with its 16.6-gallon tank, you can drive up to 547 miles on a single tank of gas.

Commuting on low-friction surfaces is a common occurrence in your daily life. You’ll find it’s a breeze when you drive the Subaru Forester since it comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. This drivetrain is built to optimize traction on even the slipperiest surfaces, allowing you to take your travels on nearly any terrain.

The Forester’s all-terrain capabilities are made better when coupled with optional X-MODE®.

While the 4Runner does come with 4-wheel drive capabilities and selectable drive modes like the Forester, you’ll only find this with an optional upgrade.

You can relish a large selection of vibrant hues inside and out when you drive either the Subaru Forester or the Toyota 4Runner.

Externally, the Forester and the 4Runner boast nearly a dozen color options you can choose from. Within this selection, you’ll find a mix of timeless colors like Crystal White and Crystal Black. You’ll also have your fair share of bold options, including:

• Horizon Blue
• Autumn Green
• Crimson Red
• Geyser Blue
• Cascade Green
• Sapphire Blue

This selection of shades is only found with the Forester. While the 4Runner does offer some vibrant hues, you only have four to choose from.

Beyond colors, you can drive the Forester or the 4Runner that complements your personality by choosing a trim level. Each trim offers something unique in terms of performance, comfort, and technology, so you’re sure to find the trim level that offers everything you need and more!

With the Forester, you have six unique trim levels to pick from. This vast selection provides the variety you want in a model.

While the 4Runner may offer seven different trim levels, only three of these trims are unique. The other four trim levels are all different versions that make slight adjustments to already-existing trim levels.

Thanks to Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, you can bring your favorite tunes along with you wherever you go. Simply navigate through the digital features you have saved to your phone by touching, tapping, and swiping through the display screen.

Arriving at your destination is easy thanks to built-in navigation, offered optionally with both models. However, the Forester takes navigation one step further with the addition of SiriusXM® Traffic and SiriusXM® Travel Link. These features can provide real-time updates to traffic patterns, weather, and other factors that could otherwise increase your travel time.

No matter where you go, you’ll always feel confident thanks to the innovative driver-assist features offered by both SUVs. With the Forester, you’ll have EyeSight® to help alert you to potential hazards you may have missed. The 4Runner comes with a similar suite known as Toyota Safety Sense™.

Each system comes standard with its own version of features including:

• Forward collision warning
• Emergency braking
• Lane departure alerts
• Advanced cruise control

For extra protection, enjoy features like Reverse Automatic Braking and the DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System with the Forester. These optional features can help prevent rear collisions by applying brake pressure under certain conditions and alerting you when distracted driving is detected.

The 4Runner does come optionally with rear parking sonar, but no automatic braking or distracted driving detector is offered.