I think with an apples to apples setup (snow tires on both), the Subaru will be better on slick roads at higher speeds (like a slushy highway). The lower center of gravity, less susceptibility to crosswinds, and stiffer, better controlled suspension add up to more control and hence driver confidence.
At slower speeds, and particularly once the snow starts getting deeper, the 4Runner in 4Hi will do every bit as well as the Subaru, and past a certain point, will still be able to move once the Subaru high-centers.
With my snow tires, rear diff locked, and tire chains on the back, I'd put my truck toe to toe with ANY subaru in heavy, deep snow.
To answer the original question, I think 4Runners have fewer inherent design flaws (headgaskets, cooked front CV boots, wheel bearings, emissions related CELs) than Subarus, hold a heck of a lot more stuff, have much beefier tires and great ground clearance, and are more durable in off road conditions. Yes some Subaru guys tackle some crazy trails and I salute them for it, but there's no 'margin of safety' in the cars' capabilities under those circumstances. They're one misplaced wheel away from a shredded undercarriage.
Fuel economy wise, think of it this way: replacing the headgaskets (correctly, at a good shop) will eat up a hell of a lot of gas money!
At slower speeds, and particularly once the snow starts getting deeper, the 4Runner in 4Hi will do every bit as well as the Subaru, and past a certain point, will still be able to move once the Subaru high-centers.
With my snow tires, rear diff locked, and tire chains on the back, I'd put my truck toe to toe with ANY subaru in heavy, deep snow.
To answer the original question, I think 4Runners have fewer inherent design flaws (headgaskets, cooked front CV boots, wheel bearings, emissions related CELs) than Subarus, hold a heck of a lot more stuff, have much beefier tires and great ground clearance, and are more durable in off road conditions. Yes some Subaru guys tackle some crazy trails and I salute them for it, but there's no 'margin of safety' in the cars' capabilities under those circumstances. They're one misplaced wheel away from a shredded undercarriage.
Fuel economy wise, think of it this way: replacing the headgaskets (correctly, at a good shop) will eat up a hell of a lot of gas money!
olice:
