2019 Subaru Forester vs 2020 Land Rover Defender

The 2019 Subaru Forester was slightly larger and wider than its predecessor, resembling a scaled-down version of the Subaru Ascent. This design choice was logical, given that the Ascent was previously described as a scaled-up Forester. Inside, the Forester's cabin prioritized function over aesthetics, offering a modern yet practical design. It was available in several trims, including Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring, each equipped with standard LED headlights, symmetrical all-wheel drive, and EyeSight driver-assistance systems. The base trim was well-equipped with features like a 6.5-inch touchscreen and multifunction display, while higher trims added amenities such as a panoramic moonroof, leather upholstery, and a Harman Kardon premium stereo system.

In contrast, the 2020 Land Rover Defender was a nostalgic nod to the classic Land Rover design, with squared-off edges, a rising roofline, and round headlights. It retained some quirky features like step plates and a ladder, though these were more for show than function. The Defender's design was both classic and purposeful, with options for urban or rugged styling. Inside, the cabin was basic and industrial, with cloth seats and exposed screws, but offered options for leather and a center jump seat. The Defender's interior was more about durability than luxury, with a focus on practicality and ease of use.

The 2019 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided a modest improvement over the previous model but lacked the torque needed for strong acceleration. The Forester's symmetrical all-wheel drive and continuously variable transmission prioritized efficiency, resulting in underwhelming acceleration. However, the SI-Drive system offered some performance tuning, and the X-Mode terrain-management system enhanced off-road capability. Despite its lackluster engine, the Forester delivered a smooth ride and impressive fuel economy, achieving 26 mpg city, 33 highway, and 29 combined.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender offered a more powerful performance with its optional 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. This mild hybrid system eliminated turbo lag and provided consistent power. The Defender's eight-speed automatic transmission offered a sport mode for aggressive launches. Off-road, the Defender excelled with its Terrain Response 2 system and adjustable-height suspension, allowing it to tackle challenging terrains with ease. Despite its off-road prowess, the Defender's on-road handling was reminiscent of older SUVs, with slow steering and noticeable body lean.

The 2019 Subaru Forester offered impressive interior space, with a class-leading 76.1 cubic feet of cargo space in the base model and 70.9 cubic feet in other trims. Its larger wheelbase provided ample backseat space, and the 8.7 inches of ground clearance was beneficial for both off-road and everyday use. The Forester's cabin was designed with practicality in mind, featuring numerous storage compartments and excellent visibility.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender prioritized durability and practicality, with a minimalist interior design. The two-door Defender 90 offered a unique jump seat option, while the four-door 110 provided an optional third row. Cargo space varied depending on the configuration, with the four-door 110 offering up to 79 cubic feet with seats folded. The Defender's towing capacity was impressive at 8,200 pounds, and its rugged design was tested to withstand significant impacts.

The 2019 Subaru Forester featured the Starlink infotainment system, available with either a 6.5-inch or 8-inch screen. The system was responsive and intuitive, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Subaru's EyeSight suite included a Lead Vehicle Alert feature, enhancing safety by notifying drivers when the vehicle ahead moved.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender introduced the Pivi Pro infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous JLR systems. It featured dual SIM cards for data streaming and over-the-air updates. The system offered off-road capabilities, such as front cameras displaying the ground beneath the vehicle. The Defender's standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 360-degree camera system, with additional options for luxury and convenience.

The 2019 Subaru Forester came standard with the EyeSight driver-assistance suite, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured a full array of airbags and a reversing camera, contributing to its reputation as a safe vehicle.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. crash testing agencies, but it offered standard safety features like forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included rear cross-traffic alerts and exit alerts for passing vehicles.