2019 Subaru Forester vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2019 Subaru Forester was slightly larger and wider than its predecessor, resembling a scaled-down version of the Subaru Ascent. The cabin design prioritized function over aesthetics, ensuring all utility aspects were considered before luxury. Available in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trims, the Forester featured standard LED headlights, symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD), and EyeSight driver-assistance systems. The base trim was well-equipped with 60/40 split-fold rear seats, dual front USB ports, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen. Higher trims added features like 17-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic moonroof, leather upholstery, and an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and a Harman Kardon premium stereo system.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV maintained a subtle exterior, with the charging port integrated into the grille. Starting at $79,000, the PHEV included HSE trim and could reach over $160,000 with all options. My test vehicle, priced at $93,200, featured Firenze Red paint, a black roof, and 21-inch aluminum wheels. Inside, quality materials were evident, and the cabin was luxurious. However, the vehicle's technology could be frustrating, and the infotainment system sometimes behaved unexpectedly. Despite these issues, the Range Rover Sport PHEV offered a comfortable and stylish ride.

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 smooth ride with a lower center of gravity but lacked adequate torque for quick acceleration. The Forester's symmetrical AWD and continuously variable transmission (CVT) prioritized efficiency over performance. The SI-Drive system, standard across all trims, allowed drivers to switch between Intelligent and Sport modes for better throttle response. The X-Mode terrain-management system, available on higher trims, optimized power delivery for various driving conditions. Despite its underwhelming acceleration, the Forester offered a smooth ride and impressive fuel economy, averaging 28.9 mpg in mixed driving conditions.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with a 141-hp electric motor and a 13-kWh battery, producing 398 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. While Land Rover claimed a 31-mile all-electric range, my test vehicle struggled to maintain EV mode. The PHEV averaged 25.5 mpg on a 60-mile loop, a 6.5-mpg improvement over the previous year's model. The Range Rover Sport PHEV provided quick acceleration and a comfortable ride, thanks to its adaptive air suspension and various driving modes. However, the regenerative brakes were grabby, making smooth stops difficult. The PHEV retained the standard model's off-roading capability, with multiple traction settings and the ability to ford 33.4 inches of water.

The 2019 Subaru Forester offered impressive cargo space, with the base trim providing a class-leading 76.1 cubic feet and other trims offering 70.9 cubic feet. The larger wheelbase resulted in more backseat space, and the 8.7 inches of ground clearance made it suitable for dirt and snow. The cabin featured numerous cubbies, compartments, and bottle holders, with excellent rearward visibility and a commanding driving position. The Forester's design prioritized function, making it a practical choice for families and older buyers.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV had limited cargo space due to the battery beneath the raised cargo floor, reducing the standard version's 27.5-cubic-foot space. The cabin comfortably accommodated five passengers, with excellent front-seat comfort and a tall riding position for rear-seat passengers. My test vehicle included 4-zone automatic climate control and a panoramic glass roof, enhancing the interior experience. However, practical storage was limited, especially with the optional refrigerated center console bin. The Range Rover Sport PHEV's interior was luxurious but less functional than the Forester's.

The 2019 Subaru Forester featured the Starlink infotainment system, available with a 6.5-inch or 8-inch touchscreen. The system was responsive, with high resolution and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigating the screen was intuitive, and the transition between Starlink and CarPlay was seamless. The EyeSight suite of driver-assistance systems included Lead Vehicle Alert, which notified drivers when the vehicle ahead moved, reducing the impact of distracted driving.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV's InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system was complex and sometimes frustrating. Despite spending time setting up the system, I occasionally struggled to access specific features. The system sometimes behaved unexpectedly, and the lack of haptic feedback from the touchscreen didn't help. While the technology managed the vehicle's complexity, it could be confusing and frustrating for drivers.

The 2019 Subaru Forester came standard with the EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and adaptive headlights. Lane-keeping Assist provided small steering inputs to keep the vehicle centered in the lane. Other standard safety features included front- and side-impact airbags and a reversing camera, making the Forester a very safe vehicle with excellent visibility.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV included advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and an optional Driver Assist Package with a new steering-assist system. However, the vehicle's higher center of gravity and adaptive air suspension could cause head-toss on uneven pavement. The lane-keeping assist system worked too abruptly, leading me to shut it off. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the Range Rover Sport PHEV's nearly 5,500-pound weight provided a sense of security in collisions.