2020 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Subaru Forester

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover was a testament to luxury and ruggedness, a legacy that began with the Series I off-roader. Initially favored by affluent British landowners, the Range Rover evolved into a luxury SUV with robust 4x4 capabilities, a combination that defined the brand. By 2013, the current-generation Range Rover had introduced various trims, including HSE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic, available in both Standard and Long Wheelbase configurations. Standard features included leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, and the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, while higher trims offered additional luxuries like massaging seats and a rear-seat entertainment system.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Forester, despite a redesign in 2019, retained a familiar look with its boxy, upright shape and distinctive cross-shaped taillights. This design choice resonated with SUV shoppers seeking practicality over flashiness. The Forester Sport model added visual flair with orange accents and black alloy wheels. Built on the Subaru Global Platform, the Forester shared its underpinnings with other Subaru models, emphasizing durability and practicality. Inside, the Forester offered a straightforward mix of materials, with the Sport trim adding orange interior accents. The Forester's interior was functional, with cloth upholstery on lower trims and leather on higher ones, along with an All-Weather Package for added comfort.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HSE trim featured a non-hybrid version of the same engine, delivering 395 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. A turbodiesel V6 was also available, rated at 254 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. The P525 and Autobiography trims boasted a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine with 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, while a plug-in hybrid option combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four with electric motors for a total of 398 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The SV Autobiography Dynamic trim topped the range with a 557 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque V8 engine. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, ensuring impressive off-road capability and a comfortable ride.

The 2021 Subaru Forester, on the other hand, was equipped with a single powertrain: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The engine's boxer configuration provided a lower center of gravity, enhancing stability. While adequate for most driving situations, the engine lacked the power needed for confident highway merging and overtaking. The Forester's suspension was tuned for comfort, resulting in a soft ride with noticeable body roll in corners. Standard all-wheel drive and X-Mode enhanced the Forester's off-road capabilities, with Dual X-Mode available on Sport models for varied terrain. Despite its limitations, the Forester offered a respectable 8.7 inches of ground clearance and standard hill-descent control on higher trims.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered two wheelbase options: Standard Wheelbase (SWB) and Long Wheelbase (LWB), both with seating for five. Opting for second-row captain’s chairs reduced seating to four but enhanced comfort, especially in the LWB version. The SWB model provided 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while the LWB offered 77.5 cubic feet. Both configurations had 34.5 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up. The Range Rover featured a hands-free power liftgate with a unique two-piece design, facilitating easier loading and tailgating. Interior storage included a center-console compartment and decently sized door compartments and cupholders.

The 2021 Subaru Forester excelled in interior space, offering above-average headroom and legroom in both rows, thanks to its tall, flat roofline. This design also contributed to excellent outward visibility and a spacious feel. The Forester provided 35.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 76.1 cubic feet with them folded, surpassing some competitors. However, it lacked a sliding second-row bench. A power liftgate was optional on the Sport trim and standard on higher trims. The Forester's interior featured decently sized cupholders and a reasonably sized center console, though the phone-storage cubby was small, and wireless charging was unavailable. The layout included large knobs for audio and climate control, but the steering wheel had numerous buttons, causing some confusion.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo system, consisting of two touchscreens. The top screen managed navigation, phone, stereo, and smartphone connectivity, while the lower screen controlled climate settings, seat functions, and Terrain Response modes. Integrated dials on the lower screen adapted to different functions, though the system had a learning curve and occasional lag issues. A fully digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display added to the tech offerings.

The 2021 Subaru Forester came with the Subaru Starlink infotainment system, featuring a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and USB ports. Sport models upgraded to an 8-inch touchscreen and Harman Kardon audio, with navigation and additional USB ports on higher trims. The system was user-friendly, with well-designed graphics and backup analog controls, but the screen was slow to boot up. Additional displays in the dashboard and instrument cluster provided secondary information, though the setup felt overly complex.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features like low-speed automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and parking sensors. Optional features included a 360-degree parking camera, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. While the Range Rover offered a solid list of safety features, some competitors provided more standard equipment.

The 2021 Subaru Forester excelled in safety, earning the highest “Top Safety Pick+” award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard EyeSight features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Subaru's unique DriverFocus system monitored driver attention, enhancing safety. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and reverse automatic braking, with standout mirror-mounted warning lights for blind-spot monitoring.