2020 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2020 Subaru Ascent

The 2020 Subaru Ascent, with its practical and utilitarian design, resembled a larger Subaru Forester. It featured gray plastic cladding for protection, an oversized grille, and exaggerated fender flares that added visual strength. The robust roof rails and 20-inch aluminum wheels on most trims highlighted its purposeful design. The Ascent's interior, especially in the Touring trim, was stylish with quality materials and thoughtful details, offering a sense of value for money. The Abyss Blue Pearl paint and Java Brown leather interior added a touch of elegance, making it one of the most attractive Subarus in recent memory.

In contrast, the 2020 Land Rover Range Rover was a symbol of luxury and capability, rooted in its rugged origins. Introduced in 2012, the current-generation Range Rover offered multiple variations, including HSE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic trims. It featured leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, and a hands-free tailgate as standard. The InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system with dual 10-inch screens was a highlight, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Range Rover's design was both elegant and functional, with a focus on comfort and advanced technology.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It featured a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive, providing good acceleration and maintaining power at higher elevations. However, the Ascent's fuel economy was disappointing, averaging 18.9 mpg compared to the EPA estimate of 22 mpg. The CVT, while decent, had issues with power delivery, and the shifter felt cheap. The Ascent excelled on smooth highways and off-road, thanks to its Active Torque Split AWD system and 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered a diverse range of powertrains. The base engine was a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with a mild-hybrid system, delivering 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HSE trim featured a more powerful version of the same engine, while a turbodiesel V6 was also available. The P525 and Autobiography trims came with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, producing 518 horsepower. The SVAutobiography Dynamic trim boasted a 557-horsepower V8. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The Range Rover's electronic air suspension provided a comfortable ride, and its off-road capabilities were exceptional, thanks to the Terrain Response System.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent offered a comfortable interior, especially in the Touring trim, with heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable and adjustable, while the third row provided acceptable space for short trips. The Ascent's cargo space was practical, with 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 86 cubic feet with the seats folded. The upright liftgate and underfloor storage compartment added to its utility.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover was available in two wheelbase options, SWB and LWB, with standard seating for five. The LWB version offered more cargo space, with 77.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Range Rover's interior was luxurious, with comfortable seating and a unique two-piece power liftgate. The center-console compartment was convenient, and the digital control panel provided additional storage space. The Range Rover's interior was designed for comfort and functionality, with ample space for passengers and cargo.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent featured the Starlink infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a CD player. The Premium trim added an 8-inch touchscreen, while the Touring trim offered a high-resolution screen with navigation. The voice-control system was outdated, and the navigation system had issues with accuracy. However, the Harman Kardon speakers provided excellent sound quality, and the Ascent's PIN Code Vehicle Access system was a standout feature for active lifestyles.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover's InControl Touch Pro Duo system was the centerpiece of its dashboard, featuring two touchscreens for navigation, phone, stereo, and climate controls. The system had a learning curve and occasional lag issues, but the digital instrument panel and head-up display were intuitive. The Range Rover's technology was advanced, with a focus on integrating digital controls for a seamless experience.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, thanks to its advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) like EyeSight, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Ascent also featured a rear-seat reminder system and Starlink Safety Plus connected services, enhancing its safety credentials.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover came with standard safety features like low-speed automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-departure warning. 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 were optional rather than standard.