2021 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 for visual strength. The robust roof rails and 20-inch aluminum wheels added to its appeal across most trim levels. The Ascent's interior, especially in the Touring trim, was stylish and used quality materials, offering a sense of value for money. The Abyss Blue Pearl paint contrasted beautifully with the machined-finish wheels and Java Brown leather interior, making it one of the most attractive Subarus in recent memory.

In contrast, the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover exuded luxury and sophistication, moving far from its rugged origins. Starting at $92,000, it offered a wide range of powertrains and personalization options, with the potential to exceed $250,000. The HSE Westminster special edition, priced at $106,715, featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine and standard luxury features. Despite its age, the Range Rover maintained a timeless design with hallmark cues like blacked-out pillars and clean styling. Inside, the Ivory-color interior provided a high-contrast, mid-century modern ambiance, though the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system was less intuitive than newer models.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent was equipped with 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 (AWD). While the engine provided good acceleration, it was thirsty, averaging 18.9 mpg compared to the EPA estimate of 22 mpg. The Ascent's handling was not particularly sporty, with numb steering and a suspension that struggled on undulating roads. However, it excelled off-road with its Active Torque Split AWD system, X-Mode off-road traction, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered multiple powertrain options, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It featured a flawless eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive (4WD) with a two-speed transfer case. The Range Rover's adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, and its off-road capabilities were legendary, though not fully tested. The SUV's steering was slow and syrupy, and its weight and tall center of gravity led to side-to-side wallow on uneven roads. The EPA estimated 20 mpg in combined driving, but the test average was 18.5 mpg.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent offered comfort, especially in the Touring trim, with soft leather, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The interior was spacious, with significant track travel for the front seats, making it appealing to tall people. The Ascent provided a choice between a second-row bench seat or captain's chairs, with the latter offering sliding and heated cushions. The third row was accessible and comfortable for short trips. Cargo space was generous, with 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 86 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier access. The front seats were decadently comfortable, but the second row lacked thigh support and adjustability, leading to a slouched seating position. Despite this, the back seat offered luxury features like quad-zone climate control and heated and ventilated seats. Storage space was limited, with dual glove compartments and a small refrigerated bin. Cargo volume was 25 cubic feet, expanding to 59.8 cubic feet, with a suspension kneel function for easier loading.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent came with a Starlink infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. The Premium trim added an 8-inch touchscreen, while the Touring trim included a high-resolution screen and navigation. The system was user-friendly, though the voice-control system was outdated. The Ascent also featured a 180-degree front camera view and a PIN Code Vehicle Access system for active lifestyles.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system was not entirely intuitive, requiring setup to avoid distractions while driving. The Range Rover included a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for assistance. The technology was advanced but required familiarity to use effectively.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. It featured EyeSight, a collection of camera-based ADAS, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and more. The Ascent also included a rear-seat reminder system and Starlink Safety Plus connected services.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included basic safety features like forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assistance. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond.