2020 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2020 Subaru Ascent

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was a vehicle that exuded a subtle charm, with its design choices becoming more apparent and appreciated over time. It featured a dished hood that improved forward sight lines, allowing drivers to navigate obstacles with ease. The fenders bulged slightly, indicating the vehicle's width and accommodating wheel travel. The Heritage Edition added a touch of retro flair with blackened trim, a unique grille, and bronze BBS wheels. Inside, the Land Cruiser approached luxury with black perforated leather seating and a functional, albeit plain, dashboard. The center stack housed a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system surrounded by numerous controls, while the instrument panel featured traditional analog gauges.

In contrast, the 2020 Subaru Ascent presented a practical and utilitarian design, reminiscent of a larger Subaru Forester. It boasted gray plastic cladding for protection, an oversized grille, and robust roof rails. The Ascent's interior, especially in the Touring trim, was stylish and featured quality materials. The leather was soft, and the front seats were both heated and ventilated. The dashboard included a useful shelf and ambient lighting, while the center control panel was logically arranged. The Ascent offered a choice between a second-row bench seat or captain’s chairs, with the latter providing comfort and convenience for passengers. The third-row seating was accessible and comfortable for shorter trips, and the cargo space was generous, especially with the seats folded down.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a robust 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive, provided the Land Cruiser with the capability to tackle both urban and off-road environments. Its fuel economy was rated at 13 mpg city, 17 mpg highway, and 14 mpg combined. The Land Cruiser's off-road prowess was further enhanced by its Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and Multi-Terrain Select control knob, allowing drivers to adjust settings for various terrains. With an approach angle of 32 degrees, a departure angle of 24 degrees, and a breakover angle of 21 degrees, the Land Cruiser was well-equipped for challenging landscapes.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This engine, combined with a continuously variable automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, offered good acceleration but was less fuel-efficient, averaging 18.9 mpg during testing. The Ascent's handling was not particularly sporty, with its suspension struggling on uneven surfaces and the steering lacking responsiveness. However, the Ascent excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its Active Torque Split AWD system, X-Mode off-road traction system, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. These features made the Ascent a capable vehicle for adventurous drivers.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was designed for both commuting and overlanding, with features like skid plates, tow hooks, and mudguards. The standard model offered a three-row configuration, accommodating up to eight passengers, while the Heritage Edition was a two-row, five-passenger SUV. The interior boasted four-zone automatic climate control, numerous cup holders, and a cooling box in the center console. The Land Cruiser's split tailgate design was both practical and charming, making loading and unloading easy. With a towing capacity of up to 8,100 pounds, the Land Cruiser was well-suited for hauling.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent prioritized comfort and practicality, especially in the Touring trim. The interior featured soft leather, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Ascent offered ample storage options, including a center bin, door panel bins, and a glove compartment. The second-row captain’s chairs provided comfort and convenience, while the third-row seats were accessible and suitable for shorter trips. The Ascent's cargo space was generous, with 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 86 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The standard roof rails allowed for additional storage options.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with a range of technology features, including a Qi-compatible inductive charging station and Toyota Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation. The sound system included 14 JBL speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, and a CD player. However, the Land Cruiser lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which were common in many competitors. The 9-inch touchscreen interface was functional but smaller compared to newer models. The Enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor camera provided useful views for navigating challenging terrain and tight spaces.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent featured the Starlink infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. The Premium trim offered an 8-inch touchscreen display, while the Touring trim included a high-resolution screen and navigation. The Ascent's voice-control system was outdated, but the Harman Kardon speakers delivered excellent sound quality. The Ascent also offered a 180-degree front camera view and a PIN Code Vehicle Access system, allowing owners to securely lock and unlock the vehicle without a key fob.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, which included features like a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also had the Star Safety System, which offered stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. The Land Cruiser featured 10 airbags, active headrests, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. However, it had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, thanks to its advanced safety features. The EyeSight system included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Ascent also offered a blind-spot-monitoring system, reverse automatic braking, and LED steering-responsive headlights. The EyeSight Assist Monitor provided visual alerts on the windshield, enhancing driver awareness. The Ascent included a rear-seat reminder system and Starlink Safety Plus connected services for added peace of mind.