2021 Subaru Ascent vs 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was a vehicle whose design elements became more appreciated over time. It wasn't flashy, but its subtle styling choices, like the dished hood, were practical, enhancing the driver's forward visibility. The fenders, slightly bulging from the sides, provided space for wheel travel and indicated the vehicle's width. The Heritage Edition added a touch of retro flair with blackened trim, a unique grille, and bronze wheels. Inside, the Land Cruiser approached luxury with its leather-trimmed seating and functional, albeit plain, dashboard. The infotainment system was housed in a 9-inch touchscreen surrounded by numerous controls, offering a mix of analog and digital displays.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent, introduced as a much-needed addition to Subaru's lineup, was a three-row SUV that mirrored the design language of its smaller siblings, the Forester and Outback. Its cabin design was consistent with other Subaru models, likely to create a sense of familiarity among buyers. The Ascent offered four trims: Standard, Premium, Limited, and Touring, each adding more features and comfort. The base model was well-equipped with driver-assistance features and a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered larger screens, power-adjustable seats, and premium audio systems. The Touring trim stood out with its luxurious touches like ventilated seats and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was renowned for its robust performance, powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, making it capable of tackling both urban and off-road environments. The Land Cruiser's suspension system, with its Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and Multi-Terrain Select, ensured a smooth ride over various terrains. Its off-road capabilities were highlighted by its approach, departure, and breakover angles, along with a fording depth of 27.55 inches. Despite its size, the Land Cruiser offered a serene driving experience, with controlled body roll and excellent visibility.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a CVT and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, provided a balanced performance suitable for most driving conditions. The Ascent excelled in comfort, with a ride that absorbed road imperfections and offered responsive handling. Its 8.7 inches of ground clearance, combined with the X-Mode system, made it adept at handling snowy conditions and light off-roading. The Ascent's towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds added to its versatility.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser's dual-purpose design was evident in its rugged exterior features like skid plates and tow hooks, as well as its luxurious interior. The standard model offered a three-row configuration with heated second-row seats and a split-folding third row. The interior boasted four-zone climate control and numerous cup holders, while the Heritage Edition focused on two-row seating. The Land Cruiser's split tailgate was a unique feature, enhancing its practicality for loading and unloading. With a towing capacity of 8,100 pounds, it was well-suited for heavy-duty tasks.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent provided ample interior space, with 17.8 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row, expanding to 86.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. It offered seating for up to eight passengers, with the option for second-row captain's chairs. The first two rows were spacious, while the third row was more suitable for children on longer trips. The Ascent featured an impressive 19 cupholders and numerous storage compartments, enhancing its practicality for families.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 9-inch touchscreen with Toyota Premium Audio, including 14 JBL speakers and integrated navigation. While it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it offered a Qi-compatible charging station and an Enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor for off-road navigation. The infotainment system, though functional, appeared dated compared to competitors with larger screens.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent's StarLink infotainment system was user-friendly, with logical menus and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It came with multiple USB ports, satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims offered additional tech features like a WiFi hotspot and a premium Harman Kardon stereo system.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser, though not crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, offering features like pre-collision detection and adaptive cruise control. It also included the Star Safety System and 10 airbags, ensuring comprehensive safety coverage.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating, thanks to its EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. It also offered optional safety features like blind-spot monitoring and reverse automatic emergency braking.