2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Subaru Forester

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved significantly from its utilitarian roots, transforming into a symbol of luxury and sophistication. Initially designed as a rugged vehicle, it had become a status symbol with a starting price of $92,000, which could escalate to over $250,000 with various customization options. The test model, priced at $106,715, featured the HSE Westminster special-edition trim, showcasing a timeless design with hallmark features like blacked-out windshield pillars and clean styling. Inside, the Range Rover exuded luxury with its Ivory-color interior and mid-century modern ambiance, although its infotainment system was not as advanced as newer models.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Forester, despite a redesign in 2019, retained a familiar look with its boxy, upright shape, appealing to SUV shoppers seeking practicality. The Forester Sport model, with its orange striping and black 18-inch alloy wheels, added a touch of flair. Built on the Subaru Global Platform, it shared underpinnings with other Subaru models, maintaining a rugged yet practical identity. The interior was functional, with a no-nonsense mix of materials designed to withstand daily wear and tear. The Forester offered a spacious cabin with ample headroom and legroom, contributing to a comfortable and airy feel.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrains, including a turbodiesel V6, a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, and hybrid options. The HSE Westminster edition featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Equipped with a flawless eight-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive, the Range Rover excelled in off-road conditions, aided by Terrain Response 2 traction control. The adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, although the SUV's weight and tall center of gravity affected handling on winding roads. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 20 mpg, but the test vehicle averaged 18.5 mpg.

The 2021 Subaru Forester came with a single powertrain: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). While adequate for most 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 its off-road capabilities, and the Forester boasted a respectable 8.7 inches of ground clearance. However, for serious off-roading, other models like the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk were more suitable.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier access, though shorter passengers still found entry challenging. The front seats were luxuriously comfortable, but the second row lacked support and adjustability. Storage space was limited, with a small refrigerated center-console bin and a maximum cargo capacity of 59.8 cubic feet. The clamshell-style tailgate and suspension kneel function facilitated loading, but overall luggage volume was less than some competitors.

The 2021 Subaru Forester offered generous headroom and legroom, thanks to its tall roofline, which also provided excellent visibility. With 35.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 76.1 cubic feet with them folded, the Forester surpassed some rivals in cargo capacity. While it lacked a sliding second-row bench, a power liftgate was available on higher trims. The interior featured practical storage solutions, though the phone-storage cubby was small, and wireless charging was not offered. The Forester's controls were user-friendly, with large knobs for audio and climate settings.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover boasted a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system, while advanced, was not entirely intuitive and could be distracting while driving. The Range Rover included a head-up display, though it was not visible with polarized sunglasses. The Activity Key wristband allowed for keyless convenience during activities, and the iGuide smartphone app served as a digital owner's manual.

The 2021 Subaru Forester's Starlink infotainment system featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Higher trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen and additional features like a Harman Kardon audio system. The system was easy to use, with backup analog controls, though the screen was slow to boot up. Additional displays provided secondary information, but the setup felt overly complex.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features like forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking, with optional packages for more advanced driver aids. The HSE Westminster Edition came with the Drive Pro and Park packages, which performed well, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond.

The 2021 Subaru Forester excelled in safety, earning a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard EyeSight technology included adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking, with optional features like blind-spot monitoring. The Forester's safety systems performed adequately, though lane-centering felt jerky.