2022 Subaru Forester vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved significantly from its rugged origins, transforming into a symbol of luxury and sophistication. Initially designed as a utilitarian vehicle, it quickly moved upscale, offering a wide range of powertrains and personalization options. The test model, priced at $106,715, featured the HSE Westminster special-edition trim, showcasing a timeless design with hallmark cues 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 2022 Subaru Forester, particularly in its Wilderness trim, emphasized practicality and utility. Priced at $36,014, the test vehicle featured a rugged design with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather and a suspension lift for improved ground clearance. The Forester's interior prioritized function over form, with hard plastic and soft surfaces creating a cabin that felt well-constructed but somewhat dated. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was intuitive, though the presence of three display screens was less than ideal. Overall, the Forester's design was more about practicality than luxury.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrain options, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Its four-wheel drive system, combined with Terrain Response 2 traction control, ensured off-road capability, although the test drive was limited to a well-traveled trail. The Range Rover's adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, but its steering was slow and syrupy, requiring a measured approach to twists and turns. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 20 mpg, but the test vehicle averaged 18.5 mpg.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. The Wilderness model featured a CVT with a 25% increase in initial torque supply, doubling its towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The Forester averaged 25.9 mpg during testing, slightly below the EPA's 26 mpg estimate. While the engine was adequate at sea level, it felt sluggish at higher altitudes. The Forester's dual-function X-Mode system and re-tuned suspension improved off-road performance, making it a compelling choice for those seeking adventure.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover's air suspension offered a kneel mode for easier entry and exit, but the second-row seats lacked comfort and adjustability. Storage space was limited, with a small refrigerated center-console bin and a luggage volume of 25 cubic feet, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet. The Range Rover's interior featured quality leather upholstery and quad-zone climate control, but the back seat's slouched position detracted from its luxury appeal.

The 2022 Subaru Forester excelled in functionality, with easy entry and exit thanks to tall seating hip points. The Wilderness trim featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery and all-weather floor mats, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The Forester's interior offered comfort and practicality, with upgraded roof rails accommodating a three-person roof tent. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet, expandable to 74.2 cubic feet, making it one of the roomiest compact SUVs.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. While the InControl Touch Pro Duo system was not entirely intuitive, it offered numerous features and functions. The Range Rover also included a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for added convenience.

The 2022 Subaru Forester came equipped with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, upgradeable to an 8-inch screen with navigation and a Harman Kardon sound system. The Wilderness trim included a 180-degree forward-view camera for off-roading. The Forester's technology was user-friendly, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a PIN Code Access feature for outdoor activities.

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

The 2022 Subaru Forester debuted the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. Standard features included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, and the Touring trim included DriverFocus technology for monitoring drowsiness and distraction.