2021 Subaru Ascent vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was a much-anticipated addition to Subaru's lineup, filling a notable gap in the three-row SUV segment. Its design was a scaled-up version of Subaru's popular models like the Forester and Outback, maintaining a familiar aesthetic that resonated with brand loyalists. The Ascent's interior mirrored this approach, with a dashboard design that could easily be mistaken for other Subaru models, reinforcing the brand's identity. The Ascent offered four trims: Standard, Premium, Limited, and Touring, each progressively adding more features. The Standard trim was well-equipped with driver-assistance features and a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while the Touring trim boasted luxury features like ventilated front seats and a panoramic sunroof.

In contrast, the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved from its rugged origins to a symbol of luxury and status. Starting at $92,000, the Range Rover offered a wide range of personalization options, with the potential to exceed $250,000 for a fully loaded long-wheelbase version. The HSE Westminster special edition, priced at $106,715, featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine and a sophisticated design that drew on its heritage. The Range Rover's interior exuded luxury with its high-contrast design and quality materials, although the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system was not as intuitive as newer systems. Despite its age, the Range Rover maintained a timeless appeal with hallmark design cues and a modern yet classic look.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, provided adequate performance for most driving scenarios. The Ascent excelled in comfort, with a ride that absorbed road imperfections and offered 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it capable in snowy conditions and light off-roading. It was also rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds, with a standard Trailer Stability Assist feature.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine in the HSE Westminster edition, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. This engine, combined with an eight-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive, provided a smooth and powerful driving experience. The Range Rover's adaptive air suspension delivered a classic wafting ride, while its Terrain Response 2 system ensured off-road capability. However, its steering was slow and the suspension struggled with the vehicle's weight, making it more suited to a relaxed driving style. The EPA rated the Range Rover at 20 mpg combined, though real-world testing showed 18.5 mpg.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent offered a spacious interior with up to 86.5 cubic feet of cargo space when all rear seats were folded. It provided seating for up to eight passengers, with the option for second-row captain's chairs reducing capacity to seven. The first two rows were spacious, while the third row was best for children on longer trips. The Ascent featured 19 cupholders and numerous storage options, though it lacked a hands-free power liftgate.

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 luxurious, but the second row lacked comfort and adjustability. Cargo space was limited to 25 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.8 cubic feet with them folded. The Range Rover included a refrigerated center console, but overall storage was limited. A button in the cargo area activated the suspension kneel function for easier loading.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent's StarLink infotainment system featured logical menus and large icons, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It included two front and two second-row USB ports, with additional tech options like third-row USB ports and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon stereo.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover's technology was centered around three digital displays, with the InControl Touch Pro Duo system offering numerous features. However, it was not entirely intuitive, and using the touchscreens while driving was distracting. The Range Rover included a head-up display, though it was not visible with polarized sunglasses. The Activity Key wristband and iGuide smartphone app were notable features, enhancing convenience and usability.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ thanks to its crash test results and comprehensive EyeSight driver-assistance suite, which included features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Additional safety options included reverse automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover came standard with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional packages added features like adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond in certain situations.