2021 Subaru Ascent vs 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was a much-anticipated addition to Subaru's lineup, filling a noticeable gap in their offerings with a three-row SUV. Its design was reminiscent of Subaru's smaller models like the Forester and Outback, but scaled up to accommodate three rows. The interior followed suit, with a dashboard design that was familiar to Subaru enthusiasts, likely intended to create a sense of continuity with the brand's other popular models. The Ascent was available in four trims: Standard, Premium, Limited, and Touring, each offering a range of features from driver-assistance technologies to upgraded infotainment systems and comfort amenities.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its final year of production in its current form, offered a more traditional SUV experience. The Heritage Edition trim celebrated its 65th anniversary with distinctive styling elements, but the standard model was more subdued. Its exterior design was basic, with large headlights and a chrome-heavy finish. Inside, the Land Cruiser combined high-quality materials with a somewhat dated design, featuring a mix of Toyota and Lexus elements. The interior was plush, with premium leather upholstery and a range of comfort features, but the overall aesthetic felt like a throwback to an earlier era.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine, producing 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, offering a smooth ride and responsive handling, particularly in inclement weather conditions. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, it was capable of light off-roading and could tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it a versatile choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, on the other hand, was equipped with a robust 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This power was channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission to a full-time four-wheel-drive system. The Land Cruiser's off-road capabilities were legendary, thanks to features like a Torsen limited-slip differential, Multi-Terrain Select, and Crawl Control. It could tow up to 8,100 pounds and handled rough terrain with ease. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging around 14.7 mpg. On paved roads, the Land Cruiser offered a refined driving experience, though its size and weight required more effort when maneuvering.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent offered a spacious interior with 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 86.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. It could seat up to eight passengers, with the option for second-row captain's chairs reducing capacity to seven. The first two rows provided ample space, while the third row was more suitable for children. The Ascent featured numerous storage options, including 19 cupholders and various trays and cubbies.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior was luxurious, with premium leather upholstery and heated and ventilated front seats. It offered a commanding driving position and a four-zone climate control system with 28 air vents. The second-row bench seat was comfortable, but the third row was less accommodating for adults. Cargo space was limited to 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 82.8 cubic feet with the second row folded. The split clamshell tailgate provided convenient access to the cargo area.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent featured the StarLink infotainment system with intuitive menu layouts and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It included multiple USB ports, satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity, with options for additional tech features like a WiFi hotspot and a premium stereo system.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's technology felt dated, with a 9-inch touchscreen that lacked modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was straightforward but limited in functionality. The Land Cruiser included a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system and a 14-speaker JBL audio system, but these features did not match the sophistication found in other luxury SUVs.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was recognized as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, thanks to its comprehensive EyeSight driver-assistance suite, which included features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Additional safety options were available, enhancing its appeal as a family-friendly vehicle.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P), offering features like forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked more advanced systems found in competitors, and its crash-test ratings were unavailable, leaving some uncertainty about its safety performance.