2021 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2022 Subaru Ascent

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its final year of production, offered a nostalgic nod to its storied past with the Heritage Edition trim. This version was celebrated for its classic design elements, such as bronze BBS wheels and a Yakima Megawarrior roof basket, which were best complemented by the Midnight Black color. However, the standard model, which arrived for review, was dressed in Magnetic Gray with Terra leather upholstery. Its exterior, reminiscent of a first-generation Toyota Highlander, was adorned with oversized headlights and a chrome-heavy design, lacking distinct character. Inside, the Land Cruiser mixed Toyota's familiar switchgear with high-quality materials, offering a plush yet dated ambiance, complete with a hand-operated parking brake and a CD player.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Ascent introduced a modern aesthetic with its Onyx Edition trim, featuring blacked-out exterior elements and 20-inch aluminum wheels. This trim level, positioned in the middle of the Ascent lineup, provided a sporty appearance that was new to the model. The interior was equipped with water-repellant StarTex synthetic leather in a gray two-tone scheme, complemented by metallic trim. While the interior was generally comfortable, the StarTex material had a tendency to trap sweat, making ventilated seats a desirable but unavailable option in this trim. The Ascent's design was practical, with thoughtful storage solutions and a focus on family-friendly features.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine, shared with the Toyota Tundra. This engine was remarkably quiet during acceleration, contributing to a refined driving experience, though it resulted in a fuel economy of just 14.7 mpg during testing. The Land Cruiser's eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel-drive system, with a two-speed transfer case, provided robust off-road capabilities. Features like a Torsen limited-slip differential, Multi-Terrain Select traction assist, and Crawl Control made it adept at handling challenging terrains. On-road, the Land Cruiser offered a smooth, Lexus-like ride, though its nearly 3-ton weight required more steering effort during parking maneuvers. It was rated to tow up to 8,100 pounds, underscoring its utility.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent, equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Its continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel-drive system provided a balanced performance, achieving an average of 20.5 mpg during testing. The Ascent's flat-four engine design contributed to a lower center of gravity, enhancing handling. The CVT offered eight programmed ratios and manual shift control, allowing for brisk acceleration and commendable passing power. Subaru's X-Mode off-road traction control system, along with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, ensured the Ascent was capable off-road. In urban settings, the Ascent felt nimble and responsive, though its braking system could be overly sensitive. On highways, the Ascent's lane-keeping technologies could feel intrusive, but turning them off improved the driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior was luxurious, with premium leather upholstery and heated, ventilated front seats. The SUV's tall seating position provided a commanding view, while the second-row bench offered ample space and comfort with heated cushions. The third-row seat, though accommodating adults if the second row was adjusted, lacked leg support for long trips. Cargo space was limited to 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 82.8 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The split clamshell-style liftgate facilitated easy access to the cargo area.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent could seat up to eight people, though the third row was best suited for children. The driver's seat offered a comfortable and commanding position, and the Onyx Edition was equipped for winter conditions with features like heated front seats and a wiper de-icer. The Ascent's interior was practical, with wide rear doors and available captain's chairs. Cargo capacity was generous, with 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 86.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Ascent's design prioritized family-friendly features and storage solutions.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Toyota Entune technology. While functional, it lacked modern conveniences like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, relying instead on basic voice commands and a free three-month SiriusXM subscription. The dashboard was dominated by large buttons and knobs, offering a straightforward user experience. The rear-seat entertainment system, though dated, provided DVD playback and HDMI connections. A 14-speaker JBL Synthesis audio system was standard, though not exceptional for the price.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent's base trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a CD player. The Premium trim added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services, including a WiFi hotspot. While not the latest system, it was user-friendly, with separate climate controls. Voice recognition required specific commands, and the Onyx Edition's standard stereo lacked premium sound quality. Higher trims offered additional features like a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front camera.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser came with 10 airbags and Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked advanced systems like stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, leaving its safety performance uncertain.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover rating. Subaru's EyeSight driver-assistance technology was standard, offering adaptive cruise control and lane-centering. However, it struggled in direct sunlight and lacked refinement. Additional safety features included steering-responsive LED headlights and optional reverse automatic braking.