2022 Subaru Forester vs 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its final year of the current form, offered a nostalgic experience with its Heritage Edition trim. This version celebrated the SUV's 65th anniversary with distinctive features like bronze BBS wheels and a Yakima Megawarrior roof storage basket. However, the standard spec Land Cruiser, which arrived for review, was less visually striking. It featured Magnetic Gray paint and plush Terra leather upholstery, but its exterior design was reminiscent of a first-generation Toyota Highlander, with oversized headlights and a basic two-box shape. Inside, the Land Cruiser mixed Toyota parts-bin switchgear with Lexus design themes, offering high-quality materials and a traditional hand-operated parking brake, creating a sense of traveling back in time.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester, particularly in the Wilderness trim, emphasized practicality and ruggedness. The Forester Wilderness featured a suspension lift, higher ride height, and protective cladding, giving it a raccoon-on-wheels appearance. Inside, the Forester prioritized function over form, with a cabin that combined hard plastic and soft surfaces, exuding quality construction. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, though the presence of three display screens was less than ideal. Overall, the Forester Wilderness offered a well-made and functional interior, with the new front styling improving its looks in most trim levels.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 401 pound-feet of torque. Despite its power, the engine's roar was hushed, contributing to an average fuel economy of 14.7 mpg, slightly better than the EPA rating of 14 mpg. The Land Cruiser's eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel-drive system, with a two-speed transfer case, provided impressive off-road capabilities. Features like a Torsen limited-slip differential, Multi-Terrain Select traction assist, and Crawl Control enhanced its off-road prowess. On pavement, the Land Cruiser offered a refined driving experience, though its nearly 3-ton weight affected maneuverability. It was rated to tow up to 8,100 pounds.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 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, close to the EPA's 26 mpg rating. While the engine was adequate near sea level, it felt sluggish at higher altitudes. The CVT's eight programmed ratios and SI-Drive's Sport mode improved responsiveness. The Forester's dual-function X-Mode system and re-tuned suspension enhanced its off-road capabilities, making it a compelling choice for those seeking adventure.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior was swanky but dated, with plush leather upholstery and heated, ventilated front seats. The three-passenger second-row bench seat offered comfort with heated cushions, while the third-row seat accommodated adults if the second row slid forward. Cargo space was limited, with 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 82.8 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. The split clamshell-style liftgate and tailgate provided easy access to the cargo area.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit due 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 ample storage space and upgraded roof rails for added utility. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet without the panoramic sunroof, expandable to 74.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Forester's squared-off cargo area and new cargo hooks added to its practicality.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's technology felt dated, with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that lacked swipe or scroll functionality. It ran on Toyota Entune technology, similar to a Corolla, and did not offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system was also outdated, though it included a 14-speaker JBL Synthesis premium audio system.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester offered a more modern infotainment experience. Even the base trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen with navigation and a Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Forester Wilderness included a 180-degree forward-view camera, and the PIN Code Access feature allowed for keyless entry during outdoor activities.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser came equipped 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 more advanced driving assistance systems, and crash-test ratings were unavailable.

The 2022 Subaru Forester debuted the next-generation EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. It included features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Forester also had a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, and DriverFocus facial recognition technology. It earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and was expected to retain its "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS.