2022 Subaru Forester vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded luxury and sophistication, a hallmark of the Land Rover brand. Its design was a testament to elegance, with a sporty yet refined appearance that drew inspiration from the larger Range Rover models. The Velar's sleek lines, pop-out door handles, and distinctive grille made it a standout in the small luxury SUV segment. Despite concerns about reliability, the Velar's aesthetic appeal was undeniable, with its long wheelbase, short overhangs, and trapezoidal roof contributing to its striking presence. The interior, though less opulent than previous models, maintained high-quality materials and a polished black center stack, offering a modern and stylish cabin experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized practicality and functionality over flashy design. The Forester Wilderness model, in particular, embraced a rugged aesthetic with its suspension lift, protective cladding, and matte-black hood decal. While not conventionally attractive, the Forester's design catered to outdoor enthusiasts seeking a vehicle capable of handling rough terrains. Inside, the Forester emphasized utility with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather, all-weather floor mats, and a spacious cabin. The interior's focus on function over form was evident, with hard plastics and soft surfaces creating a durable and straightforward environment.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in impressive handling and steering dynamics. Its lower center of gravity and lighter weight enhanced cornering and braking performance, setting it apart from larger Land Rover models. The Velar offered a choice of engines, starting with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. While this engine provided adequate acceleration, the optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system delivered more power, with up to 395 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. The Velar's Terrain Response system and All Terrain Progress Control added versatility, though its off-road capabilities were limited compared to larger Range Rover models.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. While not the most powerful in its class, the Forester's engine offered competitive performance, especially at lower altitudes. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive system provided smooth and efficient power delivery. The Forester Wilderness model featured a CVT design that increased initial torque supply, doubling its towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The dual-function X-Mode system and re-tuned suspension enhanced the Forester's off-road capabilities, making it a capable companion for outdoor adventures.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's interior was stylish but sacrificed space for its sleek design. Rear-seat headroom was limited, and visibility was compromised by thick B-pillars and small rear windows. Cargo space was modest, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, raised concerns about usability and safety. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system improved the user experience with a cleaner interface and faster response times.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester excelled in practicality and functionality. Its tall seating hip points made entry and exit easy, while the spacious cabin provided comfort for both front and rear passengers. The Forester's cargo area offered 28.9 cubic feet of space without the panoramic sunroof and 26.9 cubic feet with it, expanding to 74.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Forester's interior featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery, all-weather floor mats, and upgraded roof rails, making it well-suited for outdoor activities. The Forester's design prioritized ease of use and durability, appealing to those seeking a versatile and reliable SUV.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system exceeded expectations with its improved layout and functionality. The system featured a simplified interface with customizable options, voice activation, and advanced navigation capabilities. Additional features included a PM2.5 air filter, heated windshield, and 360-degree cameras. The Velar's instrument panel offered various display configurations, though its driving assist display lacked detail compared to competitors. Standard features included LED headlights, automatic high beams, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo.

The 2022 Subaru Forester offered a range of infotainment options, starting with a 6.5-inch touchscreen system 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 model included a 180-degree forward-view camera for off-roading. The test vehicle's navigation system and audio quality were commendable, though voice recognition was inconsistent. The Forester's PIN Code Access feature allowed for keyless entry, catering to outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar received favorable safety ratings in the European New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), scoring five stars and a 93-percent score for front and side impact tests. However, U.S. crash-test ratings were unavailable. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the next-generation EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. The system included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Forester also featured a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Touring trim added DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology for monitoring drowsiness and distraction. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and was expected to retain its "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).