2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2023 Subaru Forester

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was a testament to Land Rover's long-standing tradition of crafting luxury SUVs. It exuded class and elegance, with a design that spoke of wealth and taste. The Velar's aesthetic appeal was undeniable, with its sleek, sporty package that mirrored the proportions of the larger Range Rover. Its long wheelbase, short overhangs, and distinctive Land Rover grille were unmistakable, making it one of the most visually appealing small luxury SUVs. The Velar's design was further enhanced by subtle adjustments like the sloping roof and wide shoulder crease, creating a streamlined yet blocky form. Special details like the taillight lenses and air ducts added to its allure, while the R-Dynamic trim introduced bronze accents and a more aggressive front bumper. Inside, the Velar's interior was as sophisticated as its exterior, featuring high-quality materials and a polished black center stack. The three screens offered sharp graphics, and even in its base trim, the Velar maintained a sense of luxury.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, with a design that emphasized simplicity and substance. Its appearance was reminiscent of previous Forester models, with a boxy shape and practical features. The Forester Touring trim stood out with its 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim, while robust roof rails added to its utility. Inside, the Forester offered a functional and straightforward design, with Saddle Brown leather and metallic accents in the Touring trim. The interior was easy to clean, with hard plastic surfaces and a layout that relied on traditional buttons and knobs. The Forester's design was busy, with a mix of gray and silver cladding, but it provided excellent outward visibility and easy entry and exit. While the Forester's appearance was not as refined as the Velar's, it was a practical choice for those who valued functionality over luxury.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a driving experience unlike any previous Land Rover. Its lower center of gravity and lighter weight contributed to improved handling and braking. The Velar's base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, producing 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. While the turbo-four provided average response, the Velar's optional air suspension with adaptive dampers offered a plush ride. The Velar also featured a Terrain Response system with six driving modes, but its off-road capabilities were limited compared to larger Range Rover models. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, available in two states of tune, provided higher performance, with the R-Dynamic HSE offering 395 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, combined with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, delivered the performance expected by luxury buyers while reducing emissions.

The 2023 Subaru Forester was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive. The CVT featured eight programmed ratios, and the Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) system offered a Sport driving mode. The Forester's X-Mode off-road traction management system, available on all trims except the Base, provided additional off-road capabilities. The Forester Wilderness trim offered even more off-roading prowess. During testing, the Forester Touring handled various weather conditions with ease, inspiring confidence in its capabilities. While the engine was adequate, the Forester's driving dynamics were impressive, with responsive steering, effective brakes, and excellent suspension tuning. The Forester returned 25.9 mpg during testing, slightly below its EPA rating, and a turbocharged engine or hybrid option would have been welcome additions.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar offered a stylish yet compact interior, with limited headroom and visibility due to its design. Cargo space was modest, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's design sacrifices practicality for aesthetics, and its lack of a discrete parking brake control was a notable flaw. The Pivi Pro infotainment system improved the user interface, but the Velar's redesign of critical controls was frustrating.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function, with a practical and spacious interior. The Forester Premium trim offered features like a panoramic sunroof and heated seats, while higher trims added leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control. The Forester's visibility was excellent, and entry and exit were effortless. However, the panoramic sunroof's lack of tinting could lead to solar heating, and the rear seats were less comfortable for taller adults. The Forester's doors were well-sealed, and interior storage was plentiful. The cargo area was usefully shaped, with 26.9 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 69.1 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was a pleasant surprise, offering a simplified layout and logical arrangements. It featured voice activation, a PM2.5 air filter, and a heated windshield. The navigation system provided useful features, and the 360-degree cameras offered a comprehensive view. The instrument panel was customizable, but the driving assist display lacked detail. Standard features included LED headlights, a 12-speaker Meridian stereo, and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.

The 2023 Subaru Forester's technology appeared outdated at first glance, but it offered practical features. The Base trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added satellite radio, HD Radio, and Starlink connected services. An 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system was available. The Forester's user interface was simple, with separate climate controls and easy-to-use knobs. However, the voice-recognition system was unreliable, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been crash-tested by U.S. agencies, but it scored well in the European NCAP. 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 2023 Subaru Forester featured the next-generation EyeSight system, with updated software and cameras. Models with blind-spot monitoring added Automatic Emergency Steering. The Forester Wilderness and Touring trims included Rear Automatic Braking. The Touring trim also had a DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System. The Forester earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.