2022 Subaru Forester vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover underwent a subtle evolution rather than a complete redesign. Its front and side profiles closely resembled the previous generation, with a broad, rounded face and large, unadorned metal surfaces. A vertical accent strip under the mirrors distinguished the new model. The rear saw the most significant change, replacing square taillights with sleek LED strips. The interior was simplified, featuring a larger touchscreen and fewer buttons, while maintaining a luxurious feel with premium leather and wood trim. The Range Rover's interior quality surpassed competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7, offering a refined luxury experience.

The 2022 Subaru Forester, available in multiple trims, emphasized practicality and utility. The Wilderness model, tested in Oregon, featured rugged styling with protective cladding and a matte-black hood decal. Inside, the Forester prioritized function over form, with a mix of hard and soft surfaces. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, though the presence of three display screens was less ideal. The Forester excelled in utility, with features like water-repellant upholstery and upgraded roof rails, making it suitable for outdoor adventures. Despite its rugged appearance, the Forester offered a well-made and comfortable driving experience.

The 2022 Range Rover offered two powertrains: a P400 turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 395 horsepower and a P530 twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 with 523 horsepower. Both engines paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The P400 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, impressive for its size. Handling was agile, with well-managed body roll and standard rear-wheel steering aiding maneuverability. The Range Rover excelled off-road, thanks to its Terrain Response system, while maintaining a smooth, quiet ride.

The 2022 Forester continued with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower. It featured a CVT and standard AWD, with the Wilderness model offering increased torque and towing capacity. The Forester averaged 25.9 mpg in testing. While adequate at sea level, the engine 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 enhanced off-road capability, and the Wilderness trim's suspension and tires improved ground clearance and handling on rough terrain.

The Range Rover's spacious interior featured large windows and a panoramic sunroof, enhancing visibility. Front seats offered comfort with massage functions, and ample storage was available. The second row provided generous space and amenities, while the optional third row was suitable for smaller passengers. Cargo space varied from 17.1 to 93 cubic feet, with a split tailgate aiding loading.

The Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit and water-resistant StarTex upholstery. Comfort was high, with excellent visibility and rear-seat amenities. Storage included door pockets and seatback pockets. Cargo space ranged from 26.9 to 74.2 cubic feet, with upgraded roof rails supporting outdoor gear.

The Range Rover featured a 13-inch touchscreen with the Pivi Pro system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Meridian audio system provided excellent sound, with an optional 35-speaker upgrade. Additional tech included Amazon Alexa, remote parking, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The Forester's base trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with smartphone mirroring. Higher trims offered an 8-inch screen, navigation, and a Harman Kardon sound system. The Wilderness trim added a forward-view camera. The PIN Code Access feature allowed keyless entry for outdoor activities.

The Range Rover included standard safety features like frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. No crash test ratings were available from NHTSA or IIHS.

The Forester debuted EyeSight 4.0, offering improved camera-based safety features. It included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Forester earned a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA and was expected to retain its IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" rating.