2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek was a clever adaptation of the Impreza hatchback, designed to capture the growing interest in crossovers. By incorporating rugged aesthetics, standard all-wheel drive, and a higher driving position, Subaru successfully transformed the Impreza into a more SUV-like vehicle. The Crosstrek stood out with its black body cladding, model-specific 17-inch wheels, and an impressive 8.7 inches of ground clearance. These changes gave it a distinct character, enhanced by vibrant color options like Plasma Yellow Pearl. Despite its SUV-like appearance, the Crosstrek retained the Subaru Global Platform, ensuring a refined driving experience. However, the interior remained largely unchanged from the Impreza, offering functionality but lacking in visual appeal. The Sport trim's interior accents, such as the clashing Plasma Yellow Pearl and cheap-looking simulated carbon-fiber trim, were less than impressive, though the water-repellant StarTex upholstery was a practical touch.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover underwent an evolutionary redesign, maintaining its iconic broad, rounded face and large sheet metal surfaces. The most noticeable change was at the rear, where thin LED strips replaced the old square taillights, enhancing its modern appeal. The Range Rover emphasized its size, especially in the long-wheelbase version, which added eight inches in length. Inside, the cabin was simplified with fewer buttons and a larger tablet-like touchscreen, creating a more modern look. The materials used were of exceptional quality, with premium leather and rich wood trim elements. The Range Rover exuded luxury, with a solid feel and a quiet cabin, even on rough roads. It offered a level of refinement that surpassed competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLS, BMW X7, and Cadillac Escalade, rivaling even more expensive options like Maybach and Bentley.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered two gasoline powertrains. The Sport and Limited trims featured a new 2.5-liter boxer-four engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. The base and Premium trims retained the 2.0-liter boxer-four engine, delivering 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. A plug-in hybrid option was also available, though not updated for 2021. The boxer engine's low profile contributed to a lower center of gravity, enhancing handling, though the raised ride height somewhat negated this benefit. A six-speed manual transmission was standard on Base and Premium trims, while a CVT was optional. The Sport and Limited trims were CVT-only, offering the larger engine. All trims featured standard AWD with torque vectoring and X-Mode for improved traction on loose surfaces. Despite its SUV-like features, the Crosstrek was primarily suited for on-road driving, with predictable handling and a comfortable ride. The new 2.5-liter engine provided adequate acceleration, though the CVT's droning was noticeable.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover offered two powertrains. The base P400 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The P530 upgrade boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine, delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The P400 powertrain provided effortless acceleration, with Land Rover estimating a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds. The Range Rover's handling was surprisingly agile for its size, with well-managed body roll and a calm, composed driving experience. Rear-wheel steering enhanced maneuverability, making it easy to navigate tight spaces. The Range Rover's off-road capabilities were impressive, thanks to the Terrain Response system, which adjusted the suspension and drivetrain for optimal traction. Despite its size, the Range Rover offered a smooth ride and a quiet cabin, making it one of the most comfortable luxury SUVs available.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek shared its interior dimensions with the Impreza hatchback, offering the same front and rear legroom. It had slightly more rear headroom, providing a competitive passenger space for a small crossover. However, its cargo space was limited, with 20.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 55.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. This was more than the Hyundai Kona and Jeep Renegade but less than the Honda HR-V, Kia Seltos, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, and Nissan Rogue Sport. The Crosstrek featured a rear-seat reminder system, a handy cubby hole with USB and auxiliary ports, and minimal storage space. The driving position was higher than the Impreza's, offering good outward visibility.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover provided ample space in the first two rows, enhanced by large windows and a panoramic sunroof. Front seats were cushioned for comfort, with available massage functions. Storage options included two glove boxes, a wireless charging pad, and a large center console bin. The second row offered power recline and sliding adjustments, with climate controls, sunshades, and USB-C ports. The optional third row was accessible with a button, though headroom was limited for adults. Cargo space was 17.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 43.1 cubic feet with the seats folded, and up to 93 cubic feet with the second row down. The split tailgate and adjustable air suspension made loading cargo easier.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek featured the Starlink infotainment system with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. Premium and Sport trims added WiFi, SiriusXM, and a CD player. An 8-inch touchscreen with navigation was standard on the Limited trim and optional on others. The system was user-friendly, with large analog knobs and buttons for essential functions. A secondary screen displayed redundant information, and steering wheel controls managed EyeSight driver-assistance features.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover boasted a 13-inch touchscreen with the new Pivi Pro infotainment system, offering sharper graphics and quicker responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a wireless charging pad. The Meridian audio system delivered impressive sound quality, with a 35-speaker upgrade available. Other tech features included Amazon Alexa integration, remote automated parking, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and remote control via a smartphone app.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side crash tests and four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The 2020 model, virtually identical to the 2021 version, earned the IIHS "Top Safety Pick" award. EyeSight driver-assist features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. The system's cameras were well-protected but limited by windshield wipers and direct sunlight.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The cameras were particularly useful for off-roading. While adequately equipped, some rivals offered additional features like advanced high beams and emergency stop functions.