2022 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2023 Subaru Forester

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover underwent a subtle evolution rather than a complete redesign, maintaining its broad, rounded face and large, unadorned sheet metal. The most noticeable change was at the rear, where the square taillights were replaced with thin LED strips integrated into a darker trim. The interior was simplified with fewer buttons and a larger touchscreen, enhancing its modern look. Premium materials like leather and wood trim elevated the luxury feel, and the cabin's solid construction ensured a quiet and refined ride. The Range Rover's interior quality surpassed that of competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7, positioning it as a top choice for those seeking premium luxury.

The 2023 Subaru Forester retained its familiar, functional design, prioritizing practicality over aesthetics. Available in various trims, the Forester offered features like a panoramic sunroof, heated seats, and robust roof rails. The Touring trim stood out with its Saddle Brown leather and upscale accents. Despite its utilitarian appearance, the Forester provided excellent outward visibility and easy entry and exit. The interior was practical, with ample storage and a user-friendly control layout. While the back seats lacked some comfort, the Forester's overall design emphasized functionality, making it a reliable choice for those valuing substance over style.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover offered two powertrains: the base P400 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, and the P530 with 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 four-wheel drive. The P400 provided effortless acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, while the V8 offered even more power. 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, and the Terrain Response system optimized off-road capability without sacrificing ride quality.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured 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 mimicked a traditional automatic with eight programmed ratios, and the SI-Drive system offered a Sport mode for quicker responses. Most trims included X-Mode for off-road traction management. The Forester excelled in challenging weather conditions, providing confidence and ease of handling. Its driving dynamics were commendable, with light steering, responsive brakes, and excellent suspension tuning. However, the engine's performance was merely adequate, and the Forester fell short of its EPA fuel economy rating, highlighting the need for a turbocharged or hybrid option.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover offered 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. The second row provided generous space and power adjustments, while the optional third row was suitable for smaller passengers. Cargo space was limited behind the third row but expanded significantly with seats folded. The split tailgate and adjustable air suspension facilitated loading and unloading.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, with features like a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable seats, and heated elements available in various trims. The Forester's high seating position and large windows offered excellent visibility, while entry and exit were effortless. The interior provided ample storage, though some areas were smaller than ideal. The cargo area was well-shaped, with hooks, tie-downs, and hidden storage. With seats folded, the Forester offered competitive cargo capacity for its class, making it a practical choice for families and adventurers.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover featured a new 13-inch touchscreen with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, offering sharp graphics and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, complemented by a wireless charging pad. The Meridian audio system delivered impressive sound quality, with an optional 35-speaker upgrade. Other tech features included Amazon Alexa integration, remote parking, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. While the touchscreen required more interaction due to fewer physical controls, some climate functions were cleverly designed for ease of use.

The 2023 Subaru Forester's technology appeared outdated but was user-friendly. The Base trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered an 8-inch display, navigation, and a Harman Kardon audio system. The Forester's older Starlink system was preferred for its separate climate controls and easy-to-use knobs. However, the voice-recognition system was unreliable, making smartphone integration essential. Despite its simplicity, the Forester's tech setup was practical and appealing.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover came standard with a suite of safety features, including frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and a surround-view camera system. These features performed well, with the cameras proving especially useful off-road. However, the Range Rover lacked some advanced safety technologies offered by competitors, such as advanced high beams and emergency stop functions.

The 2023 Subaru Forester introduced the next-generation EyeSight system with improved software and cameras. It included features like Automatic Emergency Steering and Rear Automatic Braking, though the latter could be overly sensitive. The Touring trim added a DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System. The Forester earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, a step down from the previous year's Top Safety Pick+ award, due to new testing criteria. The NHTSA awarded the Forester five-star crash-test ratings, with a four-star rollover resistance rating.