2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2023 Subaru Forester

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was characterized by its modernist and reductive design, which translated to a clean and simple aesthetic. This approach might not have appealed to those seeking a flashy luxury SUV, as the factory options for making the Range Rover Sport stand out were limited to a few bold paint colors and large wheels. The test vehicle, finished in Eiger Gray with silver 23-inch wheels and a Black Exterior Pack, exuded understated luxury. Inside, the Deep Garnet over Ebony theme, complemented by aluminum and shiny black trim, created a sophisticated atmosphere. The Range Rover Sport was available in SE P360, SE Dynamic P400, and Autobiography P440e specifications, with the SE Dynamic P400 test vehicle featuring numerous upgrades that brought its MSRP to $98,420. Notable design elements included premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and surface LED technology in the taillights, contributing to its excellent aerodynamics.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, with a design that emphasized simplicity and substance. The Forester's appearance remained consistent with its predecessors, especially in the Cascade Green Silica paint of the test vehicle. The Forester was available in Base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring trims, with prices ranging from $26,395 to $36,495. The Touring trim test vehicle, priced at $37,720, featured 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim, enhancing its appearance. The Forester's interior offered Saddle Brown leather, exposed stitching, and metallic accents, maintaining a traditional Subaru design with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen. While the interior was busy, the control layout was user-friendly, relying on traditional buttons and knobs. The Forester's practicality extended to its robust roof rails, capable of supporting a tent, and its well-sealed doors, which provided excellent protection against the elements.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement and driver-focused engagement, though it only partially succeeded. It featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque in the SE Dynamic model. The SE P360 offered 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain was available in the Autobiography P440e, delivering 434 hp and 406 lb-ft with an estimated 51 miles of electric range. Early-build models included a 523-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine, but it was temporarily unavailable. The Range Rover Sport's 395-hp inline-six provided ample power, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds, with a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds. It offered a combined fuel economy of 21 mpg, with real-world testing showing 22.3 mpg. The SUV's new architecture increased torsional stiffness by 35%, and its adaptive damping air suspension enhanced ride comfort and handling. However, it struggled to match the agility of sport-tuned competitors from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. Off-road, the Range Rover Sport excelled, with advanced suspension and technology providing a smooth ride over challenging terrain.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) system. The Forester offered X-Mode off-road traction management with various driving modes, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The Forester Wilderness trim provided additional off-roading modifications. During testing, the Forester Touring handled adverse weather conditions with ease, inspiring confidence in its capabilities. On dry roads, the Forester's driving dynamics impressed, with responsive steering, effective brakes, and excellent suspension tuning. While the engine was adequate, a turbocharged option would have been welcome. The Forester achieved 25.9 mpg on the testing route, falling short of its 29 mpg combined rating. A hybrid or plug-in hybrid option could improve efficiency and performance.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport retained its Command Driving Position, offering a tall and airy feel. The air suspension could kneel for easier entry and exit, and the front seats were comfortable with 20-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The rear seat, however, was less accommodating, with limited legroom and a reclined seatback angle. Storage space was decent, with a 31.9 cubic-foot cargo area expandable to 53 cubic feet. The Range Rover Sport's interior featured Windsor leather, soft-closing doors, and optional air purification.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function, with a focus on simplicity and practicality. The Premium trim offered a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats. Higher trims featured StarTex or genuine leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and heated rear seats. 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. The Forester's interior storage was plentiful, and the cargo area offered 26.9 cubic feet, expandable to 69.1 cubic feet. The Forester's doors were well-sealed, providing protection against the elements.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system was often confusing and frustrating to use. The Range Rover Sport offered impressive Meridian audio systems and Active Noise Cancellation, but the voice-recognition system struggled with basic commands.

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 infotainment system was preferable, with separate climate controls and easy-to-use knobs. However, the voice-recognition system was unreliable, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto a better choice.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came equipped with advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, and a surround-view camera system. However, the adaptive cruise control and steering assist were not as smooth or reliable as expected.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured the next-generation EyeSight system with updated software and cameras. It included Automatic Emergency Steering, blind-spot monitoring, and Rear Automatic Braking. The Forester's DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System monitored driver attention. The Forester earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, though it received lower scores in some new tests.