2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was a vehicle that revealed its design subtleties over time. It wasn't flashy, but its understated styling choices, like the dished hood, were functional, enhancing the driver's forward visibility. The fenders, slightly bulging from the sides, provided space for wheel travel and indicated the vehicle's width. The Heritage Edition added a touch of retro flair with blackened trim, a unique grille, and bronze wheels. Inside, the Land Cruiser approached luxury with its black perforated leather seating and functional dashboard, though it leaned towards a more traditional, analog feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek embraced the crossover trend by enhancing the Impreza hatchback with rugged looks and a taller ride height. It featured black body cladding and model-specific wheels, giving it an SUV-like character. The Crosstrek's vibrant color options, like Plasma Yellow Pearl, added to its appeal. Inside, it retained the Impreza's functional but plain design, with some attempts at flair through color accents. The Sport trim offered water-repellant upholstery, making it practical for outdoor adventures.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a robust 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, making it capable of handling various terrains. With an approach angle of 32 degrees and a fording depth of 27.55 inches, it was well-suited for off-road adventures. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and Multi-Terrain Select control knob further enhanced its off-road capabilities, while its serene cruising ability made long journeys comfortable.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter boxer-four with 152 hp and a 2.5-liter boxer-four with 182 hp. The latter was standard on Sport and Limited trims. The Crosstrek's AWD system, with torque vectoring and X-Mode, provided decent off-road capability, though it was primarily designed for on-road use. The higher center of gravity resulted in noticeable body roll, but the ride remained comfortable. The CVT-equipped models offered adequate acceleration, though the engine's droning was evident.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser's dual-purpose design was evident in its features. It had skid plates, tow hooks, and a roof rack for outdoor adventures. The three-row configuration provided ample space for families, with heated second-row seats and a split-folding third row. The interior boasted four-zone climate control, numerous cup holders, and a cooling box. The split tailgate design added a touch of retro charm, making loading and unloading easy.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek shared its interior dimensions with the Impreza hatchback, offering competitive passenger space but limited cargo capacity. It featured a rear-seat reminder system and a convenient cubby hole for phones. While storage space was minimal, the Crosstrek's driving position provided good visibility. However, it didn't offer the commanding view of traditional SUVs.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 9-inch touchscreen with Toyota Premium Audio, including 14 JBL speakers and integrated navigation. While it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it offered a Qi-compatible charging station. The Enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor camera system was a practical addition for off-road and urban driving.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek used the Starlink infotainment system, with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. Higher trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation. The system was user-friendly, with large analog knobs and buttons for essential functions. The Crosstrek also featured a secondary screen for additional information.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it featured Toyota Safety Sense P, including pre-collision and lane-departure warning systems. It also had 10 airbags, a tire-pressure monitoring system, and Trailer Sway Control, among other safety features.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and was a Top Safety Pick by IIHS for the 2020 model. It offered EyeSight driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. The system's cameras were well-protected, though they had limitations in certain conditions.