Fuel efficiency vs capability: subaru forester vs discovery sport – which will save you more?
What To Know
- The Discovery Sport’s infotainment system is more advanced, with a larger touchscreen, a premium sound system, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot.
- The Forester’s fuel economy is estimated at 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the Discovery Sport’s fuel economy is estimated at 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
- The Discovery Sport offers more power, a more luxurious interior, and a third row of seats, but it comes at a higher price and with slightly higher maintenance costs.
The Subaru Forester and Land Rover Discovery Sport are two popular compact SUVs that offer a blend of versatility, capability, and style. While both vehicles share similar characteristics, they also have distinct differences that make them appealing to different types of drivers. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key aspects of each SUV to help you make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
Performance and Capability
Engine and Powertrain
The Subaru Forester comes standard with a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The Land Rover Discovery Sport, on the other hand, offers a wide range of engine options, including a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that produces 246 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque.
All-Wheel Drive
Both the Forester and Discovery Sport come standard with all-wheel drive systems. Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is renowned for its stability and traction control, while Land Rover‘s Terrain Response system offers multiple driving modes to optimize performance on different surfaces.
Interior and Space
Cabin Comfort and Features
The Forester’s interior is spacious and well-appointed, with a comfortable and ergonomic design. It features a large touchscreen display, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof as standard. The Discovery Sport’s interior is equally impressive, with premium materials, a high-tech infotainment system, and a spacious third row of seats.
Cargo Capacity
The Forester offers 31.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expands to 76.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Discovery Sport provides slightly more cargo space, with 34.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 60.2 cubic feet with the third row folded.
Safety and Technology
Safety Features
Both the Forester and Discovery Sport have earned top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). They come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Technology and Infotainment
The Forester’s infotainment system is user-friendly and feature-rich, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a navigation system as standard. The Discovery Sport’s infotainment system is more advanced, with a larger touchscreen, a premium sound system, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot.
Reliability and Cost of Ownership
Reliability
Both the Subaru Forester and Land Rover Discovery Sport have average reliability ratings, according to Consumer Reports and J.D. Power. However, Subaru has a slightly better reputation for long-term reliability.
Cost of Ownership
The Forester has a lower cost of ownership than the Discovery Sport, particularly when it comes to fuel consumption and maintenance costs. The Forester’s fuel economy is estimated at 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the Discovery Sport’s fuel economy is estimated at 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
Summary: A Choice of Priorities
The Subaru Forester and Land Rover Discovery Sport are both excellent compact SUVs that offer a unique blend of versatility, capability, and style. The Forester is a more affordable and reliable choice, with a spacious interior and excellent fuel economy. The Discovery Sport offers more power, a more luxurious interior, and a third row of seats, but it comes at a higher price and with slightly higher maintenance costs. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific priorities and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which SUV is better for off-roading?
The Land Rover Discovery Sport has a more advanced off-roading system with multiple driving modes and a higher ground clearance.
Which SUV has a more comfortable interior?
The Land Rover Discovery Sport has a more luxurious interior with premium materials and a more advanced infotainment system.
Which SUV is more fuel-efficient?
The Subaru Forester has better fuel economy than the Land Rover Discovery Sport, especially in the city.
Which SUV has a higher towing capacity?
The Land Rover Discovery Sport has a higher towing capacity than the Subaru Forester, with a maximum towing capacity of 4,409 pounds.
Which SUV has a better resale value?
The Subaru Forester typically has a better resale value than the Land Rover Discovery Sport.