2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport vs 2025 Subaru Ascent
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport excites with its upscale pedigree and agile, compact footprint, boasting 246 horsepower from its standard setup. Conversely, the 2025 Subaru Ascent flexes its utility muscle, offering a substantial 260 horsepower and greater physical presence at 196.8 inches long. While the Discovery Sport feels inherently more premium, its combined MPG sits at 20, lagging slightly behind the Ascent's superior 22 MPG combined rating. The massive $8,905 price gap means the Ascent starts at a more accessible $39,995 compared to the Land Rover's $48,900 MSRP. Interestingly, despite its smaller exterior (180.9 inches long), the Discovery Sport manages a healthier 32.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity against the larger Ascent's 17.8 cubic feet, offering better practicality within a smaller shell, while both utilize robust AWD systems.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent offers better fuel economy at 22 MPG combined for cheaper daily driving costs.
2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport
The Discovery Sport provides superior usable cargo space at 32.2 cu ft despite its smaller overall dimensions.
2025 Subaru Ascent
The Ascent delivers slightly more output with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Subaru Ascent
The Ascent undercuts the Discovery Sport by a significant $8,905 MSRP, offering better power figures for less money.
Choose the Land Rover Discovery Sport if...
- You prioritize brand prestige and a more luxurious driving environment typical of Land Rover.
- You need maximum cargo space (32.2 cu ft) while keeping the exterior footprint relatively short (180.9 inches).
- You prefer the traditional feel of a 9-speed automatic transmission over a CVT.
Choose the Subaru Ascent if...
- Budget is a primary concern, given the $8,905 lower starting MSRP of $39,995.
- Maximizing efficiency is key, as the Ascent returns 26 MPG highway versus the Discovery Sport's 23 MPG highway.
- You require the slightly higher maximum performance metrics of 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Land Rover Discovery Sport | Subaru Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 180.9" | 196.8" |
| Width | - | 76.0" |
| Height | 67.9" | 71.6" |
| Wheelbase | 107.9" | 113.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Land Rover | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Land Rover | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 246 hp @ 5500 rpm | 260 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 269 lb-ft @ 1300 rpm | 277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Land Rover | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Land Rover | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/23 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 20 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 336.3/407.1 mi. | 386.0/501.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.7 gal. | 19.3 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Land Rover | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | ✓ | — |
| Side View Camera | ✓ | — |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Land Rover | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Meridian Speakers | ✓ | — |
| Stereo Power | 380W | — |
| Speaker System | 10 | 6 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Antenna Type | Diversity | — |
| Infotainment Display | — | 11.6 in |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Land Rover | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Fixed Glass Extended | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Land Rover | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.2 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 39.1 in. | 42.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.3 in. | 61.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Front Hip Room | — | 57.8 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Land Rover | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.7 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.1 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 60.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 57.5 in. |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Land Rover | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Size | N/A | 245/60R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | — | All Season |
Suspension
| Feature | Land Rover | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Land Rover | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport and 2025 Subaru Ascent.
What is the primary drivetrain difference between the 2025 Discovery Sport and the 2025 Ascent?
Both vehicles come standard with All-Wheel Drive systems to handle varying conditions. However, the Land Rover utilizes a conventional 9-speed automatic transmission, whereas the Subaru Ascent employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).
Which crossover offers better passenger or cargo utility for the price?
The Land Rover Discovery Sport technically wins on pure cargo volume, boasting 32.2 cubic feet compared to the Ascent's 17.8 cubic feet, although the Ascent is physically larger externally.
How significant is the fuel economy gap between the two AWD models?
The Subaru Ascent holds a slight edge in efficiency, achieving 22 MPG combined (20 city/26 highway), marginally surpassing the Discovery Sport's 20 MPG combined rating (19 city/23 highway).
Is the performance substantially different given the close horsepower figures?
The Ascent technically holds the performance advantage, generating 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, which surpasses the Discovery Sport's 246 hp and 269 lb-ft, especially when considering the Ascent's lower curb weight likely allows for better acceleration.
Why is the Discovery Sport significantly more expensive than the Ascent?
The $8,905 MSRP difference primarily reflects the premium positioning of the Land Rover brand, likely translating to superior interior material quality and expected luxury features beyond the base specifications provided.
Do either of these crossovers require premium gasoline?
No, both the 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport and the 2025 Subaru Ascent are specified to run happily on regular unleaded fuel.
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