2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport vs 2026 Subaru Ascent
Comparison Overview
Trying to decide between premium badge appeal and serious upfront savings in a mid-size crossover? That's the core struggle pitting the 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport against the 2026 Subaru Ascent. The Discovery Sport starts at a significantly higher MSRP of $48,900, while the Ascent offers much more budget relief starting at $40,795, an $8,105 difference. Power metrics are close; the Ascent edges out with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque compared to the Land Rover's 246 hp and 269 lb-ft. Fuel economy favors Subaru slightly, achieving 22 MPG combined versus the Land Rover's 20 MPG combined, running on regular unleaded for both. Although the Land Rover is physically smaller at 180.9 inches long, the Ascent provides greater presence with a height of 71.6 inches. While the Land Rover boasts a superior 32.2 cu ft of cargo space over the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft, the overall package suggests different priorities for buyers.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Subaru Ascent
The 2026 Subaru Ascent is the commuter winner due to its slightly better fuel economy of 22 MPG combined and lower initial cost.
2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport
Despite the higher price, the Land Rover Discovery Sport offers more accessible cargo space at 32.2 cubic feet, which is better for hauling family gear.
2026 Subaru Ascent
The 2026 Subaru Ascent offers marginally better performance figures with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent is the clear value winner, saving buyers $8,105 upfront while providing better fuel efficiency.
Choose the Land Rover Discovery Sport if...
- You prioritize maximizing cargo volume, as the Discovery Sport offers 32.2 cu ft.
- You prefer the heritage and styling associated with the Land Rover badge.
- You want a slightly shorter vehicle footprint at 180.9 inches in length for easier city parking.
Choose the Subaru Ascent if...
- Your budget is a primary concern, given the $40,795 starting MSRP, an $8,105 savings over Car 1.
- You want marginally better efficiency, boasting 23/26 MPG city/highway compared to 19/23 MPG.
- You require the slightly more robust engine output of 260 horsepower.
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: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| 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 2026 Subaru Ascent.
What is the main difference in performance specifications between the two models?
The 2026 Subaru Ascent is slightly more powerful, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, compared to the 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport's 246 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque.
Which car is significantly more affordable?
The 2026 Subaru Ascent provides substantial savings, starting at $40,795, which is $8,105 less expensive than the Land Rover Discovery Sport's $48,900 MSRP.
Does the difference in vehicle size impact usability?
Yes, the Ascent is notably larger, measuring 196.8 inches long and 71.6 inches tall, making it bulkier than the Discovery Sport, which is 180.9 inches long.
How does the cargo capacity compare for road trips?
The Land Rover Discovery Sport offers significantly more dedicated storage, providing 32.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity, compared to the Ascent's 17.8 cubic feet.
Are there any differences in fuel requirements for these AWD crossovers?
Fortunately, both the 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport and the 2026 Subaru Ascent run efficiently on regular unleaded fuel.
Which vehicle will save me more money at the gas pump?
The Subaru Ascent wins on running costs, achieving 22 MPG combined, slightly exceeding the Land Rover's 20 MPG combined rating.
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