2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical gap between the 2025 Subaru Ascent (Car 1) and the 2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport (Car 2) is the $9,905 difference in Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the Ascent starting at $39,995. Performance metrics are closely contested; the Ascent delivers 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque compared to the Discovery Sport's 246 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy favors the Subaru slightly, achieving 22 combined MPG versus the Land Rover's 20 combined MPG. Dimensionally, the Ascent is considerably longer at 196.8 inches versus 180.9 inches, yet this size difference results in the Discovery Sport offering superior cargo volume at 32.4 cubic feet compared to the Ascent's 17.8 cubic feet. Both vehicles utilize regular unleaded fuel and standard all-wheel drive systems, but utilize different transmissions (CVT for Ascent vs. 9-speed automatic for Discovery Sport).
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Subaru Ascent
The 2025 Subaru Ascent offers better highway fuel efficiency at 26 MPG compared to the Discovery Sport's 23 MPG.
2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport
The 2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport provides significantly more interior storage with 32.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity versus the Ascent's 17.8 cubic feet.
2025 Subaru Ascent
The 2025 Subaru Ascent edges out its competitor with higher output, generating 277 lb-ft of torque compared to 269 lb-ft.
2025 Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent presents superior monetary value, undercutting the Discovery Sport's MSRP by $9,905 while offering slightly better combined MPG (22 vs. 20).
Choose the Subaru Ascent if...
- Budget constraint mandates staying under $40,000, as the MSRP is $39,995.
- Maximizing engine output is a priority, given its 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.
- Prioritizing slight long-term efficiency is desired, evidenced by its 22 combined MPG rating.
Choose the Land Rover Discovery Sport if...
- Maximum dedicated storage space is required, as it offers 32.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
- Preference exists for a traditional 9-speed automatic transmission over a continuously variable automatic transmission.
- A shorter overall vehicle footprint of 180.9 inches is necessary for tighter urban parking situations.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Ascent | Land Rover Discovery Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 196.8" | 180.9" |
| Width | 76.0" | - |
| Height | 71.6" | 67.9" |
| Wheelbase | 113.8" | 107.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Subaru | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Subaru | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.4 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 260 hp @ 5600 rpm | 246 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 269 lb-ft @ 1300 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 | Subaru | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Subaru | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/26 MPG | 19/23 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 20 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 386.0/501.8 mi. | 336.3/407.1 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.3 gal. | 17.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Subaru | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Side View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Subaru | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.6 in | 11.4 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 11 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | 4 months | — |
| Meridian Speakers | — | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | — | 400W |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
| Antenna Type | — | Diversity |
Power Feature
| Feature | Subaru | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Fixed Glass Extended |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.2 in. | — |
| Front Leg Room | 42.2 in. | — |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.1 in. | — |
| Front Hip Room | 57.8 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 10-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
Rearseats
| Feature | Subaru | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.0 in. | — |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.6 in. | — |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 60.3 in. | — |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.5 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Subaru | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | 245/60R | N/A |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 19 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Subaru | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
Warranty
| Feature | Subaru | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Ascent and 2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport.
What is the primary difference in drivetrains between the 2025 Ascent and 2026 Discovery Sport?
The Subaru Ascent utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission, whereas the Land Rover Discovery Sport employs a 9-speed automatic transmission. Both vehicles feature standard all-wheel drive and run on regular unleaded fuel.
How do the interior dimensions compare for cargo hauling?
The 2026 Discovery Sport offers substantially more space with 32.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2025 Ascent provides 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space, indicating the Discovery Sport is more suitable for large gear or frequent hauling.
Is the higher-priced Land Rover Discovery Sport more powerful?
No, the less expensive 2025 Subaru Ascent is slightly more powerful, boasting 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, exceeding the Discovery Sport's 246 hp and 269 lb-ft.
How significant is the difference in fuel economy?
The Ascent holds a minor advantage in efficiency, achieving 22 combined MPG (20 city/26 highway) compared to the Discovery Sport's 20 combined MPG (19 city/23 highway).
What explains the large price disparity of nearly $10,000?
The 2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport commands a $49,900 MSRP, which is $9,905 more than the Ascent's $39,995 starting price, suggesting differences in material quality or standard feature packaging not detailed here.
Which vehicle is physically larger overall?
The 2025 Subaru Ascent is the larger vehicle in overall length, measuring 196.8 inches compared to the Discovery Sport's 180.9 inches, although the Discovery Sport is shorter in height by almost 4 inches.
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