2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2020 Toyota 4Runner

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's styling remained sophisticated and understated. A subtle “P400e” badge on the tailgate was the only giveaway that this particular model was a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The charging port, cleverly integrated into the grille, emphasized Land Rover's focus on preserving the Range Rover's timeless design. There were no additional aerodynamic features or other visual tweaks to distinguish it from its gasoline counterparts.

With prices starting at $79,000 for the HSE trim PHEV, this luxury SUV didn’t come cheap. In contrast, the base SE trim of non-hybrid versions started below $70,000. Opting for a fully loaded, performance-enhanced SVR could push the price beyond $160,000. The test vehicle, featuring nearly $13,000 worth of optional extras—such as stunning Firenze Red paint, a black roof, and 21-inch aluminum wheels—came to $93,200. These additions bolstered the Range Rover Sport's already commanding presence.

Inside, the cabin exuded luxury with top-notch materials accentuating every surface. The attention to detail and quality craftsmanship reflected the premium price tag, although not always efficiently, as further discussed in the review.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner sported a utilitarian look, defined by tall slab sides, a high beltline, and minimal overhangs. Styled to maximize off-road capability, its design was reminiscent of the XJ Jeep Cherokee, with its rugged and practical visual language. The flared wheel wells were purposely designed to house bulky off-road tires, while the short overhangs allowed the SUV to navigate steep terrains easily.

The 4Runner's front end featured small angular headlights and a prominent grille variably accentuated based on trim levels. The TRD Pro showcased blacked-out accents with a prominent "TOYOTA" badge, while the Limited trim gleamed with chrome decor.

Available in trims like SR5, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Limited, among others, the 4Runner offered options for various buyer preferences, from comfort to extreme off-roading. The Nightshade and Venture Special Editions added stealthy black trims and rugged features like 17-inch TRD wheels and a Yakima Megawarrior roof rack.

Our Limited trim test model emphasized comfort with leather seats, contrasting the cloth available in lower trims, and the sweat-resistant SofTex material on the SR5 Premium and TRD Off-Road Premium. An 8-inch touchscreen featured prominently in all trims, reinforcing Toyota's commitment to practicality and ease of use. Despite upgrades, the 4Runner Limited's luxury was likened to "lipstick on a pig," given its enduring utilitarian roots and extensive plastic elements in the cabin.

The 2020 Range Rover Sport PHEV promised up to 31 miles of all-electric driving range. However, achieving this in real-world conditions proved challenging during testing. Though the PHEV's gas-electric hybrid mode functioned smoothly, the EV mode was less reliable. Running the climate control system, aggressive acceleration, and hilly terrains likely contributed to the gas engine kicking in prematurely.

The PHEV's powertrain consisted of a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with a 141-hp electric motor and a 13-kWh battery. This setup produced a combined 398 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque, delivering impressive acceleration. Initially, the SUV averaged 41.9 mpg over a mixed 60-mile route, eventually landing at 25.5 mpg, surpassing previous V6 and diesel models' efficiency.

The Range Rover Sport PHEV featured an adaptive air suspension and various driving modes, contributing to its surprisingly agile handling despite its 5,400-pound weight. Though the regenerative brakes were effective, they tended to be too grabby for smooth stops. Off-roading capabilities were unwavering, with an 8-speed automatic transmission, a permanent 4WD system, adjustable air suspension, and the ability to ford 33.4 inches of water. However, charging frustrations were notable, with the battery sometimes failing to fully recharge overnight using a standard wall outlet.

Toyota equipped every 2020 4Runner with a robust 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. This straightforward approach differed significantly from the diverse options seen in other trucks like the Ford F-150. The 4Runner’s engine prioritized durability over refinement, resulting in a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds but a trade-off in fuel economy, rated at 16 mpg city, 19 highway, and 17 combined.

On pavement, the 4Runner’s body-on-frame construction and substantial ground clearance were more suited to off-road endeavors than urban driving. The SUV demonstrated significant body roll around corners, and the steering felt heavy yet vague. However, its ruggedness translated into excellent off-road performance, particularly with the full-time 4WD on the Limited trim or the part-time system in TRD models. The advanced off-road systems like CRAWL control and Multi-Terrain Select equipped the 4Runner to handle challenging terrains with ease.

The 4Runner’s off-road prowess and body-on-frame toughness stood out, especially when compared to vehicles designed mostly for on-road comfort.

The Range Rover Sport PHEV’s cargo capacity suffered due to the battery placement beneath the raised cargo floor, reducing space behind the back seat to an already limited 27.5 cubic feet. This compromised space further challenged practicality, especially since items tended to spill out when the tailgate was opened, thus requiring secure packing.

Passenger comfort, however, remained a strong suit. The front seats provided excellent support and were both heated and ventilated, with a broad range of adjustments. Despite the inclusion of adjustable inboard armrests, the center console armrest proved more comfortable. Optional side steps and adjustable air suspension aided accessibility, particularly for shorter individuals.

Rear-seat passengers benefited from good thigh support and a notably comfortable ride, enhanced by the four-zone automatic climate control. The panoramic glass roof added a sense of openness to the otherwise dark interior, and gesture controls for the sunshade were easy to operate.

The 4Runner excelled in maintaining visibility and maneuverability despite its substantial size. Its dashboard featured large, easily operated knobs for HVAC and stereo controls, ensuring user-friendliness. While the steering wheel-hosted controls lacked illumination, navigating them after dark could be a challenge.

Due to its body-on-frame design and high ground clearance, the 4Runner’s seating position was quite tall. Power-retractable running boards eased entry and exit, but the commanding driving position provided an excellent view of the road ahead.

Offering an optional third-row seat in non-TRD and non-Venture trims increased the 4Runner’s versatility. However, these seats were best suited for occasional short trips due to their limited legroom and less comfortable design compared to the more spacious and cushioned seats of competitors.

Cargo Capacity Comparison Comparing cargo capacities, the Range Rover Sport PHEV's reduced space stood out at 27.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats. In contrast, the 4Runner offered more flexibility, with enough room for larger loads and the added ability to carry seven passengers, albeit minimally comfortable for those in the third row.

The Land Rover Range Rover Sport’s technology suite proved challenging. The InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, while sophisticated, required time and patience to master. Without tactile feedback, touchscreens could confuse and occasionally misinterpret user inputs. Despite its modern interface, unexpected behaviors and delays plagued user interactions, often resulting in frustration.

In 2020, Toyota significantly updated its 4Runner’s technology. The introduction of an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto brought it in line with modern expectations. However, managing the built-in navigation on the Limited model was cumbersome compared to third-party apps like Google Maps. Additional connectivity features such as Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth, and various subscription services expanded its technological appeal.

Though well-received, the 4Runner's advancements lagged behind competitors that had incorporated these updates earlier or offered larger, clearer screens.

Safety technology was abundant in the Range Rover Sport, which included many advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). However, their functionality sometimes caused distraction. The optional Driver Assist Package added steering-assist that could be unsettling during highway maneuvers. Lane-keeping features were overly aggressive, leading to manual deactivation.

Due to its low sales volume and high price, crash-test ratings were unavailable for the Range Rover Sport. Its significant weight of nearly 5,500 pounds, however, suggested a favorable outcome in collisions due to sheer mass.

Toyota's TSS-P suite enhanced the 4Runner’s safety by adding features like adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. The inclusion of eight airbags increased occupant protection.

NHTSA awarded it four out of five stars overall, with three stars in rollover tests. The IIHS gave it top marks in most crash tests except the small overlap front: driver-side test, for which it received a Marginal score. While adaptive cruise control operated as expected, the absence of an active lane-keeping system was notable, especially given the 4Runner's high center of gravity.