2021 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV maintained a seamless design, indistinguishable from its non-hybrid counterparts, save for a discreet “P400e” badge. The charging port was cleverly integrated into the grille, preserving the SUV's sleek aesthetic. This approach underscored Land Rover's understanding of design as a crucial factor in vehicle selection, avoiding unnecessary embellishments that might detract from its appeal. The test vehicle, priced at $93,200 with options, boasted striking Firenze Red paint, a black roof, and 21-inch aluminum wheels, enhancing its inherent elegance. Inside, the cabin was adorned with high-quality materials, reflecting the vehicle's premium price tag.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, particularly in its Heritage Edition, celebrated its legacy with a nostalgic design. The standard model, however, presented a more subdued appearance, reminiscent of a first-generation Toyota Highlander. Its Magnetic Gray paint and Terra leather upholstery offered a plush yet dated interior. The cabin featured a mix of Toyota parts and Lexus design elements, with a traditional hand-operated parking brake and a CD player adding to its retro charm. Despite its vintage vibe, the Land Cruiser's interior was swanky, with premium leather seats and a commanding driving position.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with a 141-hp electric motor, producing a total of 398 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. Despite Land Rover's claim of a 31-mile all-electric range, the test vehicle struggled to maintain EV mode, possibly due to climate control use or hilly terrain. The SUV averaged 41.9 mpg over 28.4 miles in EV mode and 25.5 mpg over a 60-mile loop, outperforming previous models. Its adaptive air suspension and various driving modes provided a comfortable yet athletic driving experience, though the regenerative brakes were somewhat grabby. Off-road capabilities remained robust, with a permanent 4WD system and multiple traction settings. However, recharging the battery proved frustrating, often not reaching full capacity overnight.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, powered by a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivered a quiet yet powerful performance. The eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD system, with a two-speed transfer case, ensured smooth power delivery. The SUV averaged 14.7 mpg, slightly better than the EPA rating. Off-road prowess was enhanced by a Torsen limited-slip differential, mud-and-snow tires, and a suite of traction control features. The Land Cruiser's suspension system, including KDSS, provided excellent wheel articulation, while skid plates protected the undercarriage. On-road, the SUV offered a refined, Lexus-like driving experience, though its size required more steering effort when parking.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV's cargo space was limited due to the battery's placement, reducing the standard 27.5-cubic-foot area. The interior comfortably seated five, with excellent front-seat comfort and a panoramic glass roof enhancing the ambiance. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed a tall riding position and four-zone climate control. However, practical storage was limited, especially with the optional refrigerated center console bin.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior, though dated, was luxurious, with premium leather upholstery and heated, ventilated front seats. The second-row bench offered ample space and comfort, while the third-row seat accommodated adults if the second row slid forward. Cargo space was 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 82.8 cubic feet with seats folded. The split clamshell liftgate provided convenient access, and robust grab handles aided entry and exit.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system was complex, often frustrating users with unexpected behavior and a lack of haptic feedback. While it offered a modern aesthetic, the system required patience and familiarity with technology to navigate effectively.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's technology was straightforward, with a 9-inch touchscreen lacking swipe or scroll functionality. The system, running on Toyota Entune, was simple but lacked depth, and did not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Large buttons and knobs made control adjustments easy, while the rear-seat entertainment system, though dated, provided basic functionality.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport included numerous advanced driver-assistance systems, though some, like the steering-assist and lane-keeping assist, were overly aggressive. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but its substantial weight offered some reassurance in collisions.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser featured Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked more advanced systems like stop-and-go adaptive cruise control. With 10 airbags and a hefty curb weight, it provided a solid safety foundation, though crash-test ratings were not available.