2020 Toyota 4Runner vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar presented a balanced design, sitting comfortably between the sleek Evoque and the boxy Range Rover. Its low roof and steeply-raked windshield gave it a unique profile, distinct from the traditional upright Range Rover. The Velar maintained an intimidating presence with its broad front end, while its short overhangs and optional air suspension provided off-road capability. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition added sportier touches, including larger air intakes and quad exhaust tips, enhancing its aggressive look. Inside, the Velar offered a luxurious experience with high-quality leather and metal trim, creating a cockpit-like feel that was more suited to urban environments than rugged terrains.

In contrast, the 2020 Toyota 4Runner embraced a timeless, utilitarian design with tall slab sides and a high beltline. Its flared wheel wells accommodated off-road tires, and the short overhangs allowed it to tackle steep terrains. The 4Runner's trim lineup included various options, with the Limited trim focusing on comfort. Despite its leather upholstery and chrome accents, the 4Runner retained a utilitarian feel with plenty of plastic elements. The seating position was designed for off-road adventures, offering a commanding view of the road. The optional third row of seats provided additional versatility, although they were best suited for short trips.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar introduced a significant performance upgrade with the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, featuring a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine producing 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, allowed the Velar to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, with a top speed of 177 mph. Despite these impressive figures, the Velar's performance was not class-leading, as competitors like the BMW X3 M Competition and Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S were quicker. The Velar's aluminum platform provided a solid and refined driving experience, but its size made it less agile on tight roads. The rest of the Velar's powertrain lineup included a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four and a 3.0-liter supercharged V6, both offering respectable performance.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner took a straightforward approach with its 4.0-liter V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. This engine was designed for durability and off-road capability rather than fuel efficiency, with an EPA estimate of 16 mpg city and 19 mpg highway. The 4Runner excelled off-road, thanks to its body-on-frame construction and advanced traction systems like CRAWL control and Multi-Terrain Select. While the 4Runner's on-road performance was characterized by significant body roll and vague steering, its off-road prowess made it a favorite among adventure enthusiasts.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar occupied a unique position in terms of size, being larger than small luxury SUVs but smaller than midsize counterparts. Despite its size, the Velar's interior space was not class-leading, with competitors offering more legroom and headroom. Cargo space was competitive, with 15.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats in place and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's avant-garde styling, including a chopped roof, limited headroom and visibility, creating a somewhat claustrophobic feel inside. The Velar offered a towing capacity of up to 5,511 pounds, depending on the engine choice.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner offered excellent outward visibility, crucial for off-roading. Its relatively tight turning radius made it maneuverable despite its size. Inside, the 4Runner featured large, easy-to-use controls and a tall seating position, providing a commanding view of the road. The optional third row of seats added versatility, although they were best suited for short trips due to limited legroom and comfort. The 4Runner's body-on-frame construction and impressive ground clearance contributed to its off-road capabilities, making it a popular choice for adventure seekers.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, with dual 10.0-inch touchscreens, a WiFi hotspot, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The upper screen handled smartphone and media functions, while the lower screen managed vehicle settings and climate control. While the system offered high-quality graphics, its slow response times were a drawback. Additional tech features included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and capacitive steering-wheel controls.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner received a technology update with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. While Toyota's proprietary system was user-friendly, the onboard navigation system was less intuitive than smartphone-based options. The 4Runner also featured Amazon Alexa compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, and various subscription services. Despite these updates, the 4Runner lagged behind competitors in terms of total features and usability. However, its advanced off-road features, such as CRAWL control, were a highlight for adventure enthusiasts.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, as low-volume luxury vehicles were a low priority for crash testing. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and front and rear parking aids. Adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were available as part of an option package. However, Land Rover's offerings were less sophisticated than competitors, with only lane-keep assist available.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner benefited from Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams. The 4Runner also featured eight standard airbags, enhancing its safety credentials. The NHTSA awarded the 4Runner four out of five stars overall, with a three-star rating in the rollover test. The IIHS gave it a Good rating in most crash tests, except for a Marginal score in the small overlap front: driver-side test.