2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar presented a balanced design, positioned between the sleek Evoque and the robust Range Rover. Its low roof and steeply-raked windshield gave it a unique profile, distinct from the traditional upright Range Rover. The Velar maintained its SUV identity with a broad front end and short overhangs, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition added sportier elements, such as larger air intakes and quad exhaust tips, emphasizing its performance potential. Inside, the Velar's interior was luxurious, featuring high-quality leather and metal trim, creating a cockpit-like feel that was more suited to urban environments.

In contrast, the 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid adopted a tougher, more angular design, reminiscent of the 4Runner. Its trapezoidal apertures and perforated grille gave it a mechanical look, complemented by dark trim around the wheel wells and doorsills, suggesting off-road readiness. The RAV4 Hybrid was available in four trims, with higher trims offering larger wheels and adaptive headlights. Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid's design was simple and functional, with tasteful trim and comfortable seating. While it lacked luxury materials like leather, the interior was well-appointed, with good-quality plastics and materials.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar introduced a V8 engine in the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, delivering 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 its power, the Velar was not the fastest in its class, with competitors like the BMW X3 M Competition and Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S offering quicker acceleration. 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 with standard four-wheel drive and off-road capabilities.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, with its 219 horsepower, excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving a combined EPA rating of 40 miles per gallon. This impressive fuel economy was supported by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, driving all four wheels. The RAV4 Hybrid's powertrain was cleverly designed, eliminating the need for a heavy driveshaft, which improved handling and fuel economy. On the road, the RAV4 Hybrid offered smooth acceleration and regenerative braking, with the hybrid system providing ample electric power. It could tow up to 1,750 pounds, with standard trailer sway control, making it a versatile choice for various driving needs.

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 did not offer more interior space, with competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLC and BMW X3 providing more legroom and headroom. The Velar's cargo space was competitive, with 15.7 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded. Its avant-garde styling, while visually appealing, limited headroom and visibility, creating a somewhat claustrophobic interior. The Velar's towing capacity was respectable, with the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition and V6 models capable of towing up to 5,511 pounds.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid boasted excellent ergonomics, with a well-placed 7-inch touchscreen and intuitive climate controls. The center console offered ample storage, including an optional Qi wireless charging tray. While the cabin could be quieter, the RAV4 Hybrid's electric drive reduced engine noise. The rear seat provided impressive legroom, accommodating three adults comfortably, and the cargo area offered 37.6 cubic feet of space. The hybrid model did not compromise interior or cargo space, maintaining the same 98.9 cubic feet of passenger volume as the standard RAV4.

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, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The upper screen managed smartphone, navigation, and media functions, while the lower screen handled vehicle settings and climate control. Despite high-quality graphics, the system was criticized for slow responses. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and capacitive steering-wheel controls.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid introduced Android Auto alongside Apple CarPlay, with all trims receiving SiriusXM Radio. These features enhanced the infotainment experience, surpassing Toyota's Entune multimedia software. The RAV4 Hybrid offered WiFi Connect, with a 3-month trial, and multiple USB-A ports for charging. The vehicle also featured "Predictive Efficient Drive," optimizing battery efficiency, and various drive modes, including "Eco," "Sport," and "Trail," to suit different driving conditions.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, as low-volume luxury vehicles were not prioritized 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 options. However, Land Rover's driver-assist tech offerings were less sophisticated compared to competitors, with only lane-keep assist available.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, lane-tracing assist, and road-sign assist. Additional safety features, such as blind spot monitoring and parking assist, were optional. The RAV4 Hybrid received a five-star rating from the NHTSA, with high scores in crash tests. However, it faced two safety recalls related to engine coolant leaks and suspension issues.