2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar presented a unique blend of style and functionality, sitting comfortably between the compact Evoque and the larger Range Rover. Its design was neither too sleek nor too boxy, offering a balanced aesthetic. The Velar's low roof and steeply-raked windshield gave it a distinct profile, setting it apart from the traditional upright Range Rover look. Despite its stylish appearance, the Velar maintained its SUV identity with a broad front end that commanded attention and short overhangs that improved its off-road capabilities. The interior was a departure from its 1969 predecessor, featuring high-quality leather and metal trim, creating a luxurious and cockpit-like feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner retained a rugged and utilitarian design that had aged well over the years. Its two-box body with flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches emphasized its timeless styling and practicality. The 4Runner's design was more about function than form, resembling a reliable tool that didn't require frequent updates. The Trail Special Edition, in particular, offered a straightforward and durable interior with hard plastic materials, big knobs, and buttons, reflecting its off-road capabilities. The 4Runner's charm lay in its simplicity and durability, appealing to those who valued a no-nonsense approach to SUVs.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, particularly in its SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, marked a significant shift in performance with the introduction of a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine. This powerhouse delivered 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. Land Rover claimed a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 177 mph, impressive for a 4,595-pound SUV. However, it wasn't 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, though it felt less agile on tight roads.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, was equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. It featured a five-speed automatic transmission and a part-time 4WD drivetrain. While the 4Runner excelled off-road, thanks to its A-Trac system and optional features like a locking rear differential and Crawl Control, it felt slow and cumbersome on paved roads. Its truck-like driving characteristics were part of its charm, but they also contributed to a less refined on-road experience. The 4Runner's fuel efficiency was a concern, with an average of 16.8 mpg during testing.

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 didn't offer more interior space, with competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLC and BMW X3 providing more legroom and headroom. Cargo space was competitive, with 15.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's avant-garde styling, while visually appealing, limited headroom and visibility, creating a somewhat claustrophobic interior.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with ample legroom and good visibility. The back seat provided air conditioning vents and USB charging ports, enhancing passenger comfort. While a third-row seat was available, the test vehicle featured a sliding cargo deck, offering practicality for various activities. Cargo space was generous, with up to 47.2 cubic feet behind the back seat and 89.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The 4Runner's design prioritized functionality, making it suitable for outdoor adventures.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, with dual 10.0-inch touchscreens handling various functions. While the system boasted high-quality graphics and a sleek design, it suffered from slow response times. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and capacitive steering-wheel controls. However, the Velar's tech offerings were less sophisticated compared to some competitors.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner Trail Special Edition, being lower on the trim ladder, offered basic technology features. It came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The premium audio upgrade added dynamic navigation and voice recognition. The system's physical buttons and knobs made it user-friendly, even with gloves on. While not the most advanced, the 4Runner's infotainment system was functional and effective.

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 parking aids. Adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were available as options. However, the Velar's driver-assist tech offerings were less comprehensive compared to some competitors.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The 4Runner's safety ratings reflected its age, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a "Marginal" rating for small overlap frontal-impact protection from the IIHS.