2021 Toyota Highlander vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar presented a balanced design, neither too compact like the Evoque nor as large as the traditional Range Rover. Its low roof and steeply-raked windshield gave it a unique profile, distinct from the upright stance of its siblings. The Velar maintained an intimidating presence with its broad front end, while its short overhangs improved off-road capabilities. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition added sportier elements, such as 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 set it apart from typical SUVs.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander stood out with its bold design, featuring wide headlights, a long hood, and a trapezoidal grille. The character line along its side echoed the sporty profile of the Supra, while the taillights borrowed elements from Lexus models. The Highlander managed to appear longer and lower than its predecessor without sacrificing size. The XSE trim introduced a more aggressive front end and sportier suspension tuning, appealing to those seeking a blend of practicality and style. Inside, the Highlander Limited trim offered a near-flawless fit and finish, with tan leather seats and wood details, emphasizing comfort and luxury for family-oriented buyers.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, particularly in the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, marked a shift towards performance with its 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine, delivering 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain enabled the Velar to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, reaching a top speed of 177 mph. Despite its impressive speed, the Velar's performance was not as sharp as some competitors, and its size made it less agile on tight roads. The Velar's off-road capabilities were supported by Land Rover's Terrain Response system, although its single-speed transfer case limited its off-road prowess compared to other models.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander, powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, prioritized smooth and reliable operation over raw performance. The Highlander's powertrain was adequate for everyday driving, offering a balance of power and efficiency. While it didn't match the performance of sportier rivals, the Highlander provided a comfortable ride with its soft suspension. The XSE trim added sportier suspension tuning, appealing to those seeking a touch of driving excitement without compromising family comfort.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar occupied a unique position in terms of size, larger than compact luxury SUVs but smaller than midsize counterparts. However, this didn't translate to more interior space, as competitors like the GLC and X3 offered more legroom and headroom. The Velar's cargo space was competitive, with 15.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded. The interior's avant-garde styling, while visually appealing, limited headroom and visibility, creating a somewhat cramped feel.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander excelled in interior space and versatility, with ample legroom for second-row passengers and adjustable seats to accommodate third-row occupants. Cargo space was generous, offering 16 cubic feet behind the third row, 48.4 cubic feet with it folded, and 84.3 cubic feet with both rear rows down. The Highlander's interior featured practical storage solutions, such as shelves for devices and a wireless charging pad, enhancing convenience for families.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system with dual 10.0-inch touchscreens, offering a range of connectivity options, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the system boasted high-quality graphics, its slow response times detracted from the user experience. Additional tech features included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display, contributing to the Velar's modern cabin.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander offered an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch option available on higher trims. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 12.3-inch screen provided a bright and crisp display, although its functionality was limited for certain apps. The Highlander's JBL audio system delivered decent sound quality, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked safety ratings from major organizations, but it included standard features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. Optional packages offered adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring, although Land Rover's offerings were less sophisticated compared to competitors.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander boasted an upgraded safety suite, Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, with features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and intersection support. Additional safety technologies included road-sign assist, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Highlander received top safety ratings, with a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS.