2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar presented a balanced design, positioned 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 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 featured high-quality leather and metal trim, creating a luxurious, cockpit-like feel that was more suited to urban environments than rugged terrains.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 adopted a rugged exterior, reminiscent of traditional SUVs, with boxy fender flares and a scowling front end. This aggressive styling set it apart from other compact crossovers, giving it a more adventurous appearance. Despite its bold exterior, the RAV4 was built on the TNGA platform, shared with other Toyota models, which provided a solid foundation but lacked the off-road prowess suggested by its looks. The RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road models offered additional styling and functional enhancements, such as matte black wheels and all-terrain tires, to emphasize its adventurous spirit.

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, reaching 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 large size made it less agile on tight roads.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a "Dynamic Force" 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This engine, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offered standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. While the engine achieved impressive thermal efficiency, the transmission struggled to keep up, resulting in a less dynamic driving experience. The RAV4's steering lacked feedback, and the Sport mode only added weight to the steering without enhancing performance. The RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime offered more power and refinement, making them attractive alternatives for those seeking better performance and fuel economy.

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. 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 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 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered a tall, upright roof, providing ample headroom and good outward visibility. However, legroom in both rows was slightly behind competitors. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats had flat, hard cushions, making long trips less appealing. The RAV4's cargo space was above average, with 37.6 cubic feet available with the rear seats in place. The interior featured oversized knobs and controls, making them easy to use, even with gloves on. While the RAV4's interior design was functional, it lacked the spaciousness and luxury of some competitors.

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 handled smartphone, navigation, and media functions, while the lower screen managed 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, which fit the minimalist cabin design but were prone to glare.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Most trims featured a 7-inch touchscreen, with higher trims offering larger screens. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with well-positioned graphics and shortcut buttons for essential functions. However, it lacked the flashiness of some competitors and did not offer a head-up display on gasoline models. The RAV4's infotainment system provided a straightforward interface, making it easy to use but not particularly exciting for tech enthusiasts.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, as low-volume luxury vehicles were a lower 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 driver-assist tech offerings were less sophisticated than competitors, with only lane-keep assist available, while other automakers offered more advanced systems.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention tech. The NHTSA awarded the RAV4 a five-star overall rating. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 bundle included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and more. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The RAV4's comprehensive safety features made it a strong contender in its class.