2020 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2020 Toyota 4Runner

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover carried a legacy of luxury and ruggedness, tracing its roots back to the original Series I off-roader. This model was introduced in 1969 as a luxury SUV built on robust 4x4 underpinnings, a combination that defined the brand. By 2020, the Range Rover offered multiple trims, including HSE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic, with options for Standard Wheelbase (SWB) and Long Wheelbase (LWB) configurations. Standard features included leather seating, heated front seats, tri-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof, while higher trims added more luxurious touches like massaging seats and a rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner maintained a timeless design with its tall slab sides, high beltline, and short overhangs, emphasizing a utilitarian attitude. Its design was functional, with flared wheel wells for off-road tires and short overhangs for tackling steep terrains. The 4Runner's trim lineup included SR5, TRD Off-Road, and Limited, among others, with special editions like Nightshade and Venture adding unique aesthetics. The Limited trim focused on comfort, featuring leather upholstery and an 8-inch touchscreen, though it retained a utilitarian feel with plenty of plastic and a seating position designed for off-road capability.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HSE trim featured a similar engine, tuned to 395 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. A turbodiesel V6 was also available, delivering 254 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. The P525 and Autobiography trims came with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, generating 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, while the SV Autobiography Dynamic boasted a 557 hp V8. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The Range Rover excelled in comfort and off-road capability, featuring an electronic air suspension and Terrain Response System with multiple drive modes.

In contrast, the 2020 Toyota 4Runner took a straightforward approach with a single 4-liter V6 engine across all trims, 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 prowess 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 it offered a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, its on-road performance was characterized by significant body roll and vague steering.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered two wheelbase options, with seating for five or four with optional second-row captain’s chairs. The SWB version provided 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while the LWB model offered 77.5 cubic feet. The Range Rover featured a hands-free power liftgate with a unique two-piece configuration, enhancing cargo loading convenience. The interior boasted a digital control panel with space for small items and decently sized door compartments.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner prioritized outward visibility and a tidy turning radius of 18 feet, 7 inches. Inside, it featured large knobs for HVAC and stereo controls, with an 8-inch touchscreen for infotainment. The tall seating position was complemented by power-retractable running boards on the Limited trim. The 4Runner offered an optional third row of seats, though they were best suited for short and occasional use due to limited legroom and comfort.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo system with two touchscreens, managing navigation, phone, stereo, and climate controls. The system had a learning curve and relied heavily on digital screens, though it included a volume knob and a fully digital instrument panel. A head-up display was also available.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner received an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. While Toyota's proprietary system was not difficult to understand, the onboard navigation system was less efficient than smartphone alternatives. The 4Runner also offered Amazon Alexa compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, and subscription services like Sirius XM Radio. Despite these updates, the 4Runner lagged behind competitors in total features and usability.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover came with standard safety features like low-speed automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included a 360-degree parking camera, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. While the Range Rover offered a solid list of safety features, some competitors provided more standard equipment.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner benefited from Toyota Safety Sense P, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. It featured eight standard airbags and received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though it scored three stars in the rollover test. The IIHS rated it well in most crash tests, except for a Marginal score in the small overlap front: driver-side test.