2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover was a testament to luxury and ruggedness, a blend that originated from its roots as a vehicle for British landowners. Introduced in 1969, the Range Rover combined luxury with robust 4x4 capabilities, a hallmark that defined the brand. By 2020, the Range Rover offered multiple trims, including HSE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic, available in both Standard and Long Wheelbase configurations. Standard features included leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, and a dual-screen infotainment system, with options for heated rear seats and a 19-speaker Meridian audio system. The Autobiography trim added massaging front seats and quad-zone climate control, while the SVAutobiography boasted nearly every available feature.

In contrast, the 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid presented a tougher, more angular design, reminiscent of the 4Runner. Available in four trims—LE, XLE, XSE, and Limited—the RAV4 Hybrid featured standard LED headlights and taillights, with adaptive headlights available on the top trim. Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid offered a simple yet functional design, with Softex upholstery and a standard 7-inch touchscreen. While it lacked the luxury of leather, the RAV4 Hybrid's interior was comfortable, with ample rear legroom and a spacious cargo area. The hybrid model maintained the same interior and cargo space as the standard RAV4, offering 98.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 37.6 cubic feet of trunk capacity.

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 non-hybrid version of the same engine, delivering 395 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. A turbodiesel V6 was also available, rated at 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. A plug-in hybrid powertrain was also an option, combining a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four with electric motors for a combined 398 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, with an electric range of 19 miles. The SV Autobiography Dynamic trim featured a 5.0-liter V8 tuned to 557 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, offering a blend of power and efficiency. The Range Rover's electronic air suspension and automatic load leveling provided a comfortable ride, while its Terrain Response System offered various drive modes for different conditions.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, on the other hand, delivered 219 horsepower, 16 more than the standard version, with a combined EPA fuel economy rating of 40 miles per gallon. Its powertrain combined a 2.5-liter, 176-horsepower four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, driving all four wheels. The first electric motor delivered up to 118 hp to the front wheels, while the second motor provided 54 hp to the rear wheels. The RAV4 Hybrid's nickel-metal hydride battery was mounted under the rear seats, allowing for regenerative braking and seamless electric motor assist. The hybrid system's efficiency was enhanced by the absence of a heavy driveshaft, making the RAV4 Hybrid only 200 pounds heavier than the non-hybrid model. The RAV4 Hybrid's steering was light, and its suspension was soft, ensuring a comfortable ride, while its towing capacity of 1,750 pounds added to its versatility.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered two wheelbase options: Standard Wheelbase (SWB) and Long Wheelbase (LWB). Both configurations provided standard seating for five, with the option for second-row captain’s chairs reducing capacity to four for enhanced comfort. The SWB version offered 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 34.5 cubic feet with them up, while the LWB model provided 77.5 cubic feet of total cargo space. The Range Rover's hands-free power liftgate featured a unique two-piece configuration, facilitating easier loading and tailgating. The center-console compartment was convenient, and both front and rear doors offered decent storage compartments and cupholders.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid boasted excellent ergonomics, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen (an 8-inch screen was optional) positioned atop the dashboard. The center console provided space for a cell phone, two cupholders, and a large storage bin under the armrest. While the cabin could be quieter, the RAV4 Hybrid's electric drive mitigated engine noise. The rear seat offered impressive legroom, accommodating three adults comfortably, and the cargo area provided 37.6 cubic feet of space. The hybrid model maintained the same interior and cargo space as the standard RAV4, with 98.9 cubic feet of passenger volume.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo system, consisting of two touchscreens. The top screen managed navigation, phone, stereo, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, while the lower screen controlled climate settings, seat controls, and Terrain Response settings. Integrated dials in the lower screen changed functions based on the selected menu. The system had a learning curve and occasional lag issues, but a volume knob was still available. A fully digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display added to the Range Rover's tech offerings.

In 2020, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid introduced Android Auto, joining Apple CarPlay as standard features. The RAV4 Hybrid also offered SiriusXM Radio with a 3-month trial and WiFi Connect with a 3-month, 2GB trial. While Toyota's Entune multimedia software was available, most users preferred Google Maps or Apple Maps. The RAV4 Hybrid included a USB-A port on the dash, with additional ports in higher trims. The Predictive Efficient Drive system improved hybrid efficiency, while drive modes like "Eco," "Sport," and "Trail" allowed drivers to tailor performance.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover came with standard safety features such as low-speed automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and front-and-rear parking sensors. 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 RAV4 Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 as standard, including a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and road-sign assist. Additional features like blind-spot monitoring and parking assist were optional. The RAV4 Hybrid received a five-star rating from the NHTSA, with four stars in the frontal crash test, five in the side crash test, and four in the rollover test. Two safety recalls were issued for the RAV4 Hybrid in 2020, addressing engine coolant leaks and suspension issues.