2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover was a testament to luxury and ruggedness, a combination that had defined the brand since its inception. Originating from the rugged Series I off-roader, the Range Rover evolved into a luxury SUV with robust 4x4 capabilities, appealing to affluent British landowners. By 2012, the current-generation Range Rover had been introduced, offering a variety of trims like HSE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic, each available in Standard Wheelbase (SWB) and Long Wheelbase (LWB) configurations. Standard features included leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, and the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, while higher trims added luxurious touches like massaging seats and a rear-seat entertainment system.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner maintained a rugged, utilitarian design that had aged well over its 12-year production span. Despite its aggressive styling, the 4Runner was praised for its balanced proportions and timeless utility. Available in trims like SR5, TRD Off-Road, and Limited, the 4Runner offered special editions such as the Trail Special Edition, which featured unique elements like a Yakima RoadWarrior rooftop cargo basket. Inside, the 4Runner provided a comfortable and practical environment with features like black cloth upholstery, a sliding rear cargo tray, and a custom-made cooler. However, its interior was dominated by hard plastics, reflecting its durable and easy-to-clean nature.

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 more powerful 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 boasted a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine with 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, while the SV Autobiography Dynamic trim pushed the V8 to 557 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, ensuring impressive off-road capabilities and a comfortable ride over various terrains.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, was powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. While the 4Runner excelled off-road, thanks to features like A-Trac and optional upgrades 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 economy was another drawback, with an EPA rating of 17 mpg combined, making frequent stops at the gas station necessary.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered two wheelbase options, SWB and LWB, with standard seating for five. The LWB version provided more cargo space, with 77.5 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded, compared to 70.9 cubic feet in the SWB model. The Range Rover's interior was luxurious, with comfortable seating and a unique two-piece power liftgate for easy loading. However, its cargo space was less than some competitors in its class.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner sat high off the ground, offering a comfortable ride for both front and rear passengers. The back seat provided ample legroom, and the vehicle's design allowed for an open-air experience with the sunroof and windows down. While a third-row seat was available, the test vehicle featured a sliding cargo deck, reducing cargo volume but adding utility. The 4Runner offered up to 89.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, making it suitable for various adventures.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo system, consisting of two touchscreens for navigation, phone, stereo, and climate controls. While the system offered a high level of customization, it had a learning curve and occasional lag issues. A fully digital instrument panel and optional head-up display added to the Range Rover's tech-savvy appeal.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner Trail Special Edition was more basic in terms of technology. It included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The premium audio upgrade added features like dynamic navigation and voice recognition. While the system was user-friendly, it lacked the sophistication of the Range Rover's setup.

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 2021 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane departure warning. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning, which were notable omissions. The 4Runner's safety ratings reflected its age, with less favorable scores in certain crash tests compared to more modern designs.