2020 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

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 was introduced in 1969 as a luxury SUV built on robust 4x4 underpinnings. By 2020, the Range Rover had evolved into a vehicle with multiple trim levels, including HSE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic, available in both 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 offered additional luxuries like massaging seats and a rear-seat entertainment system.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander stood out in the midsize SUV segment with its distinctive styling and practical design. The Highlander featured a bold front end with wide headlights and a trapezoidal grille, while its profile was accentuated by a character line reminiscent of the Supra sports car. The interior of the Highlander, especially in the Limited trim, was noted for its upscale feel, with tan leather seats and dark brown trim. The Highlander prioritized comfort and convenience, offering ample legroom and a well-thought-out interior layout, making it a strong contender for families seeking a reliable and comfortable ride.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, 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, while the SV Autobiography Dynamic boasted a 557 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque V8. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, providing a blend of power and off-road capability. The Range Rover's electronic air suspension and Terrain Response System further enhanced its performance, making it one of the most capable vehicles on the market.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander, on the other hand, was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive, the Highlander offered smooth and predictable operation, ideal for family use. While not designed for high-performance driving, the Highlander provided adequate power for highway merging and daily driving. The XSE trim added sportier suspension tuning, but the Highlander remained focused on comfort and reliability, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered two wheelbase options, with the SWB providing 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and the LWB offering 77.5 cubic feet. Both configurations featured a hands-free power liftgate with a unique two-piece design, enhancing convenience for loading and tailgating. The interior was designed for comfort, with optional second-row captain’s chairs reducing seating capacity to four but providing exceptional comfort.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander excelled in interior space and practicality, with a set of shelves ahead of the front seats for storage and a wireless charging pad in the center console. The second-row seats offered ample legroom and could slide to adjust space for third-row passengers. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.3 cubic feet with both rear rows down, providing flexibility for various needs.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo system, consisting of two touchscreens for navigation, phone, stereo, and climate controls. The system included integrated dials that changed functions based on the selected menu, though it required a learning curve. A fully digital instrument panel and optional head-up display added to the tech-savvy interior.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander offered an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch screen available on higher trims. While navigation was an optional feature, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard. The 12.3-inch screen was praised for its clarity and responsiveness, though some apps were limited in display size. The JBL audio system provided decent sound quality, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover came with standard safety features such as 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, providing a comprehensive safety suite.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, intersection support, and adaptive cruise control. The Highlander received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.