2020 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

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 stout 4x4 underpinnings, appealing to wealthy British landowners. By 2012, the current-generation Range Rover was introduced, offering various 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 RAV4 embraced a rugged-looking exterior, reminiscent of traditional SUVs, with boxy fender flares and chiseled taillights. Despite its aggressive styling, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, shared with other Toyota models. The RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road models offered unique styling elements and off-road capabilities, such as matte black wheels and a torque-vectoring rear axle. Inside, the RAV4 featured functional touches like large rubberized knobs and SofTex upholstery, though material quality did not elevate with higher trims. The RAV4's interior was practical, but lacked the premium feel of the Range Rover.

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, while a plug-in hybrid powertrain offered 398 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque with a 19-mile electric range. The SV Autobiography Dynamic trim boasted a 557 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque V8 engine. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, providing a blend of power and efficiency. The Range Rover excelled in comfort and off-road capability, with features like an electronic air suspension and Terrain Response System.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a single "Dynamic Force" 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. The RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime offered more power, with 219 hp and 302 hp, respectively. The Dynamic Force engine achieved 40% thermal efficiency, but the transmission struggled to keep up, resulting in a less dynamic driving experience. The RAV4's steering was responsive but lacked feel, and the Sport mode added weight to the steering without enhancing performance. While the RAV4 excelled on the highway with low cabin noise and a comfortable suspension, its off-road capabilities were limited compared to the Range Rover.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered two wheelbase options: SWB and LWB, both with standard seating for five. The LWB version provided more cargo space, with 77.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded and 34.5 cubic feet with the seats up. The SWB model had 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded. The Range Rover featured a unique two-piece power liftgate for easy loading and a comfortable second row with optional heated and ventilated seats. The center-console compartment was convenient, and the doors offered ample storage space.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 provided competitive headroom in both rows, but legroom was slightly less than some competitors. The front seats were comfortable, while the rear seats had flat, hard cushions. Cargo space was above average at 37.6 cubic feet with the rear seats in place, but still behind the Honda CR-V. The RAV4's interior featured oversized knobs and steering-wheel controls, making them easy to use even with gloves on. The center-console storage bin was spacious, but the cargo area lip was higher than in some competitors, making loading slightly more challenging.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo system, with two 10-inch screens for infotainment and climate controls. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a WiFi hotspot, and a fully digital instrument panel. The lower screen featured integrated dials that changed functions based on the selected menu, allowing for easy control of climate settings and Terrain Response modes. While the system was intuitive, it had occasional lag issues, and some basic controls lacked tactile feedback. A head-up display was available as an option.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came with a user-friendly infotainment system, featuring a 7-inch touchscreen on most trims, with an 8-inch screen on Limited models and a 9-inch screen on the RAV4 Prime. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and up to five USB ports. A JBL premium audio system was available, but the gasoline RAV4 lacked the head-up display offered on the RAV4 Prime. While the system was easy to use, it lacked the flashiness of the Range Rover's setup, making it less appealing to tech-savvy buyers.

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. Additional available features included a 360-degree parking camera, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and high-speed automatic emergency braking. While the Range Rover offered a solid list of standard safety features, some competitors provided more comprehensive standard safety packages.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received high safety ratings, with the NHTSA awarding it a five-star overall rating and the IIHS giving it "Good" scores in all crash tests. The RAV4's front-crash prevention tech received a "Superior" rating, but mixed headlight scores prevented it from achieving the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic high beams, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. Higher trim levels offered additional features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic emergency braking.