2021 Toyota Sequoia 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 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 the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system with dual 10-inch screens. Optional features enhanced comfort and entertainment, with offerings like heated rear seats and a 19-speaker Meridian audio system.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Sequoia, though long in the tooth, maintained its appeal with a spacious cabin and robust V8 power. Introduced in 2007, the second-generation Sequoia received a facelift in 2018, updating its headlights and grille. For 2021, it introduced the Nightshade Special Edition. Despite its dated design, the Sequoia offered a massive interior with a multi-tiered dash and a standard 7-inch touchscreen. The Sequoia's trims ranged from SR5 to the range-topping Platinum, each adding unique features like leather upholstery, navigation, and premium audio systems. The TRD Pro trim catered to off-road enthusiasts with specialized suspension and skid plates.

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 boasted a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, generating 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, with an optional plug-in hybrid powertrain offering 398 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The SV Autobiography Dynamic trim was the performance variant, with its V8 engine 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, providing a blend of power and efficiency. The Range Rover's electronic air suspension and Terrain Response System ensured a comfortable and capable ride on various terrains.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came standard with a 5.7-liter V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. Power was routed through a six-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and four-wheel drive available. Despite its weight, the Sequoia offered stout acceleration and a truck-like driving experience, with a soft suspension and strong brakes. The Sequoia's towing capacity reached up to 7,400 pounds, though it lagged behind competitors like the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe. The Sequoia's wide stance and strong brakes provided confidence, though body roll was noticeable in corners.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered two wheelbase options: Standard and Long Wheelbase, both with seating for five. The optional second-row captain’s chairs reduced seating to four but enhanced comfort, especially in the LWB version. The SWB model provided 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats folded, while the LWB offered 77.5 cubic feet. The Range Rover's unique two-piece power liftgate facilitated loading large items and provided a convenient tailgate setup. Interior storage included a center-console compartment and decently sized door pockets and cupholders.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia boasted a spacious cabin, with nearly 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and over 66 cubic feet with it folded. With all rear seats down, the Sequoia offered 120 cubic feet of cargo space, rivaling competitors like the Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Expedition. The Sequoia's power-retractable rear window was a practical feature for quick access to the cargo area. While the front-row space could have been better utilized, the Sequoia provided deep door pockets, a massive center console, and multiple cupholders, offering ample storage options.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo system, consisting of two touchscreens. The top screen managed navigation, phone, and stereo functions, while the lower screen controlled climate, seat settings, and Terrain Response modes. Integrated dials on the lower screen adapted to different functions, though the system 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 offerings.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a WiFi hotspot. Our test model included a larger 9-inch screen, though it still felt small on the expansive dash. The Sequoia's older infotainment system was user-friendly, with simple menu navigation and large hard buttons. The digital trip computer was small but functional, offering a straightforward interface.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover included 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 Sequoia came equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense-P suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Standard features also included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Despite lacking advanced tech like lane-keeping assist, the Sequoia offered a comprehensive list of safety features. However, its older platform resulted in a four-star rollover rating from the NHTSA, with no further crash test ratings available.