2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2020 Toyota 4Runner

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was characterized by its tall slab sides, high beltline, and short overhangs, contributing to its timeless design. Its utilitarian attitude was reminiscent of the XJ Jeep Cherokee, with flared wheel wells designed to accommodate off-road tires and short overhangs allowing it to tackle steep pitches. The hood scoop, a visual cue for the off-road-focused TRD trim, was one of the few non-functional elements. The 4Runner's trim lineup included SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, TRD Pro, and Limited, with the Nightshade Special Edition and Venture Special Edition trims adding a stealth aesthetic. The Limited trim, aimed at comfort, featured leather upholstery and an 8-inch touchscreen, but its utilitarian DNA was evident with plenty of plastic and a seating position designed for trails rather than highways.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover, once a tool of trade, had evolved into a luxury SUV with a starting price of $92,000. The HSE Westminster special edition featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Despite its light equipment load, the Range Rover looked stunning in Byron Blue with silver 21-inch wheels. Its design, approaching a decade old, retained hallmark cues like blacked-out windshield and roof pillars, large nameplate lettering, and clean styling. Inside, the Range Rover exuded luxury with an Ivory-color interior and mid-century modern ambiance. The InControl Touch Pro Duo dual-screen infotainment system, though not as advanced as newer models, was manageable with some practice.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4-liter V6 engine with a 5-speed automatic transmission, delivering 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine was not designed for efficiency but for durability and off-road capability, allowing for up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity. The 4Runner's fuel economy was poor, with an EPA estimate of 16 mpg city, 19 highway, and 17 combined. The 4Runner excelled off-road, with body-on-frame construction and advanced traction systems like Toyota's CRAWL control and Multi-Terrain Select. The full-time 4WD system on the Limited trim was better suited for maintaining progress, while the part-time system in TRD models handled crawling with ease.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a range of powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine in the HSE Westminster edition, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission and electric motor assistance provided smooth power delivery. The Range Rover's 4WD system, with a two-speed transfer case and Terrain Response 2 traction control, ensured off-road capability. The adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, while the SUV's weight and tall center of gravity resulted in some side-to-side wallow. The EPA estimated 20 mpg combined, with our test achieving 18.5 mpg.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner offered excellent outward visibility and a relatively tidy turning radius of 18 feet, 7 inches. Inside, the dashboard featured large, chunky knobs for HVAC and stereo controls, with an 8-inch touchscreen. The tall seating position, due to body-on-frame construction, provided a commanding view. The optional third row of seats was best for short and occasional use, with limited legroom and comfort.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover's air suspension offered a kneel mode for easier entry and exit. The front seats were decadently comfortable, but the second row lacked thigh support and adjustability, resulting in a slouched seating position. Storage space was limited, with dual glove compartments and a tiny refrigerated bin. Luggage volume was also restricted, with 25 cubic feet available and a maximum of 59.8 cubic feet. A button in the cargo area activated the suspension kneel function for easier loading.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The onboard navigation system was less intuitive than smartphone apps, and the 4Runner lagged behind competitors in total features and usability. Advanced features were more focused on the powertrain than the dashboard.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover's instrumentation and infotainment were fully digital, with three displays offering numerous features and functions. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system was not entirely intuitive, and using the touchscreens while driving was distracting. The Range Rover included a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for assistance.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams. It received four out of five stars from the NHTSA and a Good rating from the IIHS, except for a Marginal score in the small overlap front: driver-side test.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and parking sensors. Optional packages added features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, with effective safety features.