2020 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2020 Toyota Highlander

The 2020 Toyota Highlander presented a design that was subtle yet refined, with a few updates from its predecessor. The tailgate glass was slightly more slanted, and the body panels featured more pronounced creases, creating a more dynamic look. The trapezoidal theme was evident throughout the vehicle, from the tailgate's license plate cutout to the slimmer headlights and grille. Higher trims boasted projector-beam LED headlights and fog lights, with LED running lamps reserved for the Limited and Platinum trims. The interior was where the Highlander truly shone, with quality fit and finish, silver-painted accents, and a multi-layered dash. The color palettes were pleasing, and the Limited trim offered a luxurious three-tone interior. The Highlander’s cabin was a standout in its class, offering a level of detail and quality that was hard to find among its competitors.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover was a testament to luxury and capability, rooted in its origins as a rugged off-roader. The Range Rover offered a variety of trims, including the HSE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic, with options for standard or long wheelbase configurations. Standard features included leather seating, heated front seats, tri-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. The InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, with its dual 10-inch screens, was a highlight, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional features included a 19-speaker Meridian audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system. The Autobiography trim added semi-aniline leather and massaging front seats, while the SVAutobiography stood out with unique styling touches and nearly every available feature.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. This engine delivered 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, providing smooth and brisk acceleration. The eight-speed automatic transmission made full use of the engine's power, though it required a heavy foot for kickdown. The Highlander’s steering was loose, and the suspension was soft, leading to a ride that was comfortable but lacked precision. Fuel economy was impressive for a vehicle of its size, with the FWD model achieving 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. The AWD model offered slightly lower figures, while the hybrid variant excelled with up to 36 mpg combined.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HSE trim featured a more powerful version of the same engine, while a turbodiesel V6 was also available. The P525 and Autobiography trims came with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, delivering 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. The SV Autobiography Dynamic trim boasted a 557-horsepower V8. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The Range Rover excelled in comfort, with an electronic air suspension and automatic load leveling, making it capable both on and off-road. The Terrain Response System offered multiple drive modes for various conditions, enhancing its off-road prowess.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander offered seating for eight, or seven with the second-row captain's chairs available on higher trims. The second row was versatile, with generous legroom and easy access to the third row. The Highlander featured three-zone climate control, a 120-volt outlet, and a panoramic moonroof on the Platinum trim. Cargo space was ample, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row, 48 cubic feet behind the second, and 84 cubic feet with both rows folded. The interior was designed with practicality in mind, featuring multiple cupholders, bottle holders, and integrated dash shelves for storage.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover provided seating for five, with the option for second-row captain’s chairs reducing capacity to four. The SWB version offered 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while the LWB model provided 77.5 cubic feet. The Range Rover featured a hands-free power liftgate with a two-piece configuration, making loading easier. The interior was luxurious, with a center-console compartment and decently sized door compartments and cupholders.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander featured an infotainment system that felt outdated, with low-resolution screens and a lack of onboard apps. The 12.3-inch touchscreen was optional on the Limited and standard on the Platinum, but its usability was limited. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration were standard. The Highlander offered a 10-inch head-up display and a 7-inch instrument cluster display, providing useful information. Safety features included adaptive cruise control, road sign detection, and automatic high beams. The optional JBL audio system was decent, and connectivity options included WiFi and multiple USB ports.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover's InControl Touch Pro Duo system was a highlight, featuring two touchscreens for navigation, phone, stereo, and climate controls. The system had a learning curve, but the integrated dials provided versatility. The Range Rover also featured a fully digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display. The system was comprehensive, though past issues with lag and bugs were noted.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear emergency braking. The Highlander received a 2020 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS for its crash test performance and emergency braking capabilities.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered 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. The Range Rover provided a solid list of safety features, though some competitors offered more standard equipment.