2020 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2020 Toyota RAV4

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was a vehicle that exuded understated elegance. Its design was not about flashy aesthetics but rather about functional beauty that became apparent over time. The dished hood was a prime example, designed to enhance the driver's forward sight lines, making it easier to navigate challenging terrains. The fenders, subtly bulging from the sides, provided both a visual cue of the vehicle's width and space for wheel travel. The Heritage Edition added a touch of retro flair with its blackened trim, bronze BBS wheels, and a Yakima Mega Warrior roof rack, signaling its readiness for adventure. Inside, the Land Cruiser bordered on luxury, with black perforated leather-trimmed seating and a functional yet somewhat plain dashboard. The 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system was surrounded by a sea of buttons and knobs, controlling everything from navigation to traction settings. The interior was comfortable and functional, though it lacked a bit of excitement.

In contrast, the 2020 Toyota RAV4 presented a bolder and more angular appearance, especially with the TRD Off-Road trim. This version was equipped with matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, and a TRD suspension setup, making it capable on various surfaces. The Lunar Rock gray paint with a white roof added a unique touch, while the interior featured TRD logos and rubberized surfaces for durability. The RAV4's cabin was well-constructed, with plush padding and soft-touch materials contrasting with some cheaper plastics. The TRD Off-Road trim sat near the top of the RAV4's lineup, offering a blend of equipment and value. The test vehicle, loaded with factory and dealer-installed accessories, showcased the RAV4's versatility and appeal to those seeking a rugged yet refined compact SUV.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a robust 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This naturally aspirated engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive, provided the Land Cruiser with the capability to tackle both urban and off-road environments. Its fuel economy was rated at 13 mpg city, 17 mpg highway, and 14 mpg combined. The Land Cruiser's off-road prowess was further enhanced by its Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and Multi-Terrain Select control, allowing drivers to adapt to various surface conditions. With an approach angle of 32 degrees, a departure angle of 24 degrees, and a breakover angle of 21 degrees, the Land Cruiser was well-equipped for challenging terrains. Despite its size, the vehicle offered a serene and relaxing driving experience, making it a reliable choice for long journeys.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4, on the other hand, featured a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The RAV4 Hybrid variant offered 219 horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency, though it wasn't available with the TRD Off-Road trim. The RAV4's 8-speed automatic transmission generally performed well, though it occasionally struggled with gear selection. The TRD Off-Road model's torque-vectoring AWD system, combined with multi-terrain select settings and 8.6 inches of ground clearance, made it a capable off-road vehicle. The RAV4 excelled in urban settings as well, with its TRD suspension smoothing out speed humps and its 360-degree camera system aiding in parking. Despite averaging 23.4 mpg, slightly below the EPA estimate, the RAV4 remained a versatile and reliable choice for both city and off-road adventures.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser offered a dual personality, suitable for both commuting and overlanding. It featured standard skid plates, tow hooks, and mudguards, making it ready for rugged terrains. The three-row configuration of the standard model provided ample space for families, with heated second-row seats and a split-folding third row. The Land Cruiser's interior boasted four-zone climate control, numerous cup holders, and a cooling box in the center console. It could tow up to 8,100 pounds and featured a split tailgate for easy loading and unloading, adding a touch of retro charm.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 provided easy access with its well-positioned seating and offered a sporty driving position. The TRD Off-Road trim featured SofTex upholstery, with the Weather Package adding heated and ventilated front seats. The rear seat offered generous legroom, and the interior storage was ample, with a dashboard shelf and a cargo space of 37.6 cubic feet, expandable to 69.8 cubic feet. The RAV4 also came with a robust roof rack and an optional hands-free power liftgate, enhancing its utility and convenience.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser, despite its older platform, featured updated technology, including a Qi-compatible charging station and a 14-speaker JBL audio system. However, it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which were standard in many competitors. The 9-inch touchscreen interface, while functional, felt small compared to newer models. The Enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor camera system was a valuable addition, aiding in navigating tight spaces and unfamiliar terrains.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 offered a user-friendly infotainment system with a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen display, featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The TRD Off-Road trim included an 8-inch system with menu shortcut buttons and separate climate controls. The optional Technology Package added wireless charging, a 360-degree camera, and a digital rear-view mirror. The voice-recognition technology was particularly impressive, accurately responding to commands and providing efficient navigation assistance.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, offering advanced driver assistance features like pre-collision detection, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also included the Star Safety System, 10 airbags, and Safety Connect services. However, it lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, including adaptive cruise control and lane departure alert. It received a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS for models with full LED headlights. The RAV4 also offered a generous 1-year subscription to Safety Connect services, enhancing its safety credentials.