2020 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was a vehicle that revealed its charm over time. Its design was not ostentatious or exotic, but rather subtle and functional. The dished hood, for instance, was a thoughtful design choice that improved forward sight lines, making it easier for drivers to navigate obstacles. The fenders, slightly bulging from the vehicle's sides, provided space for wheel travel and visually indicated the SUV's width. The Land Cruiser Heritage Edition added a touch of retro flair with blackened trim, a unique grille, and bronze BBS wheels, while the interior offered a near-luxury experience with black perforated leather seating and a functional, albeit plain, dashboard. The 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, surrounded by a sea of buttons and knobs, controlled various functions, making the interior both comfortable and practical, though slightly dull.

In contrast, the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, despite being in its second generation since 2014, continued to impress with its refreshed design from 2018. The dual-screen center console became a defining feature of Land Rover interiors, offering a modern and sophisticated look. The Range Rover Sport was available in multiple trims, each offering a unique set of features. The base SE trim included leather upholstery and a dual-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims like the HSE Silver and Autobiography added luxury touches such as quad-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and a 19-speaker Meridian sound system. The SVR and SVR Carbon Edition focused on performance with a powerful V8 engine and sport seats. Overall, the Range Rover Sport combined luxury and performance in a stylish package.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was renowned for its capability and reliability. It was powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive. Despite its size, the Land Cruiser offered a smooth and serene driving experience, with a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System that minimized body roll. Its off-road prowess was evident with an approach angle of 32 degrees, a departure angle of 24 degrees, and a breakover angle of 21 degrees, along with 8.9 inches of ground clearance. The Multi-Terrain Select control knob allowed drivers to adjust settings for various terrains, ensuring secure travel over any surface.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered a range of powertrain options, starting with the P360 mild-hybrid system producing 355 horsepower. The HST model featured a more powerful P400 version with 395 horsepower. The plug-in hybrid P400e delivered 398 horsepower, while the diesel option provided 254 horsepower. The HSE Dynamic and Autobiography trims boasted a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 with 518 horsepower, while the SVR models pushed it to 575 horsepower. All models had an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive. The Range Rover Sport excelled in both on-road and off-road performance, with height-adjustable air suspension and a Terrain Response system for various conditions. It could tow up to 7,716 pounds, except for the SVR, which towed 6,613 pounds.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser balanced its dual role as a commuter and overlander with practical features. It came with standard skid plates, tow hooks, and mudguards, making it ready for rugged adventures. The three-row configuration in the standard model accommodated families, with heated second-row seats and a split-folding third row. The interior offered four-zone climate control and numerous cup holders, while a cooling box in the center console added convenience. The Land Cruiser's split tailgate was a charming feature, ideal for picnics and easy loading. It could tow up to 8,100 pounds, making it a versatile choice for various needs.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport provided a maximum of 63.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 31.7 cubic feet with the second row in use. An optional third row increased seating capacity to seven, though it was best suited for children. The first and second rows offered ample headroom and legroom, with luxurious appointments. The cargo space was adequate for road trips, but there were more spacious options available. Overall, the Range Rover Sport combined practicality with luxury, catering to both family and adventure needs.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a Qi-compatible inductive charging station and Toyota Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation. The sound system included 14 JBL speakers, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio, but lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 9-inch touchscreen interface, while functional, felt small compared to competitors. The Enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor camera was a useful feature for navigating tight spaces and unfamiliar terrain, adding to the Land Cruiser's practicality.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's interior was dominated by a dual-screen center console. The lower screen controlled climate and vehicle settings, while the upper screen housed the infotainment system. Although not always intuitive, the system offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The lower screen's dials controlled various functions, adding versatility. Despite a learning curve, the system provided a modern and sophisticated experience, though there were better systems available.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but its robust body structure and weight provided a sense of security. It came with Toyota Safety Sense P, including features like pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Star Safety System added stability and traction control, while 10 airbags and active headrests enhanced safety. Additional features included Trailer Sway Control, parking assist sonar, and Safety Connect with emergency assistance.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered standard driver assistance features like forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. However, adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were optional. Other available features included a surround-view camera, traffic sign recognition, and park assist. While the Range Rover Sport provided a decent level of safety, some features were standard on less expensive vehicles.