2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid had undergone a significant redesign in 2019, shedding its previous soft-roader styling for a more robust and angular appearance. Its front fascia bore a resemblance to the rugged Toyota 4Runner, featuring stacked, trapezoidal apertures and a perforated grille that gave it a mechanical look. The dark trim around the wheel wells and doorsills suggested that the RAV4 Hybrid was not just an economical choice for city driving but also capable of off-road adventures. Available in four trims—LE, XLE, XSE, and Limited—the RAV4 Hybrid offered 17-inch wheels on lower trims and 18-inch wheels on the XSE and Limited, enhancing its stance. Inside, the design was simple yet functional, with tasteful shiny trim. While leather upholstery was not available, the Softex material and fabric seats provided a comfortable experience. The interior materials were nice, though not as luxurious as some competitors like the Honda CR-V Hybrid.

In contrast, the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved from its utilitarian roots to become a symbol of luxury. Starting at $92,000, the Range Rover offered a wide range of powertrains and personalization options, with the long-wheelbase version reaching up to $250,000. The HSE Westminster special edition, priced at $106,715, featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine. Despite its age, the Range Rover's design remained timeless, with hallmark cues like blacked-out windshield and roof pillars. Inside, the Range Rover exuded luxury with its Ivory-color interior and mid-century modern ambiance. However, the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system was not as advanced as newer models, requiring some patience to master. The Range Rover's interior was a blend of modern luxury and classic design, offering a high-contrast aesthetic and a sense of opulence.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid delivered 219 horsepower, 16 more than the standard version, and boasted an impressive combined EPA fuel economy rating of 40 miles per gallon. This exceptional fuel economy was achievable in real-world driving conditions, making it a standout in its class. The RAV4 Hybrid's powertrain combined a 2.5-liter, 176-horsepower four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors, providing all-wheel drive without the need for a heavy driveshaft. This setup allowed the RAV4 Hybrid to weigh only about 200 pounds more than the non-hybrid model, benefiting both handling and fuel efficiency. The hybrid system provided ample electric power, making the RAV4 Hybrid quicker to accelerate than its non-hybrid counterpart. Regenerative braking was smooth, and the vehicle could tow up to 1,750 pounds with optional accessories. The steering was light, and the suspension was soft, ensuring a comfortable driving experience.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a range of powertrain options, including turbodiesel V6 and supercharged V8 engines, as well as mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid choices. The HSE Westminster edition featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The Range Rover's four-wheel drive system, with a two-speed transfer case, ensured its legendary off-road capability. The adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, and the SUV's power built smoothly, offering near-total silence in the cabin. However, the steering was relatively slow, and the adaptive air suspension struggled to manage the vehicle's weight and tall center of gravity on winding roads. The Range Rover's fuel economy was rated at 20 mpg combined, with our test achieving 18.5 mpg.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured excellent ergonomics, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen and optional 8-inch screen. The center console offered ample storage, and the cabin was comfortable for long trips. The rear seat provided impressive legroom, accommodating three adults comfortably. The hybrid model did not compromise interior or cargo space, offering 98.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 37.6 cubic feet of trunk capacity, both competitive for its class. However, road noise was a minor issue, though improved over the non-hybrid model.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover's air suspension included 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. Despite this, the rear seat offered quad-zone climate control and heated and ventilated seating. Storage space was limited, with dual glove compartments compensating for the small center-console bin. Luggage volume was also restricted, with 25 cubic feet available and a maximum of 59.8 cubic feet. The cargo area featured a suspension kneel function for easier loading.

In 2020, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid introduced Android Auto alongside Apple CarPlay, providing excellent infotainment options. The RAV4 Hybrid also offered SiriusXM Radio, WiFi Connect, and a USB-A port for convenience. The Predictive Efficient Drive system improved hybrid efficiency, while the drive mode selector allowed drivers to choose between Eco, Sport, Trail, and Normal modes.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured fully digital instrumentation and infotainment, with three displays offering numerous features. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system required some learning, but touch-sensing steering wheel controls and voice assistants helped ease the experience. The Range Rover also included a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for added convenience.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including features like pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and more. It received a five-star rating from the NHTSA, with two safety recalls issued for engine coolant leaks and suspension issues.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Optional packages added features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and semi-autonomous parking. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond.