2020 Toyota RAV4 vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2020 Toyota RAV4, with its bold and angular redesign from the previous year, continued to set the standard for compact SUVs. The TRD Off-Road trim, introduced in 2020, elevated the RAV4's rugged appeal with features like matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, and a specialized TRD suspension. This trim was distinguishable by its unique wheels, tires, and badges, while maintaining the Adventure trim's aesthetic. Inside, the RAV4 TRD Off-Road offered a practical and durable interior with TRD logos, rubber floor mats, and a rubber cargo mat, contrasting with some less expensive-looking plastic elements. The RAV4's trim levels ranged from the base LE to the top-tier Limited, with the TRD Off-Road positioned near the top, offering a blend of off-road capability and urban utility.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, positioned between the compact Evoque and the larger Range Rover, offered a unique blend of style and performance. Its sleek design featured a low roof and steeply-raked windshield, giving it a distinct profile. The Velar's broad front end and short overhangs contributed to its off-road capabilities, with an optional air suspension providing up to 9.8 inches of ground clearance. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition added sporty touches like larger air intakes and quad exhaust tips, along with standard 21-inch wheels. Inside, the Velar's high-quality leather and metal trim created a luxurious environment, though its avant-garde styling limited interior space and visibility. The Velar's interior was more suited to urban environments, with a cockpit-like feel and limited legroom.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 offered a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The RAV4 Hybrid variant delivered 219 horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency, though it wasn't available with the TRD Off-Road trim. The TRD Off-Road model featured a torque-vectoring AWD system, multi-terrain select settings, and 8.6 inches of ground clearance, making it capable on various terrains. Despite its non-turbo engine, the RAV4 felt energetic, especially in Sport mode, though the 8-speed automatic transmission occasionally struggled with gear selection. The RAV4 averaged 23.4 mpg, slightly below the EPA estimate, but its off-road capabilities and urban utility made it a versatile choice.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar introduced a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 in the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, producing 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This engine allowed the Velar to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, with a top speed of 177 mph. Despite its power, the Velar's performance was not class-leading, with competitors like the BMW X3 M Competition and Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S offering quicker acceleration. The Velar's aluminum platform provided a solid and refined ride, though it felt large on tight roads. The Velar's off-road capabilities were supported by Land Rover's Terrain Response system, though its single-speed transfer case and road-focused tires limited its off-road potential.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 offered easy entry and exit, with a low and sporty driving position in the 8-way adjustable driver's seat. The TRD Off-Road trim featured SofTex upholstery, with optional heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The RAV4 provided generous rear legroom and cargo space, with 37.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 69.8 cubic feet with them folded. A robust roof rack and optional hands-free power liftgate enhanced its utility.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, positioned between compact and midsize luxury SUVs, offered competitive but not segment-leading interior space. Its avant-garde styling limited headroom and visibility, creating a claustrophobic feel. The Velar's cargo space measured 15.7 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition and V6 models had a towing capacity of 5,511 pounds, while the base four-cylinder model could tow 5,291 pounds.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 featured a user-friendly infotainment system with a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The TRD Off-Road trim included an 8-inch system with optional upgrades like a JBL premium sound system and a 360-degree surround-view camera. The RAV4's voice-recognition technology was particularly impressive, accurately responding to commands. The optional Technology Package added wireless smartphone charging and a digital rear-view mirror.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar used the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, with dual 10.0-inch touchscreens and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The upper screen handled smartphone and media functions, while the lower screen managed vehicle settings and climate control. The system offered high-quality graphics but suffered from slow responses. Additional tech features included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and capacitive steering-wheel controls.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including features like Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, radar adaptive cruise control, and lane departure alert with steering assist. The RAV4 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with top marks for crash protection and ADAS performance, though headlight performance varied by model.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist, with adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring available as options. Land Rover's driver-assist tech offerings were less sophisticated than competitors, with fewer standard features.