2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2020 Toyota RAV4

The 2020 Toyota RAV4, with its bold and angular redesign from the previous year, continued to set the standard for compact SUVs. Its Adventure trim, introduced in 2019, enhanced off-road capabilities with a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system and multiple driving modes tailored for various terrains. The TRD Off-Road trim, new for 2020, further elevated the RAV4's rugged appeal with specialized suspension, all-terrain tires, and distinctive styling elements. Inside, the TRD Off-Road featured TRD logos, rubber floor mats, and a mix of quality materials, offering a comfortable yet durable cabin environment.

In contrast, the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover exuded luxury and sophistication, having evolved from its utilitarian roots to a high-end SUV. The HSE Westminster special edition, priced at $106,715, showcased a blend of standard and optional features, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged engine and a plush interior with Ivory-color leather. Despite its age, the Range Rover maintained a timeless design with hallmark styling cues. Inside, the cabin offered a mid-century modern ambiance, though the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system required some acclimation. The Range Rover's luxurious feel was complemented by its commanding road presence and advanced technology.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with 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 in the TRD Off-Road trim. The TRD Off-Road model featured a torque-vectoring AWD system, multi-terrain select settings, and an 8-speed automatic transmission, providing a capable and versatile driving experience. Despite its off-road focus, the RAV4 TRD Off-Road performed well in urban settings, though its all-terrain tires were less suited for high-speed mountain driving. The test vehicle averaged 23.4 mpg, slightly below the EPA estimate.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a range of powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The HSE Westminster edition featured a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD with a two-speed transfer case. The Range Rover excelled in off-road conditions, though the test drive was limited to a well-traveled trail. On the road, the Range Rover provided a smooth and quiet ride, with an adaptive air suspension and a tight turning radius. However, its steering response and handling were less agile on winding roads. The test vehicle achieved an average fuel economy of 18.5 mpg, slightly below the EPA estimate.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 offered easy ingress and egress, 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. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and USB ports. The RAV4 provided ample interior storage, with a dashboard shelf and a cargo capacity of 37.6 cubic feet, expandable to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. A hands-free power liftgate and a robust roof rack enhanced its utility.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier access, though shorter passengers found entry challenging. The front seats were luxuriously comfortable, but the second row lacked thigh support and adjustability. Despite this, rear passengers enjoyed quad-zone climate control and heated and ventilated seats. Storage space was limited, with dual glove compartments and a small refrigerated center console bin. The Range Rover offered 25 cubic feet of luggage space, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet, with a suspension kneel function for easier loading.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4's technology was user-friendly, with a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The TRD Off-Road trim included an 8-inch system with optional navigation and a JBL premium sound system. The voice-recognition technology was particularly impressive, and the optional Technology Package added features like wireless smartphone charging and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system, while comprehensive, was not entirely intuitive and required setup to avoid distractions while driving. The Range Rover included a head-up display, though it was not visible with polarized sunglasses. The Activity Key wristband and iGuide smartphone app were notable features, enhancing convenience and usability.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering advanced safety features like Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure alert. The RAV4 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with top marks for crash protection and ADAS performance.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included basic safety features like forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond in certain situations.