2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, despite being in its second generation since 2014, maintained a modern and luxurious appeal. The 2018 refresh introduced a dual-screen center console, a hallmark of Land Rover interiors, and added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The model offered a variety of trims, from the base SE with leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control, to the high-end Autobiography with 22-way power-adjustable seats and power soft-close doors. The SVR models focused on performance with a powerful V8 engine and sport seats.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid presented a bold design with a blunt nose and floating roof effect. Its styling, while initially polarizing, became familiar over time. The Highlander Hybrid was available in LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum trims, with the Limited offering features like a 12.3-inch touchscreen and leather upholstery. The interior was comfortable, though the third row was cramped. The Highlander Hybrid's design aimed to balance distinctiveness with practicality.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered a range of powertrains, starting with the P360 mild-hybrid producing 355 hp. The HST model featured a P400 powertrain with 395 hp. A plug-in hybrid option delivered 398 hp, while the diesel variant offered 254 hp. The HSE Dynamic and Autobiography trims boasted a supercharged V8 with 518 hp, and the SVR models pushed it to 575 hp. All models had an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, with impressive off-road capabilities and a towing capacity of up to 7,716 pounds.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid switched to a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, achieving 243 hp and offering optional AWD. It improved fuel efficiency to 36 mpg combined. While the Highlander Hybrid excelled in fuel economy, it lacked driving excitement. The power was adequate for daily tasks, but the engine sounded strained under pressure. The steering was lifeless, and the ride was soft, leading to body movement on uneven roads. However, it provided a smooth and quiet experience on highways.

The Range Rover Sport offered up to 63.7 cubic feet of cargo space with seats folded, and an optional third row increased seating to seven, though it was tight for adults. The first and second rows were spacious and luxurious, but the third row was best for children.

The Highlander Hybrid provided 84.3 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. The interior was comfortable, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and heated front seats. The second row could be configured with captain’s chairs or a bench seat, but the third row was cramped. Storage was adequate, though some features like the wireless charger blocked access to storage areas.

The Range Rover Sport featured a dual-screen setup, with the lower screen handling climate and vehicle settings, and the upper screen for infotainment. While the system had a learning curve, it included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The controls were not always intuitive, but functional.

The Highlander Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen in higher trims, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The JBL audio system provided decent sound, though it could be boomy. Toyota’s Driver Easy Speak and a video rearview mirror enhanced convenience. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs and shortcut buttons.

The Range Rover Sport included standard features like forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. However, adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were optional. Additional features like a surround-view camera and driver drowsiness monitoring were available.

The Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, adding intersection support and emergency steering assistance. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard from the LE trim. The Highlander received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was expected to achieve a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS.