2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2022 Toyota Venza

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, which debuted in 2005, was still in its second generation by 2021. The current generation, introduced in 2014, received a significant refresh in 2018 that carried over into 2021. This refresh included a dual-screen center console, a defining feature of Land Rover interiors. A plug-in hybrid variant was introduced in 2020, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Range Rover Sport offered various trims, from the base SE with leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control to the high-end SVR Carbon Edition with carbon fiber accents and 22-inch alloy wheels.

The 2022 Toyota Venza re-emerged in 2021 on the TGNA-K platform, shared with several other Toyota and Lexus models. Measuring 186.6 inches long, 73.0 inches wide, and 65.9 inches tall, the Venza had a modern exterior design with a deeply scalloped body side and a prominent tailgate. Inside, the Venza featured a Lexus-like interior with high-quality materials and a layered dash. The front seats were supportive, and the rear seats could comfortably accommodate three adults. The available Star Gaze fixed panoramic glass roof added to the cabin's spacious feel.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered multiple powertrain options. The base P360 mild-hybrid powertrain, available in the SE and SE Silver Edition, combined a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt electrical system, producing 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HST model featured a more potent P400 powertrain, rated at 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The HSE Silver Edition also offered plug-in hybrid and diesel powertrains, with the P400e plug-in hybrid delivering 398 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, and the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 producing 254 hp and 443 lb-ft. The HSE Dynamic and Autobiography trims featured a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 with 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, while the SVR and SVR Carbon Edition had an even more powerful version of this engine, making 575 hp and 516 lb-ft. All models had an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive, with a height-adjustable air suspension and a Terrain Response system for various driving conditions. The Range Rover Sport could tow up to 7,716 pounds, except for the SVR, which could tow 6,613 pounds.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine and three electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower. The Venza balanced electric and gas drive for optimal efficiency and performance, with drivers able to choose between electric-only (EV) operation for short distances or Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes. Regenerative braking helped recharge the lithium-ion battery, while the main charge came from the motor-generator driven by the gas engine. The Venza offered sprightly performance and agile handling, with a wheelbase shared with the Camry, making it maneuverable. The taller body and higher ground clearance did not encourage aggressive cornering, but the Venza delivered a comfortable ride and performance suitable for a midsize family hauler.

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 of seating increased the seating capacity from five to seven, but with the third row in use, cargo space was limited to 10.8 cubic feet. Both the first and second rows offered ample headroom and legroom, with luxurious appointments. The optional third row was tight and best suited for children.

The 2022 Toyota Venza seated five in two rows, with two bucket seats in the front and a 60/40-split folding second-row bench seat. Both rows had good headroom and legroom, with the second row offering 45.2 inches of hip room. The cabin felt roomy, especially with the available Star Gaze fixed panoramic glass roof on the Limited trim. The Venza featured numerous convenience items, including an overhead console with LED map lights, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and a four-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat on XLE and Limited models. The Venza's lithium-ion battery pack was located beneath the second-row seats, minimally impacting cargo capacity. The Venza could hold up to 28.8 cubic feet of luggage behind the second row and 55.1 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. Toyota also focused on making the Venza's cabin a quiet oasis, with extensive sound-blocking and absorbing insulation.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's interior was dominated by a dual-screen center console. The lower screen controlled climate settings and vehicle settings, while the upper screen housed the infotainment system. Although the system had a learning curve and earlier models had bugs, the dual dials on the lower screen were versatile, controlling fan speed, temperature, heated/ventilated seats, and off-road settings. The upper touchscreen had reasonably sized icons for menu navigation and switching between the native infotainment system and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. A real volume button was included, though it was located at the base of the lower screen.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a hybrid powertrain that required no special attention to operate. The Venza's hybrid setup was transparent, with no need for charging infrastructure. A tank of gas could yield over 500 miles, depending on driving conditions. Toyota's Predicted Efficient Drive (PED) program used the navigation system to analyze driving habits and optimize battery charging. The LE and XLE models came with an eight-inch touchscreen, AM/FM/HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa capability, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Limited trim added a nine-speaker JBL audio system, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and intelligent touch-capacitive controls. Both multimedia setups included Toyota Connected Services, with various trials for Safety Connect, Service Connect, Remote Connect, and WiFi Connect. An Advanced Technology Package was available for the Limited trim, including a head-up display and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came with standard driver assistance features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and front-and-rear parking sensors. However, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert were optional. Other available features included a surround-view parking camera, traffic sign recognition, driver drowsiness monitoring, and parallel and perpendicular park assist. A head-up display was also available.

The 2022 Toyota Venza included the Toyota Star Safety System, with stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, smart stop technology, and a rearview camera. The Venza had eight airbags, including driver and front-passenger advanced airbag systems, side airbags, knee airbags, seat-cushion airbags, and side-curtain airbags. The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0) group of driver aids was standard, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, lane tracing assist, and road-sign assist. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert and hill-start assist were standard on all trims, with front and rear parking assist with automated braking on XLE and Limited models. The 2022 Toyota Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.