2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover was a testament to luxury and sophistication, a far cry from its rugged origins. Once a utilitarian vehicle, it evolved into a symbol of opulence, with prices starting at $92,000 and reaching upwards of $250,000 with all the bells and whistles. The test model, priced at $106,715, featured the HSE Westminster special-edition trim, showcasing a timeless design with hallmark features like blacked-out windshield pillars and clean styling. Inside, the Range Rover exuded luxury with its Ivory-color interior and mid-century modern ambiance, although its infotainment system, InControl Touch Pro Duo, was not as advanced as newer models.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander was designed to stand out among midsize SUVs, with a bold front end and character lines reminiscent of the Supra sports car. The Highlander introduced the XSE trim for 2021, adding a sportier appearance and slight suspension tuning. The test vehicle, in Limited trim, offered an upscale look with chrome accents and a well-appointed interior. The Highlander prioritized comfort and convenience, with near-flawless fit and finish, tan leather seats, and wood details. It excelled in providing the "must-haves" for a family car, ensuring a comfortable and practical driving experience.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrains, including a turbodiesel V6, a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, and hybrid options. The HSE Westminster edition featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It came with a flawless eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case, ensuring off-road capability. The adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, although the SUV's weight and tall center of gravity affected handling on winding roads. The EPA estimated 20 mpg in combined driving, but the test vehicle averaged 18.5 mpg.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered front-wheel or all-wheel drive, with a hybrid model available separately. The Highlander's powertrain was adequate for everyday driving, comparable to competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. The XSE trim added sportier suspension tuning, but the Highlander remained focused on comfort. Its fuel economy was competitive, making it a reliable choice for families seeking a balance of performance and efficiency.

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 luxurious, but the second row lacked comfort and adjustability. Storage space was limited, with dual glove compartments compensating for a small center-console bin. Luggage capacity was modest, with 25 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.8 cubic feet with them folded. A cargo area button activated the suspension kneel function for easier loading.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander excelled in passenger comfort and cargo space. It featured shelves ahead of the front seats for storage, with a wireless charging pad available on higher trims. The second row offered ample legroom, with seats that moved to optimize space for third-row passengers. Cargo capacity was 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with it folded, and 84.3 cubic feet with both rows down. The Highlander provided practical storage solutions for families, despite some quirks like ceiling-mounted rear-seat air vents.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover boasted a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system, while advanced, was not entirely intuitive and could be distracting while driving. The Range Rover included a head-up display, though it was not visible with polarized sunglasses. The SUV featured a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for added convenience.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander offered an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch option on the Limited trim and standard on the Platinum trim. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Navigation was available but struggled with points of interest. The JBL audio system provided decent sound quality, though the large screen's functionality was limited to certain apps.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. 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.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and intersection support. It also included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. The Highlander received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, highlighting its comprehensive safety features.