2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover was a symbol of luxury and sophistication, a far cry from its rugged origins. Once a utilitarian vehicle, it evolved into a high-end SUV with a starting price of $92,000, which could soar to $250,000 with premium options. The HSE Westminster special edition, priced at $106,715, showcased a timeless design with its Byron Blue exterior and silver 21-inch wheels. 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 RAV4 Hybrid Limited, priced at $42,083, offered a more practical and functional design. Despite its fully-loaded status, it maintained a tough appearance, though larger wheels would have enhanced its look. Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid was stylish and practical, with a mix of quality materials and some hard plastics. The cabin was comfortable, with a rattle from the license plate being the only notable issue. The RAV4 Hybrid was a versatile and reliable choice for those seeking a balance between style and functionality.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine in the HSE Westminster edition, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Its 4WD system, with a two-speed transfer case and Terrain Response 2 traction control, ensured off-road capability. The Range Rover provided a smooth and quiet ride, with an adaptive air suspension that absorbed road imperfections. However, its steering was slow, and the SUV's weight and tall center of gravity led to side-to-side wallow on uneven roads. The EPA rated its fuel economy at 20 mpg combined, but our test averaged 18.5 mpg.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors, producing 219 horsepower. Its AWD system, powered by the rear electric motor, provided lively acceleration, though the engine sounded unpleasant at high revs. The RAV4 Hybrid's CVT operated smoothly, and its regenerative braking system was effective. The SUV's steering was responsive, and its suspension design offered a comfortable ride. However, the all-season tires lacked grip, affecting cornering performance. The RAV4 Hybrid excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving 39.7 mpg on our test loop, close to the EPA's 40 mpg combined rating.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier access, though shorter passengers still found entry challenging. The front seats were luxurious, but the second row lacked comfort, with insufficient thigh support and a slouched seating position. Storage space was limited, with a small refrigerated center-console bin and a maximum cargo capacity of 59.8 cubic feet. The clamshell-style tailgate offered 25 cubic feet of luggage space, and a suspension kneel function aided loading.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid provided comfort with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated and ventilated front cushions. Rear-seat legroom and foot space were decent, though the seat felt low. The dashboard was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and an easy-to-use infotainment system. Storage was ample, with useful shelves and a roomy 37.5 cubic-foot cargo area. Folding the rear seats expanded cargo space to 69.8 cubic feet, though the all-weather mat and subwoofer took up some room.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured a digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system was not entirely intuitive, requiring setup to avoid distractions while driving. The SUV offered 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 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered infotainment systems with 7-inch or 8-inch displays, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Our test vehicle had an 11-speaker JBL audio system with dynamic navigation and voice recognition. The 8-inch display was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and stereo knobs. The RAV4 Hybrid also featured camera-based technology, including a 360-degree surround-view camera system and a rearview camera mirror.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included standard 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 traffic.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The system was generally effective, though lane-centering assistance was resistant to steering inputs. The RAV4 Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights.