2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved significantly from its rugged origins, transforming into a symbol of luxury and sophistication. Initially designed as a utilitarian vehicle, it had become a high-end SUV with a starting price of $92,000, which could soar to $250,000 with various upgrades. 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 was not as advanced as newer models.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner remained true to its roots, maintaining its rugged construction and off-road capabilities. Unlike many modern SUVs that had shifted to car-based platforms, the 4Runner retained its connection to the Toyota Tacoma pickup. It was designed for adventure, with features like a high ride height and boxy proportions. Inside, the 4Runner's design reflected its last full redesign in 2009, with a dash layout reminiscent of the late-2000s. The 4Runner offered various trims, each catering to different needs, from the off-road-focused TRD Pro to the more road-oriented Limited trim.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrain options, including turbodiesel V6, supercharged V8, mild-hybrid, and plug-in hybrid choices. The HSE Westminster special 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. The Range Rover excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its Terrain Response 2 traction control system. On the road, it provided a smooth and quiet ride, although its steering was slow and the adaptive air suspension struggled with the vehicle's weight and tall center of gravity. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 20 mpg, but the test vehicle averaged 18.5 mpg.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, came with a single engine option: a 4.0-liter V6 producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, offering either rear-wheel drive or available four-wheel drive with low range. While the 4Runner's ride felt harsh and cumbersome on paved roads, it excelled off-road, with features like Crawl Control and a locking differential enhancing its trail capabilities. The 4Runner could tow up to 5,000 pounds, which was more than most car-based crossovers but less than compact pickups.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier entry and exit. The front seats were decadently comfortable, but the second row lacked thigh support and adjustability, resulting in an uncomfortable seating position. Storage space was limited, with a maximum cargo capacity of 59.8 cubic feet. The clamshell-style tailgate and suspension kneel function aided in loading, but luggage volume was restricted.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum cargo capacity of 89.7 cubic feet in the two-row version, with 47.2 cubic feet behind the second row. The optional third row reduced maximum cargo space to 88.8 cubic feet. While the 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate, it featured a power-open/close rear window for easy access. The cabin design was not as efficient as newer SUVs, but it provided ample space for gear.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover boasted a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system, while not entirely intuitive, offered numerous features and functions. The Range Rover also included a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for added convenience.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. It included Bluetooth connectivity, Satellite Radio, and multiple USB ports. While the system lacked advanced features like a head-up display, it offered a straightforward layout with tactile controls, making it easy to use even with gloves on.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree surround-view camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, although the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured the Toyota Safety Sense suite, with standard forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree parking camera system. The 4Runner earned four out of five stars in frontal and side-impact testing from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.