2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

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 quickly moved upscale, especially with the introduction of a four-door version. By 2021, the Range Rover was a luxury SUV with a starting price of $92,000, which could soar to $250,000 with various upgrades and personalization options. Despite its age, the Range Rover maintained a timeless design, with hallmark features like blacked-out windshield and roof pillars, and a clean, tapering style. Inside, it 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 2022 Toyota RAV4 had matured from its initial "cute-ute" category to become a leader in the crossover SUV market. The latest iteration of a 2019 redesign, the RAV4 was a sales leader in the U.S. Its exterior styling, while fitting in with current crossover designs, featured angular flourishes and expressive headlights that gave it a playful yet aggressive look. Inside, the RAV4 offered a layered dash with contrasting textures and colors, anchored by a straightforward center stack. The Adventure-trim test vehicle showcased distinctive design cues, including a geometric pattern that tied the cabin together, and 19-inch matte gray alloy wheels.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrains, including turbodiesel V6, supercharged V8, mild-hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options. The HSE Westminster special edition featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Range Rover's 4WD system, with a two-speed transfer case and Terrain Response 2 traction control, ensured its legendary off-road capability. Despite its weight and tall center of gravity, the Range Rover provided a smooth, quiet ride, with an adaptive air suspension that filtered road harshness. However, its steering was slow and syrupy, and it required a measured approach on winding roads. The EPA rated its fuel economy at 20 mpg combined, but the test vehicle averaged 18.5 mpg.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrains: a gasoline-only model with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower, a hybrid version with 217 combined net hp, and the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid with 302 hp. The gasoline model, tested in the Adventure AWD trim, provided smooth and immediate power delivery, with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RAV4's fuel economy ranged from 27-30 mpg combined for gasoline models to 40 mpg combined for the hybrid, and 94 MPGe for the Prime. The RAV4 retained car-like handling, with a four-wheel independent suspension and dynamic torque vectoring for improved cornering. AWD models featured Multi-Terrain Select tuning and a fuel-saving rear-driveline disconnect.

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 decadently comfortable, but the second row lacked thigh support and adjustability, resulting in an uncomfortable seating position. Storage space was limited, with dual glove compartments and a tiny refrigerated center-console bin. Luggage volume was also restricted, with 25 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.8 cubic feet with them folded. A button in the cargo area activated the suspension kneel function for easier loading.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, classified as a small SUV, offered 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 69.8 cubic feet with it folded. It had a healthy payload capacity and towing capabilities, with Adventure and TRD Off-Road models rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds. Inside, the RAV4 was roomy and comfortable for four, with ample storage options, including cupholders, bottle holders, and a roomy glove compartment. The second-row middle seat was less desirable but not uncomfortable.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system, while not entirely intuitive, could be navigated by those familiar with smartphones and tablets. However, it was easy to forget how to access certain features, and using the touchscreens while driving was distracting. The Range Rover also offered a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app as a digital owner’s manual.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with a robust level of technology, with standard features including a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, six-speaker audio, and smartphone integration. Higher trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen, an 11-speaker JBL audio system, and navigation. The RAV4 Prime featured additional technology, such as five USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and a bird’s-eye view camera system. The top trim also included a head-up display and ambient illumination.

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 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota’s Star Safety System and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included features like adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The RAV4 was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, and the RAV4 Prime was a Top Safety Pick+. The NHTSA awarded the RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid five-star ratings.