2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, despite its age, maintained a rugged charm that appealed to those seeking a durable and utilitarian vehicle. Its design, largely unchanged over the years, featured a two-box body with flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches, which contributed to its timeless styling and balanced proportions. The 4Runner's interior was straightforward, with hard plastic surfaces and an old-school dashboard equipped with large knobs and buttons. This simplicity, combined with its durable construction, made it a reliable choice for those who valued function over form.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover offered a more refined and luxurious experience. Its exterior design was an evolution of its predecessor, with subtle changes like a vertical accent strip under the mirrors and thin LED taillights integrated into a darker trim element. Inside, the Range Rover boasted a modern and simplified cabin with a larger touchscreen and fewer physical controls. Premium materials, such as leather and rich wood trim, adorned the interior, creating an opulent atmosphere. The Range Rover's design emphasized its size and presence, making it a standout choice for those seeking a luxury SUV with a commanding road presence.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. It featured a five-speed automatic transmission and a part-time 4WD system, making it a capable off-road vehicle. The 4Runner excelled in off-road environments, thanks to its A-Trac traction control system and optional features like a locking rear differential and Crawl Control. However, on paved roads, it felt slow and clunky, with heavy steering and brakes. Its fuel efficiency was also a drawback, averaging 16.8 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover offered two powertrain options: a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The Range Rover's P400 powertrain provided impressive acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. Its handling was surprisingly agile for a large SUV, with well-managed body roll and a calm, composed ride. The Range Rover's off-road capabilities were enhanced by its Terrain Response system, which automatically adjusted the suspension and drivetrain for optimal traction.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with ample legroom in the front and rear seats. Its high ground clearance could pose a challenge for shorter passengers, but once inside, the 4Runner provided a comfortable ride. The optional third-row seat was not present in the test vehicle, which instead featured a sliding cargo deck with a 440-pound capacity. Cargo space was generous, with up to 89.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded down.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover provided a luxurious and spacious interior, with excellent visibility and a panoramic sunroof enhancing the sense of openness. The front seats were cushioned for long-distance comfort and offered massage functions. Storage options were plentiful, with two glove boxes, a wireless charging pad, and a large center console bin. The second row offered ample space for taller passengers, with power recline and sliding adjustments. The optional third row was accessible via a button, though headroom was limited for adults. Cargo space varied from 17.1 cubic feet behind the third row to 93 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's technology offerings were basic, with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The premium audio upgrade added features like dynamic navigation and voice recognition. The system's physical buttons and knobs made it easy to use, even with gloves on.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover featured a larger 13-inch touchscreen with the new Pivi Pro infotainment system, offering sharper graphics and quicker responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a wireless charging pad. The Meridian audio system provided excellent sound quality, with an optional 35-speaker upgrade available. Additional tech features included Amazon Alexa integration, remote automated parking, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, it lacked a blind-spot warning system and rear cross-traffic alert. The 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a "Marginal" rating for driver protection in a small overlap frontal-impact collision from the IIHS.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover was equipped with standard safety features such as frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and a surround-view camera system. While crash test results were not available, the Range Rover's safety features performed well during testing, with no false alarms.