2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was anything but boring, standing out among midsize SUVs with its distinctive design. Its wide headlights, long hood, and assertive trapezoidal grille made a statement, while the character line along the side echoed the sporty profile of the Supra. The rear taillights, reminiscent of Lexus models, added to its upscale appearance. The Highlander XSE trim introduced a sportier look with a restyled front end, 20-inch wheels, and a unique front fascia, though it didn't quite match the performance of sportier rivals. Inside, the Limited trim offered a luxurious experience with near-flawless fit and finish, tan leather seats, and elegant wood details, making it a comfortable choice for families prioritizing comfort and convenience.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded class and elegance, capturing attention with its stylish design. It borrowed the tall, tent-like profile of the larger Range Rover and transformed it into a sporty package with a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and a trapezoidal roof. The Velar's sleek form, with its sloping roof and wide shoulder crease, created a streamlined appearance. Special details like taillight lenses with depth illusions and air ducts reminiscent of Bugatti added to its allure. The R-Dynamic trim enhanced its aggressive look with bronze accents and a darkened grille. Inside, the Velar's cabin featured high-quality materials, a polished black center stack, and a reconfigurable instrument panel, offering a luxurious experience even in the base trim.

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 smooth and predictable operation, making it a reliable choice for family transportation. While it wasn't designed for high-performance driving, it provided adequate power for highway merging and compared well with competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. The Highlander's suspension favored comfort, though the XSE trim added sportier suspension tuning for those seeking a bit more excitement.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in improved handling and steering compared to previous Land Rover models. Its lower center of gravity and lighter weight contributed to better cornering and braking. The optional air suspension with adaptive dampers provided a plush ride and could raise the body for increased clearance. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, offering average response. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, available in two states of tune, delivered higher performance with 340 to 395 horsepower and 354 to 405 pound-feet of torque, thanks to a mild-hybrid system. While the Velar excelled on the road, its off-road capabilities were limited compared to larger Range Rover models.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander offered practical interior space with three rows of seating. It featured shelves ahead of the front seats for storage, and second-row passengers enjoyed ample legroom. The third row could accommodate adults with some compromise from the middle row. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.3 cubic feet with both rows down, providing versatility for various needs.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had a tighter interior compared to midsize SUVs, with limited headroom for rear-seat passengers and reduced visibility due to thick pillars. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's design sacrifices some practicality for its striking appearance. However, it faced criticism for its lack of a discrete parking brake control, which was integrated into the transmission button, causing confusion and potential safety concerns.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch option available on the Limited trim and standard on the Platinum trim. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though navigation struggled with points of interest. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard, enhancing connectivity. The JBL audio system provided decent sound quality, but the larger screen's limited app display raised questions about its value.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system impressed with its simplified layout and logical arrangement of functions. It offered features like voice activation, air quality monitoring, and advanced navigation capabilities. The system's reliability was a pleasant surprise, and the 360-degree cameras and off-road mode added to its appeal. The instrument panel allowed for customizable displays, though the driving assist display lacked detail compared to competitors. Standard features included LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, featuring advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, intersection support, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. It received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked U.S. crash-test ratings but performed well in European NCAP tests, scoring five stars. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. Optional features like 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist enhanced its safety offerings.