2022 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was anything but mundane, standing out among midsize SUVs with its distinctive design. Its front end, though less dramatic than the Sienna minivan, featured wide headlights, a long hood, and a bold trapezoidal grille. The side profile was accentuated by a character line reminiscent of the Supra sports car, while the rear boasted taillights akin to those on a Lexus. The Highlander managed to appear longer and lower than its predecessor without compromising its size. The introduction of the XSE trim added a sportier appearance with a restyled front end, 20-inch wheels, and a unique front fascia, though it didn't transform the Highlander into a performance vehicle. The Limited trim, just below the Platinum, exuded an upscale vibe with chrome accents and a luxurious interior featuring tan leather seats and wood details.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover's redesign was more evolutionary, maintaining a similar look to its predecessor with a broad, rounded face and large sheet metal expanses. The most notable change was at the rear, where thin LED strips replaced the old square taillights. The Range Rover emphasized its size, especially in the long-wheelbase version, which added eight inches in length. Inside, the cabin was simplified with fewer buttons and a larger tablet-like touchscreen, giving it a modern feel. Premium leather and rich wood trim adorned the interior, and the solid build quality was evident, with no creaks even on rough roads. The Range Rover's interior was more refined than competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7, rivaling even more expensive luxury brands.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. While not a performance powerhouse, the Highlander provided smooth and predictable operation, making it a reliable family car. It held its own against competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride in terms of horsepower and torque. The XSE trim added sportier suspension tuning, but the Highlander remained more focused on comfort than performance.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover offered two powertrains: the base P400 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six and a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, and the P530 with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, delivering 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The P400 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, impressive for its size. The Range Rover handled surprisingly well for a large SUV, with well-managed body roll and a calm, composed driving experience. Rear-wheel steering enhanced maneuverability, and the Terrain Response system optimized off-road capability without sacrificing ride quality.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander offered practical interior space with shelves ahead of the front seats for storage and a wireless charging pad in higher trims. Second-row passengers enjoyed ample legroom, with seats that could slide to accommodate third-row passengers. However, the third row was best suited for smaller passengers. Cargo space was limited to 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.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover provided a spacious and luxurious interior, with excellent visibility and a panoramic sunroof enhancing the sense of space. Front seats were cushioned for comfort, with available massage functions. Storage options included two glove boxes, a wireless charging pad, and a large center console. The second row offered ample space for taller passengers, with power recline and sliding adjustments. The optional third row was accessible with a button, though headroom was limited for adults. Cargo space was 17.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 43.1 cubic feet with it folded and 93 cubic feet at maximum capacity. The split tailgate and adjustable air suspension aided in loading cargo.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch option on the Limited trim and standard on the Platinum. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Navigation was available but struggled with points of interest. The JBL audio system was decent, though not exceptional.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover boasted a 13-inch touchscreen with the new Pivi Pro infotainment system, offering sharp graphics and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, complementing the wireless charging pad. The Meridian audio system delivered impressive sound quality, with an optional 35-speaker upgrade. Additional tech features included Amazon Alexa integration, remote parking, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and smartphone app control.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, featuring automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, intersection support, road-sign assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-tracing assist, and automatic high beams. It received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features such as frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. While crash test results were not available, the Range Rover's safety features performed well during testing.