2021 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its final year of production, offered a nostalgic nod to its storied past with the Heritage Edition trim. This version celebrated the SUV's 65th anniversary with distinctive features like bronze BBS wheels and a Yakima Megawarrior roof basket, best showcased in Midnight Black. However, the standard model, which arrived for review, was less visually striking, sporting Magnetic Gray paint and Terra leather upholstery. Its exterior design, reminiscent of a first-generation Toyota Highlander, was characterized by oversized headlights and taillights, with an abundance of chrome. Inside, the Land Cruiser combined Toyota's parts-bin switchgear with Lexus-inspired design elements, offering high-quality materials and a traditional hand-operated parking brake, evoking a sense of nostalgia.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover underwent a subtle evolution rather than a radical redesign. The new model retained the broad, rounded face and unadorned sheet metal of its predecessor, with a notable change being the vertical accent strip under the mirrors. The rear view saw the most significant update, with thin LED strips replacing 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, offering a modern look. Premium leather and rich wood trim elements adorned the interior, exuding luxury. The Range Rover's solid feel and quiet cabin further enhanced its premium appeal, making it a standout in the luxury SUV segment.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine, shared with the Toyota Tundra. Despite its power, the engine's roar was subdued, contributing to a quiet cabin experience. The Land Cruiser averaged 14.7 mpg, slightly better than the EPA rating of 14 mpg. An eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case ensured robust performance. The SUV's off-road prowess was supported by features like a Torsen limited-slip differential, mud-and-snow tires, and a full-size spare tire. Toyota's Active Traction Control, hill start assist, and downhill traction control enhanced its off-road capabilities. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) provided maximum wheel articulation, while skid plates protected the undercarriage. On pavement, the Land Cruiser offered a refined ride, though its nearly 3-ton weight affected handling. It was rated to tow up to 8,100 pounds.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover offered two powertrains: the base P400 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, and the P530 with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The P400 powertrain provided effortless acceleration, with Land Rover estimating a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds. The Range Rover's handling was surprisingly agile for its size, with well-managed body roll. Rear-wheel steering improved maneuverability, making it easy to navigate tight spaces. The Terrain Response system optimized off-road performance, while the ride quality remained smooth and quiet, making it one of the most comfortable luxury SUVs available.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior, though dated, offered a swanky feel with plush, premium leather upholstery. The front seats were heated and ventilated, and the wood-and-leather steering wheel was heated. The SUV provided a commanding view of the road, with a roomy second-row bench seat featuring heated cushions. A four-zone automatic climate control system and 28 air vents ensured comfort. The third-row seat accommodated adults if the second row slid forward, though leg support was lacking. Cargo space was limited to 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 41.4 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded. The maximum cargo capacity was 82.8 cubic feet.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover offered ample space in the first two rows, enhanced by large windows and a panoramic sunroof. Front seats were cushioned for long-distance comfort, with available massage functions. Storage options included two glove boxes, a wireless charging pad, and a large center console bin. The second row provided generous space for taller passengers, with power recline and sliding adjustments. The optional third row, accessible with a button, offered limited headroom for adults but adequate space for smaller passengers. Cargo space behind the third row was 17.1 cubic feet, expandable to 43.1 cubic feet with the third row folded. The maximum cargo capacity was 93 cubic feet. The split tailgate and air suspension height adjustment facilitated loading and unloading.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Toyota Entune technology. The system lacked swipe or scroll functionality, requiring users to tap through commands. It did not offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, but Siri Eyes Free voice control was available. The dashboard featured large buttons and knobs for easy control. The rear-seat entertainment system included 11.6-inch displays, though they were not touchscreens and lacked streaming capabilities. A 14-speaker JBL Synthesis audio system provided good sound quality.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover boasted a larger 13-inch touchscreen with the new Pivi Pro infotainment system. The system offered sharper graphics, quicker responses, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Meridian audio system delivered impressive sound quality, with an optional 35-speaker upgrade available. Other tech features included Amazon Alexa integration, remote automated parking, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and remote control via a smartphone app. The touchscreen's placement required more attention, but basic climate controls were designed for easy use.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser came equipped with 10 airbags and Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, the Land Cruiser lacked advanced driving assistance systems like stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features such as frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and a surround-view camera system. The surround-view cameras were particularly useful for off-roading. While the Range Rover was adequately equipped, some rivals offered additional features like advanced high beams and emergency stop functions. Crash test ratings were not available for the Range Rover.