2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited, with its MSRP of $42,083, presented a fully-loaded package that was somewhat unexpected for a RAV4. Despite its high price, the vehicle maintained a rental car appearance, lacking the larger wheels of its non-hybrid counterpart. The RAV4 Hybrid's electronic AWD system was not designed for rugged terrains, unlike the Adventure trim of the non-hybrid version. Nevertheless, the RAV4 Hybrid exuded a tough demeanor, needing only a more assertive set of wheels to enhance its look. Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid was a mix of style and practicality, though the quality varied with some impressive materials alongside glossy hard plastics. A minor rattle from the license plate was noted, but overall, the interior was functional and user-friendly.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded luxury and elegance, a hallmark of Land Rover's long-standing reputation in the luxury SUV market. The Velar's design was a scaled-down version of the larger Range Rover, maintaining the brand's signature proportions and style. Its sleek, liquid form was both blocky and streamlined, with special details like taillight lenses and air ducts reminiscent of high-end sports cars. The R-Dynamic trim added bronze accents and a more aggressive front bumper, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the Velar's cabin was sophisticated, with high-quality materials and exemplary fit and finish. The interior featured three sharp screens with sophisticated graphics, and even in its base trim, the Velar maintained a luxurious feel.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine with electric motors and a lithium-ion battery, producing 219 horsepower. This setup provided standard AWD and several driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, Trail, and EV. The RAV4 Hybrid weighed between 3,690 and 3,780 pounds, offering lively acceleration due to instant electric-motor torque. However, the engine's sound was unpleasant at high revs. The EPA rated it at 40 mpg in combined driving, and it averaged 39.7 mpg during testing. The CVT operated smoothly, and the regenerative braking system was effective. The RAV4 Hybrid's suspension design and Active Cornering Assist system contributed to favorable driving dynamics, though the tires lacked grip. With 8.1 inches of ground clearance, it handled light off-road conditions well.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a lower center of gravity and lighter weight for improved handling. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The Velar's ride was smooth and controlled, with an optional air suspension providing a plush "magic carpet" ride. The Terrain Response system offered six driving modes, but the Velar's street-focused design limited its off-road capabilities. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system delivered up to 395 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque, offering high performance while reducing emissions.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered comfort with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front cushions, and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed decent legroom and heated cushions, though the seat felt low. The dashboard was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and an easy-to-use infotainment system. Storage was ample, with useful shelves and a roomy 37.5 cubic-foot cargo area, expandable to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, while stylish, sacrificed interior space for its design. Headroom was limited, and visibility was restricted by thick pillars and small windows. Cargo space was modest, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were frustrating. The Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability, but the redesign of critical controls was seen as unnecessary and potentially dangerous.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured infotainment systems with either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The top-tier system included an 11-speaker JBL audio system, dynamic navigation, and voice recognition. The 8-inch display was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and stereo knobs for easy operation. Camera-based technology, such as a 360-degree surround-view camera system, was available.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was surprisingly reliable, with a simplified layout and customizable features. Voice activation, air quality monitoring, and advanced navigation features were included. The 360-degree cameras and off-road mode provided additional functionality. The instrument panel offered various display configurations, though the driving assist display lacked detail. Standard features included LED headlights, a 12-speaker Meridian stereo, and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The RAV4 Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked U.S. crash-test ratings but scored well in European NCAP tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.