2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited, with its MSRP of $42,083, presented a blend of practicality and style, though its price seemed steep for a RAV4. Despite being fully loaded, it maintained a modest appearance, akin to a rental car. The RAV4 Hybrid's design was robust for a compact SUV, but it could have benefited from larger wheels or an Adventure trim level. Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid was both stylish and functional, though the quality varied with a mix of impressive materials and hard plastics. A minor rattle from the license plate was noted, but overall, the interior was practical and user-friendly.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover's redesign was more evolutionary than revolutionary, maintaining its iconic broad and rounded look. The most notable change was the rear, with sleek LED taillights replacing the previous square design. The Range Rover emphasized its size, especially in the long-wheelbase version. Inside, the cabin was simplified with fewer buttons, featuring a larger touchscreen for a modern aesthetic. The materials were top-notch, with premium leather and rich wood trims, creating a luxurious atmosphere. The Range Rover's interior was refined, offering a solid and quiet ride, even on rough roads.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors, 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 and an EPA-rated 40 mpg in combined driving. The CVT operated smoothly, and the regenerative braking system was effective. The RAV4 Hybrid's suspension and steering contributed to a comfortable ride, though the tires lacked grip in corners. It handled daily driving well and managed light off-road conditions with its 8.1 inches of ground clearance.

The 2022 Range Rover offered two powertrains: the P400 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six producing 395 hp and the P530 with a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 delivering 523 hp. Both engines paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and 4WD. The P400 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, impressive for its nearly 6,000-pound weight. The Range Rover was agile for its size, with well-managed body roll and a calm driving experience. Rear-wheel steering improved maneuverability, and the Terrain Response system optimized off-road performance. The Range Rover provided a smooth, quiet ride, making it a comfortable luxury SUV.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered comfort with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and decent rear-seat legroom. 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 Range Rover provided spaciousness in the first two rows, enhanced by large windows and a panoramic sunroof. Front seats were cushioned and offered massage functions, while the second row had power recline and sliding adjustments. The optional third row was suitable for smaller passengers. Cargo space was limited to 17.1 cubic feet behind the third row but expanded to 93 cubic feet with seats folded. The split tailgate and adjustable air suspension aided loading and unloading.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured infotainment systems with 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreens, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The top-tier system included an 11-speaker JBL audio system and dynamic navigation. The 8-inch display was user-friendly, though voice recognition had limitations. Camera-based technology included a 360-degree surround-view system.

The 2022 Range Rover boasted a 13-inch touchscreen with the Pivi Pro system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Meridian audio system provided excellent sound quality, with an optional 35-speaker upgrade. Other tech features included Amazon Alexa integration, remote parking, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The touchscreen's lower placement was a minor drawback, but climate controls were intuitive.

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

The 2022 Range Rover included standard safety features like frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. While crash test results were unavailable, the Range Rover's safety features performed well. Some rivals offered additional safety technologies, which could be added in future models.