2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 presented a rugged exterior that set it apart from previous generations and other compact crossovers. Its boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and scowling front end gave it an aggressive look, appealing to those who preferred a more traditional SUV style. Despite its bold appearance, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, which was shared with other Toyota models like the Camry and Sienna. This meant that while the exterior suggested a robust off-roader, the mechanical underpinnings were more aligned with a conventional vehicle.

Inside, the RAV4 offered some rugged styling touches, such as large rubberized knobs and door handles, which distinguished it from other Toyota models. The material quality was decent on lower trims but did not improve significantly with higher trims. The TRD Off-Road model featured SofTex upholstery, which was lighter than leather and suited the vehicle's outdoorsy theme. However, real leather was not available, even on the top-tier RAV4 Limited trim.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, in its second generation since 2014, received a significant refresh in 2018 that carried over into 2021. This refresh introduced the dual-screen center console, a hallmark of modern Land Rover interiors. The Range Rover Sport offered a variety of trims, including SE, HSE Silver, HST, HSE Dynamic, Autobiography, SVR, and SVR Carbon Edition, each with its own set of luxury features. The base SE trim came with leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and an eight-speaker Meridian sound system, while higher trims added features like quad-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and a 19-speaker Meridian sound system.

The Range Rover Sport's interior was characterized by its dual-screen setup, which controlled climate and vehicle settings on the lower screen and infotainment on the upper screen. While the system had a learning curve, it offered a range of functions, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Range Rover Sport also provided an optional third row, increasing seating capacity to seven, though the third row was best suited for children due to limited space.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, available in front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. While the engine boasted impressive thermal efficiency and a high rev range, the transmission struggled to keep up, leading to a less dynamic driving experience. The RAV4 offered a "Sport" driving mode, but it only added weight to the steering without enhancing responsiveness. Off-road, the RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road models featured a torque-vectoring rear axle and 8.6 inches of ground clearance, but lacked the suspension articulation and angles needed for serious off-roading.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered a range of powertrains, starting with the P360 mild-hybrid system, which combined a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt electrical system, producing 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HST model featured a more powerful P400 version, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The HSE Silver Edition offered plug-in hybrid and diesel options, with the P400e plug-in hybrid producing 398 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. The HSE Dynamic and Autobiography trims came with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, generating 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque, while the SVR and SVR Carbon Edition boasted 575 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive, with height-adjustable air suspension and a Terrain Response system for various terrains. The Range Rover Sport excelled in off-road capability and offered impressive towing capacities, with most models able to tow up to 7,716 pounds.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered a tall, upright roof that provided ample headroom in both rows and good outward visibility. However, legroom was slightly behind competitors, and the rear seats were less comfortable for long trips. The RAV4 featured a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, but it did not slide like some competitors. Cargo space was 37.6 cubic feet with the rear seats in place, which was above average but not class-leading. The interior featured oversized knobs and controls, making them easy to use even with gloves, but storage space was somewhat limited.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport provided up to 63.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 31.7 cubic feet with the second row in use. An optional third row increased seating capacity to seven, though it was best for children due to limited space. The first and second rows offered ample headroom and legroom, with luxurious appointments. The cargo space was suitable for road trips, but there were more spacious options available.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Most trims featured a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Limited trim had an 8-inch screen, and the RAV4 Prime offered a 9-inch screen. Up to five USB ports were available, and a JBL premium audio system was optional. The infotainment system was user-friendly but not particularly advanced, lacking features like a head-up display available on the RAV4 Prime.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's interior was dominated by a dual-screen center console, with the lower screen controlling climate and vehicle settings and the upper screen handling infotainment. The system had a learning curve but offered a range of functions, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's saving grace was the pair of dials on the lower screen, which controlled various functions. While the system was not the most intuitive, it provided a comprehensive range of features.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention tech. However, it missed the highest rating due to mixed headlight scores. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and more. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came with standard driver assistance features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. Additional features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were optional. Other available features included a surround-view camera, traffic sign recognition, and a head-up display.