2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 presented a rugged exterior that was a departure from its predecessors, with boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end that gave it a more aggressive look compared to other compact crossovers. Despite its bold styling, 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 it looked like a 4Runner, its mechanical underpinnings were more akin to a Camry. The RAV4 offered various trims like the Adventure and TRD Off-Road, which added unique styling elements and features to enhance its appeal.

Inside, the RAV4's cabin featured rugged styling touches such as large rubberized knobs and door handles, which distinguished it from other Toyota models. Material quality was decent on lower trims but didn't improve significantly with higher trims. The TRD Off-Road model came with SofTex upholstery, which was lighter and claimed to be durable, though real leather wasn't available even on the top-tier RAV4 Limited trim. Overall, the RAV4's interior was functional and comfortable, though it didn't offer the luxury feel of some competitors.

In contrast, the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved from its utilitarian roots to become a symbol of luxury and status. Starting at $92,000, the Range Rover offered a wide range of powertrains and personalization options, with prices reaching up to $250,000 for the long-wheelbase version with premium features. The HSE Westminster special edition, priced at $106,715, featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine and standard luxury appointments. Despite its age, the Range Rover's design remained timeless, with hallmark features like blacked-out windshield pillars and clean styling lines.

Inside, the Range Rover exuded luxury with its Ivory-color interior and mid-century modern ambiance. The cabin was equipped with Land Rover's InControl Touch Pro Duo dual-screen infotainment system, which, while not as advanced as newer systems, was manageable with some practice. The Range Rover's interior was a blend of modern technology and classic luxury, offering a high level of comfort and sophistication.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive. The engine achieved 40% thermal efficiency, a level typically found in racing engines, and delivered impressive output for a naturally aspirated four-cylinder. However, the transmission struggled to keep up, and the steering lacked feel, making the driving experience less dynamic. The RAV4's off-road capabilities were enhanced in the Adventure and TRD Off-Road models, which featured a torque-vectoring rear axle, 8.6 inches of ground clearance, and a 3,500-pound towing capacity.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a range of powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine in the HSE Westminster edition, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The Range Rover featured a flawless eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case. Its Terrain Response 2 traction control system provided multiple modes for various conditions. The Range Rover excelled in off-road capabilities, though our test vehicle was primarily driven on well-traveled trails. The adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, and the SUV's power delivery was smooth and rapid, though the steering was slow and syrupy.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered a tall, upright roof that provided ample headroom and good outward visibility. However, legroom in both rows was slightly behind competitors. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats had flat, hard cushions. Cargo space was above average at 37.6 cubic feet with the rear seats in place, though still behind the Honda CR-V. The RAV4's interior featured oversized knobs and easy-to-use controls, though storage space was somewhat limited.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier entry and exit. The front seats were decadently comfortable, but the second row lacked thigh support and adjustability, resulting in a slouched seating position. Despite this, the rear seat offered luxury features like quad-zone climate control and heated and ventilated seats. Storage space was limited, with dual glove compartments and a small refrigerated bin. Cargo space was also limited, with 25 cubic feet available and a maximum of 59.8 cubic feet.

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, with larger screens available on higher trims. The infotainment system was user-friendly but not particularly advanced, lacking features like a head-up display on gasoline models. The RAV4 offered a simple interface that was easy to navigate.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system was not entirely intuitive, requiring some practice to master. The system's dual 10-inch touchscreens could be distracting while driving, and the head-up display was not visible with polarized sunglasses. The Range Rover also offered a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for added convenience.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention tech. It missed the highest rating due to mixed headlight scores. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with additional features available on higher trims.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features like forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Optional packages added features like adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included several safety packages, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond.