2021 Toyota Land Cruiser 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 models like the Camry and Sienna, making it mechanically ordinary. The Adventure and TRD Off-Road models offered additional styling options, such as unique wheels and interior accents, to enhance its adventurous appeal. Inside, the RAV4 featured functional touches like large rubberized knobs and door handles, but material quality did not significantly improve with higher trims.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its final year of the current form, offered a Heritage Edition trim to celebrate its 65th anniversary. The standard model, however, came with Magnetic Gray paint and plush Terra leather upholstery. Its exterior design was basic, with large headlights and chrome accents, lacking character. Inside, the Land Cruiser mixed Toyota parts-bin switchgear with high-quality materials, offering a plush and premium feel. Despite its dated design, the interior was comfortable, with a traditional hand-operated parking brake and a CD player, evoking a sense of nostalgia.

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 was sluggish, and the steering lacked feel, making the driving experience less dynamic. The RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road models featured off-road enhancements like a torque-vectoring rear axle and 8.6 inches of ground clearance, but their off-road capabilities were limited by suspension articulation and approach angles.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 401 pound-feet of torque. The engine was quiet during acceleration, with a fuel economy of 14.7 mpg, slightly better than the EPA rating. An eight-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case provided robust off-road capabilities. The Land Cruiser featured a Torsen limited-slip differential, mud-and-snow tires, and a suite of off-road technologies like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select. On pavement, the Land Cruiser offered a refined driving experience, though its size required more effort when maneuvering.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered a tall, upright roof providing good headroom and visibility, though legroom was slightly behind competitors. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats were less so, with flat cushions. Cargo space was above average at 37.6 cubic feet, but the rear seats did not slide like some competitors. The interior featured oversized knobs and controls, but storage space was limited, with a focus on functionality over convenience.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior was luxurious, with premium leather upholstery and supportive seats. The front seats were heated and ventilated, and the second-row seats were heated as well. The Land Cruiser offered a commanding view and a four-zone climate control system with 28 air vents. The third-row seat accommodated adults if the second row slid forward, but leg support was lacking. Cargo space was 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 82.8 cubic feet with the second row folded. The split clamshell-style liftgate provided easy access and a convenient seating area.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility, along with 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. The RAV4 offered a simple interface with easy-to-read graphics and shortcut buttons for essential functions.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, but it lacked modern conveniences like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system used Toyota Entune technology, which was straightforward but not particularly special for the price. The voice-recognition system was basic, and the dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system was dated. A 14-speaker JBL Synthesis audio system provided good sound quality, but it was not on par with high-end systems in other luxury SUVs.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with options for blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system on higher trims.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser came with 10 airbags and standard Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) driving assistance systems. However, it lacked advanced features like stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and automated lane-keeping. The Land Cruiser included blind-spot monitoring and Safety Connect services, but crash-test ratings were unavailable due to its older engineering.