2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 presented a rugged exterior that was a departure from its predecessors, with boxy fender flares and chiseled taillights 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 the exterior suggested a more adventurous vehicle, the mechanical underpinnings were more conventional. The RAV4 offered options like the Adventure model with a retro Ice Edge roof and the TRD Off-Road with matte black wheels and red interior accents, adding to its rugged appeal.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded luxury and elegance, with a design that was unmistakably Range Rover. It featured a sleek, sporty profile with a long wheelbase and short overhangs, reminiscent of the larger Range Rover models. The Velar's design included unique elements like flush door handles and taillight lenses with mirrors for depth. The R-Dynamic trim added bronze accents and a more aggressive front bumper. Inside, the Velar's cabin was sophisticated, with high-quality materials and a polished black center stack. Despite its stylish design, the Velar's interior space was more compact, with limited headroom and cargo space compared to midsize SUVs.

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 was noted for its high thermal efficiency and rev-happy nature, but the transmission's hesitancy and lack of steering feel detracted from the driving experience. The RAV4's off-road capabilities were enhanced in the Adventure and TRD Off-Road models, which featured a torque-vectoring rear axle and 8.6 inches of ground clearance, but it lacked the suspension articulation needed for serious off-roading.

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 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The Velar's optional air suspension provided a plush ride and could raise the body for additional clearance. The Velar also offered a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, available in two power outputs: 340 hp and 354 lb-ft, or 395 hp and 405 lb-ft. This powertrain delivered the performance expected from a luxury SUV while reducing emissions.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered a tall, upright roof that provided good headroom and visibility, though legroom was slightly lacking compared to competitors. The rear seats were less comfortable for long trips, and while cargo space was above average at 37.6 cubic feet, it was still behind the Honda CR-V. The RAV4's interior featured oversized knobs and easy-to-use controls, but storage space was limited.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had a more compact interior, with reduced headroom and visibility due to its stylish design. Cargo space was limited to 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's interior design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were criticized for being impractical. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system was praised for its improved interface and features like voice activation and a heated windshield.

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.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was a highlight, offering a simplified layout and customizable features. It included voice activation, a PM2.5 air filter, and advanced navigation features. The Velar also came standard with LED headlights, a 12-speaker Meridian stereo, and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included features like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been rated by U.S. agencies, but a European-spec model scored well in Euro 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.