2022 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 and chiseled taillights that gave it a more aggressive look. Despite its bold styling, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, which it shared with other Toyota models like the Camry. This meant that while it looked like a 4Runner, its mechanical underpinnings were more akin to a sedan. 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, enhancing its adventurous appeal. Inside, the RAV4 featured rugged styling touches, such as large rubberized knobs and door handles, but the material quality did not significantly improve with higher trims.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover underwent an evolutionary redesign, maintaining its broad, rounded face and large expanses of unadorned sheet metal. The most notable change was at the rear, where thin LED strips replaced the old square taillights. The Range Rover emphasized its size, especially in the long-wheelbase version, which added eight inches in length. Inside, the Range Rover was simplified with fewer buttons and a larger tablet-like touchscreen, giving it a modern look. The interior boasted premium leather and rich wood trim, creating a luxurious atmosphere. The Range Rover's solid feel and quiet cabin added to its premium appeal, making it a standout in the luxury SUV segment.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a single engine option, the "Dynamic Force" 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, offering standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. While the engine achieved impressive thermal efficiency and revved like a racing engine, the transmission struggled to keep up, resulting in a less dynamic driving experience. The RAV4's steering was responsive but lacked feel, and the "Sport" driving mode only added weight to the steering. Off-road capabilities were enhanced in the Adventure and TRD Off-Road models, with features like a torque-vectoring rear axle and 8.6 inches of ground clearance, but the RAV4 lacked the suspension articulation and angles needed for serious off-roading.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover offered two powertrains: the base P400 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, and the P530 with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine delivering 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The P400 powertrain provided effortless acceleration, with Land Rover estimating a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds. The Range Rover's handling was surprisingly agile for its size, with well-managed body roll and a calm, composed driving experience. Standard rear-wheel steering improved maneuverability, and the Terrain Response system optimized off-road capability without sacrificing ride quality or cabin quietness.

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 had flat, hard cushions. Cargo space was above average at 37.6 cubic feet with the rear seats in place, but still trailed the segment-leading Honda CR-V. The RAV4 featured oversized knobs and steering-wheel controls that were easy to use, but storage space on the console was limited.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover provided generous space in the first two rows, with large windows and a panoramic sunroof enhancing the sense of spaciousness. Front seats were cushioned for long-distance comfort, with available massage functions. Storage options included two glove boxes, a wireless charging pad, and a large center console bin. The second row offered ample space for taller passengers, with power recline and sliding adjustments. The optional third row was accessible with a button, but headroom was limited for adults. Cargo space was 17.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 43.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 93 cubic feet with the second row folded. The split tailgate and air suspension height adjustment facilitated loading.

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 an 8-inch screen on Limited models and a 9-inch screen on the RAV4 Prime. The infotainment system was user-friendly but lacked flashiness, and the gasoline RAV4 did not offer a head-up display.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover featured a larger 13-inch touchscreen with the new Pivi Pro infotainment system, offering sharper graphics and quicker responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a wireless charging pad. The Meridian audio system delivered impressive sound quality, with an optional 35-speaker upgrade. Other tech features included Amazon Alexa integration, remote automated parking, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and remote control via a smartphone app.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention tech. The NHTSA awarded 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 2022 Land Rover Range Rover had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and a surround-view camera system. The surround-view cameras were particularly useful for off-roading.