2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded luxury and sophistication, a hallmark of the Land Rover brand. Its design was a testament to elegance, with features like pop-out door handles that, while visually appealing, raised concerns about reliability. The Velar's aesthetic appeal was undeniable, with a sporty yet refined silhouette that echoed the grandeur of its larger Range Rover siblings. The vehicle's exterior was a blend of sleek lines and bold proportions, with details like the trapezoidal roof and distinctive grille making it unmistakably a Range Rover. The interior, though less opulent than previous models, maintained high-quality materials and an exemplary fit and finish, with a polished black center stack and attractive seat stitching.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota RAV4, a leader in the crossover SUV market, presented a more utilitarian design. While its exterior styling was less distinctive, the RAV4's angular wheel arches and expressive headlights added a touch of character. The interior was practical and comfortable, with a layered dash and contrasting textures. The RAV4's design focused on functionality, with a well-placed touchscreen interface and thoughtful storage solutions. The Adventure-trim test vehicle featured a circuit-board-inspired geometric pattern that tied the cabin's elements together, showcasing Toyota's attention to detail.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a driving experience unlike previous Land Rovers. Its lower center of gravity and lighter weight improved cornering and braking. The base engine, a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, produced 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, while the Terrain Response system offered six driving modes. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, delivered up to 395 horsepower, enhancing performance and reducing emissions.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrains, starting with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The RAV4 Hybrid combined a similar engine with an electric motor for 217 horsepower, while the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid boasted 302 horsepower and an electric-only range of 42 miles. The RAV4's eight-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive provided smooth power delivery. The RAV4's handling was car-like, with a four-wheel independent suspension and dynamic torque vectoring for improved cornering. The RAV4 Prime's plug-in hybrid system offered impressive fuel efficiency and quick recharging options.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's interior was tighter than midsize SUVs, with limited headroom and visibility due to its stylish design. Cargo space was modest, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with seats folded. The Velar's design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were frustrating, and the new shifter design hindered access to volume and climate controls. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability with a cleaner interface and faster response.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered more interior space, with 37.5 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second row and 69.8 cubic feet with seats folded. It had a healthy payload capacity and towing capabilities, with Adventure and TRD Off-Road models towing up to 3,500 pounds. The RAV4's interior was roomy and comfortable, with ample storage and seating for five. The front row provided generous space, while the second row was suitable for occasional use by five passengers.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was a pleasant surprise, offering a simplified layout and logical arrangements. Features like voice activation, a PM2.5 air filter, and a heated windshield added convenience. The navigation system provided intelligent route suggestions, while the 360-degree cameras and off-road mode enhanced visibility. Standard features included LED headlights, automatic high beams, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with a robust technology suite, starting with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system and expanding to a 9-inch screen on higher trims. Standard features included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The RAV4 Prime offered advanced technology, such as a bird’s-eye view camera system and a 10-inch head-up display. The Premium Audio setup on Limited models featured an 11-speaker JBL system, while the RAV4 Prime included multiple USB ports and auxiliary power outlets.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked U.S. crash-test ratings but performed well in European 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.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 excelled in safety, with the Star Safety System and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 as standard. These included features like adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic emergency braking. The RAV4 was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, and the RAV4 Prime earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating. The NHTSA awarded the RAV4 its highest five-star rating.