2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded a sense of luxury and sophistication that was hard to match. Its design was a testament to Land Rover's long-standing tradition of crafting elegant SUVs. The Velar's sleek, sporty silhouette, with its long wheelbase and short overhangs, was reminiscent of the larger Range Rover models but in a more compact form. The vehicle's exterior was adorned with unique features like pop-out door handles and bronze accents in the R-Dynamic trim, which added to its allure. Inside, the Velar's cabin was a blend of high-quality materials and modern design, featuring a polished black center stack and three sharp screens that provided a sophisticated user interface.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner celebrated its rugged heritage with a design that harked back to the truck-based SUVs of the past. The 40th Anniversary Special Edition, or 40 ASE, added retro body stripes and bronze accents, giving it a distinct SoCal vibe. The interior was practical and solid, with comfortable seating and ample storage options. The 4Runner's design was functional, with features like a power-down rear window and a tailgate that doubled as a seat, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. Despite its utilitarian focus, the 4Runner offered a comfortable and spacious cabin, especially in the second row, with plenty of legroom and headroom.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a driving experience that was both refined and engaging. Its base engine, a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, produced 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, providing adequate performance for most driving situations. The Velar's optional air suspension with adaptive dampers enhanced its ride quality, offering a "magic carpet" experience. For those seeking more power, the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system delivered up to 395 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque, making it a compelling choice for luxury buyers. However, the Velar's off-road capabilities were limited compared to its larger Range Rover siblings.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, was powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. Its five-speed automatic transmission and available 4WD systems made it a capable off-roader, with features like Hill-Start Assist Control, Downhill Assist Control, and Active Traction Control. The 4Runner's off-road prowess was further enhanced by options like locking differentials and a Crawl Control system. While its on-road performance was less refined, with leisurely acceleration and heavy steering, the 4Runner excelled in off-road environments, making it a favorite among adventure enthusiasts.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar offered a stylish yet compact interior, with limited headroom and cargo space due to its sleek design. It provided 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's interior design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were sometimes frustrating, but its Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability with a cleaner interface and faster response times.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner, in contrast, provided a more spacious and practical interior. Its second-row seating area was roomy, with excellent leg support and a properly angled backrest. The 4Runner's cargo area offered 46.3 cubic feet of space behind the second row, expanding to 89.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. The power-down rear window and tailgate seat added to its functionality, making it a versatile choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was a pleasant surprise, offering a simplified layout and logical arrangements. It featured voice activation, a PM2.5 air filter, and a heated windshield, among other advanced features. The Velar's instrument panel could display full-width maps and reconfigure gauges, though its driving assist display was less detailed than some competitors.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's technology was more traditional, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen. It offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio, along with connected services and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with real knobs and buttons that were easy to operate, even with gloves. The voice recognition system performed well, handling most commands with ease.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar scored well in the European NCAP, with a five-star rating and a 93-percent score for front and side impact tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring, with optional 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard across all trims. However, the 4Runner's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a three-star rating for rollover resistance.