2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded luxury and sophistication, a hallmark of Land Rover's long-standing tradition in crafting opulent SUVs. Its design was a testament to elegance, with features like pop-out door handles that, while visually striking, raised concerns about reliability. The Velar's aesthetic appeal was undeniable, with its sleek, sporty silhouette that echoed the grandeur of the larger Range Rover models. The vehicle's design elements, such as the long wheelbase, trapezoidal roof, and signature Land Rover grille, were unmistakably Range Rover, offering a blend of blocky and streamlined forms. 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 patterns.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 offered a more rugged and practical design, with six trim levels catering to a variety of preferences and budgets. The Adventure trim, which we tested, featured a more aggressive grille, blacked-out wheels, and orange interior accents, adding a touch of flair to its otherwise utilitarian design. The RAV4's interior was functional, with convenient storage options and a straightforward layout. While it may not have matched the Velar's luxury, the RAV4 provided a sense of ruggedness and practicality, appealing to those seeking a more adventurous driving experience.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a driving experience that was distinct from previous Land Rover models. Its lower center of gravity and lighter weight contributed to improved handling and braking, while the optional air suspension provided a plush, isolated ride. The base engine, a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, delivered 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. While the powertrain offered average response, the Velar's mission as a street-focused SUV limited its off-road capabilities. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, available in two states of tune, provided a more powerful and efficient driving experience, thanks to a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4, on the other hand, came standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the RAV4's performance was not particularly exciting, it was adequate for everyday driving. The Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims offered all-wheel drive as standard, with the latter featuring a TRD-tuned suspension and all-terrain tires for enhanced off-road capability. The RAV4's suspension setup provided a comfortable ride, though it lacked the refinement of the Velar's air suspension.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's interior was more compact than midsize SUVs, offering slightly more space than compact SUVs. Its stylish exterior design came at the cost of reduced headroom and visibility, with cargo space measuring 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 frustrating, though the new Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4, designed to seat five, offered 37.7 inches of headroom in the front and 39.5 inches in the rear, with legroom measuring 41 inches in the front and 37.8 inches in the back. While it provided ample storage options and a practical layout, its cargo space of 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded placed it in the middle of its class. The RAV4's interior was functional and straightforward, with a focus on practicality and convenience.

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 to the vehicle's appeal. The system's navigation capabilities and 360-degree cameras enhanced the driving experience, though the adaptive cruise control's steering assist was not as advanced as some competitors.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen as standard, upgraded to a 10.5-inch screen for higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with voice command, were standard features. The Adventure trim we tested included an upgraded multimedia system with a 10.5-inch screen and an 11-speaker JBL Premium audio system. The RAV4's technology offerings were modern and user-friendly, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar scored well in the European New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), though U.S. crash-test ratings were unavailable. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a driver attention monitor, with optional 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came equipped with the TSS 2.5 suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, including lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The RAV4 performed well in IIHS evaluations, earning a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was available on the base LE model and standard on higher trims.