2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner retained its rugged, adventure-ready design, reminiscent of its 1980s SUV roots. Unlike many modern SUVs that have shifted to car-based platforms, the 4Runner stayed true to its truck-based origins, sharing its underpinnings with the Toyota Tacoma pickup. This design choice was not due to stubbornness but rather a strategic decision by Toyota, which already had the Highlander for family duties, allowing the 4Runner to cater to off-road enthusiasts. Its high ride height, boxy proportions, and sharply angled front bumper were all functional design elements that emphasized its off-road capabilities. Inside, the 4Runner's interior was functional but dated, with a dash layout reminiscent of the late 2000s. The 2022 model offered various trims, including the SR5, Trail Special Edition, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Limited, each with unique features catering to different driving preferences.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded luxury and elegance, a hallmark of the Land Rover brand. Its design was a scaled-down version of the larger Range Rover, maintaining the iconic proportions but in a sportier package. The Velar's exterior featured a sleek, almost liquid form with a sloping roof and flush door handles, contributing to its streamlined appearance. Special design elements included taillight lenses with depth illusions and air ducts reminiscent of Bugatti's NACA ducts. The interior was equally sophisticated, with high-quality materials and a polished black center stack. The Velar's infotainment system, Pivi Pro, was user-friendly and featured advanced technology, including voice activation and a 360-degree camera system. Despite its luxurious appeal, the Velar's design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, highlighted a trend of prioritizing style over functionality.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a single 4.0-liter V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. While this engine was reliable, it felt underwhelming in most driving situations, except for its decent initial acceleration. The power was routed through a five-speed automatic transmission to either the rear wheels or an available 4WD system with a low range. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome, with noticeable body roll, but it excelled off-road, where its suspension absorbed rough terrain effortlessly. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models featured additional off-road capabilities, such as Crawl Control and a locking differential. The 4Runner could tow up to 5,000 pounds, which was more than most car-based crossovers.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in a vehicle that handled and steered better than previous Land Rover models. Its lower center of gravity and lighter weight improved cornering and braking. The Velar's standard coil-sprung suspension provided a smooth ride, while the optional air suspension with adaptive dampers offered a plush, isolated experience. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, delivering 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The Velar's performance was average, with the engine providing decent acceleration when pushed. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, available in two states of tune, offered more power and efficiency, thanks to a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This powertrain delivered the high performance expected by luxury buyers while reducing emissions.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the two-row version, slightly more than the three-row model's 88.8 cubic feet. With the second-row seats in use, the two-row 4Runner provided 47.2 cubic feet of cargo space. The optional third row, available on select trims, reduced cargo space to 9 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-operated rear window for easy access. Despite its age, the 4Runner's interior was functional, with ample storage spaces, though it could benefit from more efficient cabin packaging.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's interior was tighter than midsize SUVs and only slightly roomier than compact SUVs. Its stylish exterior design reduced headroom, especially for rear-seat passengers, and limited visibility due to thick B-pillars and small rear windows. Cargo space was limited, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, highlighted a trend of prioritizing style over functionality. The Pivi Pro infotainment system improved the user experience with a simplified layout and advanced features, but the Velar's interior design choices sometimes compromised practicality.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The system was straightforward, with hard buttons and dials for easy operation, especially when wearing gloves. While the 4Runner's infotainment system covered the basics, it lacked advanced features like a head-up display. Optional upgrades included navigation, HD radio, and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was a pleasant surprise, with a simplified layout and logical arrangements. The system featured voice activation, a PM2.5 air filter, and a sensor for monitoring carbon dioxide levels. The navigation system could identify frequent routes and suggest traffic detours, while the 4x4 app provided off-road measurements. The Velar's instrument panel offered customizable layouts, but the driving assist display lacked detail compared to competitors. Standard features included LED headlights, automatic high beams, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assistance features, including forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree parking camera system. The 4Runner earned four out of five stars in frontal and side-impact testing from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration but received three stars for rollover testing.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar scored well in the European New Car Assessment Program, with a five-star rating and a 93-percent score for front and side impact tests. Standard driving assists included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.