2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 carried forward a legacy that began with its 1996 debut in North America. Initially, the RAV4 positioned itself as a compact alternative to the dominating SUVs of the time, blending practicality and a youthful appeal that won the hearts of many young buyers. This gave rise to a new segment dubbed “cute-utes,” populated by competitors like the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, and Hyundai Tucson. Over five generations, the RAV4 expanded both in size and sophistication, eventually transcending its “cute-ute” roots to become a mature, top-selling crossover SUV. By 2022, the RAV4's design was part of a 2019 redesign, seamlessly fitting into the mainstream crossover aesthetics. However, distinct angular wheel arches, crisp lines, and Kabuki-like headlights set it apart. Toyota’s hallmark quality was evident in the exterior fit-and-finish, elevating the overall look.

Inside, the RAV4 boasted a layered dashboard with contrasting textures and colors, anchored by an easy-to-use center stack. The touchscreen was conveniently positioned atop the dash’s center, minimizing driver distraction. The interior was replete with unique design elements including a geometric pattern that tied together various cabin areas, from the seat inserts to dash pieces, even extending to the 19-inch matte gray alloy wheels on the Adventure-trim model.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport embraced a “modernist” and “reductive” design ethos focused on simplicity and cleanliness—an approach that didn’t necessarily cater to those seeking overt luxury aesthetics. The exterior, clad in subdued Eiger Gray with striking silver 23-inch wheels, subtly exuded sophistication. Premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and surface LED taillights added modern touches, while the aerodynamic design boasted a 0.29 drag coefficient.

Inside, the Range Rover Sport radiated understated luxury with a Deep Garnet over Ebony theme, paired with aluminum and glossy black trim. Prominent features included a sustainable Ultrafabrics material and standard Windsor leather upholstery filling the cabin with an inviting fragrance. The elevated command driving position, low dashboard, and upright windshield enhanced the driver's view and sense of spaciousness. The 13.7-inch digital instrumentation and a 13.1-inch touchscreen encapsulated the high-tech yet refined ambiance.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrain options. The gasoline-only version featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It came standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive as an option. Fuel economy for the FWD models ranged from 27-28 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, while the AWD models provided slightly lower figures.

The RAV4 Hybrid paired a 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor, producing 217 combined hp. It boasted an EPA fuel economy of 41 mpg city and 38 mpg highway. The RAV4 Prime, a plug-in hybrid, was the powerhouse of the lineup, generating 302 hp and providing 42 miles of electric-only driving with an efficiency rating of 94 MPGe.

Our test vehicle, a gasoline Adventure AWD model, offered smooth power delivery and impressive highway acceleration thanks to its naturally aspirated engine. The eight-speed automatic transmission provided seamless performance, and three drive modes—Sport, Eco, and Normal—allowed drivers to tailor the RAV4’s dynamics. The AWD system’s Multi-Terrain Select and dynamic torque vectoring enhanced handling and control, especially in off-road situations.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport prioritized both refinement and driver engagement. The standard engine for the SE and SE Dynamic models was a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with mild-hybrid technology, producing 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque in the SE P360, and 395 hp and 406 lb-ft in the SE Dynamic P400. Additionally, a plug-in hybrid variant, the Autobiography P440e, offered 434 hp and an estimated 51 miles of electric range. A 523-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 was available for limited early-build models.

Our SE Dynamic P400 test model accelerated to 60 mph in a swift 5.4 seconds, driven by an eight-speed automatic transmission and an Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system. The Range Rover Sport’s adaptive damping air suspension, torsional stiffness, and array of driving modes—including Dynamic and off-road settings—provided a smooth yet capable driving experience. The SUV excelled at highway cruising and off-road adventures alike, thanks to its advanced suspension and electronic aids. However, its steering fell short of competitors, feeling less engaging on twisty roads and demanding frequent corrections during aggressive driving.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, classified as a small SUV, offered a spacious and versatile interior. It could accommodate 37.5 cubic feet of cargo behind the second row, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. Payload capacity ranged between 1,050 to 1,230 pounds. For towing, the RAV4 accommodated various needs: up to 1,500 pounds for lower trims, and up to 3,500 pounds for Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims. The RAV4 Hybrid could tow up to 1,750 pounds, while the RAV4 Prime handled 2,500 pounds.

Inside, the RAV4 provided ample space and comfort for four adults, with a less desirable middle seat in the rear row. The front seats were well-designed with plenty of legroom, hip room, and headroom, complemented by abundant storage options, including cupholders, bottle holders, and a roomy glove compartment.

Comparatively, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport maintained a tall, airy feel with its Command Driving Position. The air suspension could kneel for easier access, and the front seats, upholstered in enthralling Windsor leather, were both heated and ventilated, offering 20-way adjustments. However, the rear seats were less accommodating, with limited legroom for taller passengers and hard front seatback panels that were uncomfortable on knees and shins. The rear door openings were narrow, complicating ingress and egress.

Cargo capacity was less impressive for the Range Rover Sport, offering 31.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 53 cubic feet with the seats down. The rear seat folded in a 40/20/40 split, and provisions included a full-size spare tire and various storage aids. Nonetheless, the overall cargo space was less than that of the RAV4, making the Range Rover Sport less practical for hauling large loads.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with an array of technological features across its trims. Basic models featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM, Safety Connect, and Wi-Fi Connect. Higher trims upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen with an optional 11-speaker JBL audio system and navigation. The RAV4 Prime added five USB ports, additional power outlets, ambient lighting, wireless charging, and an available bird’s-eye view camera system.

In the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, technology took center stage with a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system offering haptic feedback. The Pivi Pro infotainment system was designed to learn user behaviors, but its operation could be frustrating. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and SiriusXM were standard, with impressive Meridian audio systems available. However, Pivi Pro’s inconsistent performance, particularly when using the native digital assistant, detracted from the overall experience.

Every 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota’s Star Safety System, including enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more. Standard safety features included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 with pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The RAV4 earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, making it a robust choice for safety-conscious buyers.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport also offered an array of advanced safety features, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Additional features included a surround-view camera system, Wade Sensing for water crossings, and Remote Park Assist. However, some systems, like adaptive cruise control and steering assist, didn’t perform as smoothly or reliably as expected.