2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was characterized by its modernist and reductive design, which translated to a clean and simple aesthetic. This approach might not have appealed to those seeking a flashy luxury SUV, as Land Rover offered limited options for making the Range Rover Sport stand out, such as a Firenze Red paint color and diamond-turned 23-inch wheels. The test vehicle, finished in Eiger Gray with silver wheels and a Black Exterior Pack, exuded understated luxury. Inside, the Deep Garnet over Ebony theme, complemented by aluminum and shiny black trim, created a high-tech and luxurious atmosphere. The Range Rover Sport was available in SE P360, SE Dynamic P400, and Autobiography P440e specifications, with the SE Dynamic P400 test vehicle priced at $98,420, including destination charges. Notable design features included premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and surface LED technology taillights, contributing to its excellent aerodynamics.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid maintained a more traditional approach with minimal appearance changes for the year. The new Cypress Green paint color and standard power-folding exterior mirrors for Limited and Platinum trims were among the few updates. The Highlander Hybrid's design was described as over-styled, with exaggerated forms and a lack of subtlety. Inside, the cabin featured large air vents, a giant 12.3-inch touchscreen, and oversized climate control knobs, creating a visually overwhelming environment. The mismatched textures and tones, along with reflections from the display and black plastic trim, added to the visual clutter. Despite these design choices, the Highlander Hybrid's interior was quiet on the road, thanks to acoustic front window glass in the Limited and Platinum trims.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement and driver-focused engagement, though it only partially succeeded. It featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque in the SE Dynamic model. The SE P360 offered 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain was available in the Autobiography P440e, delivering 434 hp and 406 lb-ft with an estimated 51 miles of electric driving range. The Range Rover Sport's 395-hp inline-six provided ample power, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds. It boasted a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds and offered impressive fuel efficiency, averaging 22.3 mpg on the evaluation route. The SUV's adaptive damping air suspension and Dynamic driving mode contributed to its composed driving dynamics, though it fell short of sport-tuned competitors in tight curves. Off-road, the Range Rover Sport excelled with advanced suspension and technology, offering a 35.4-inch wading depth and various off-road features.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, producing 243 combined horsepower. The electric assist motors aided acceleration, and the EV mode allowed for electric-only driving at low speeds. However, the gas engine's 175 pound-feet of torque limited high-speed passing power, and towing 3,500 pounds seemed impractical. The Highlander Hybrid offered Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with AWD models featuring a Trail mode for light off-road use. The Predictive Efficient Drive system aimed to maximize fuel efficiency, though it fell short of expectations, averaging 28.7 mpg on the evaluation loop. The Highlander Hybrid prioritized comfort over engagement, with a soft suspension and quiet highway ride, making it suitable for city and suburban driving.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport retained its Command Driving Position, offering a tall and airy feel with a low dashboard and thin roof pillars. The air suspension could kneel for easier entry and exit, and the front seats provided comfort with 20-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The rear seat, while improved, remained tight for taller passengers, and narrow door openings posed challenges. The cargo area offered 31.9 cubic feet of space, expandable to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Storage options included a deep bin under the center armrest and a second bin beneath the sliding cupholder tray.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid accommodated seven or eight passengers, with most models featuring second-row captain's chairs. The third-row seat was best for occasional use, and the SUV offered three-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain's chairs. The second-row seats provided comfort and flexibility, while the third-row access was tight. The Highlander Hybrid's storage areas were unlined, and the center armrest storage console design was complex. Cargo space measured 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded, and a maximum of 84.3 cubic feet with the second-row seats down.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment platform was often confusing and frustrating to use, with difficulties in accessing features and understanding its functionality. The Range Rover Sport offered impressive Meridian audio systems and an Active Noise Cancellation system, enhancing the driving experience. A wireless smartphone charging pad was included, though accessing devices could be challenging.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, with upper trims featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment systems. The infotainment system offered over-the-air updates, dual-device Bluetooth pairing, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Connected service plans included Wi-Fi Connect, Remote Connect, and Drive Connect, providing various features such as natural voice recognition and cloud-based navigation. The test vehicle included a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system. The Toyota Audio Multimedia platform was user-friendly, though graphics could be improved for better visibility.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came equipped with advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features included automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, and a surround-view camera system. Remote Park Assist was available, allowing the SUV to park itself using a smartphone app. However, the adaptive cruise control and steering assist systems were not as smooth or reliable as expected, particularly on freeway curves with inconsistent lane markings.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid prioritized safety with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+), offering adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with Limited and Platinum trims adding parking sensors and a surround-view camera. The ADAS performed well in most situations, though it struggled with lane convergence and rural road markings. Safety Connect provided emergency assistance and collision notification, and the Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.