2024 Toyota 4Runner 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 the factory options for making the Range Rover Sport stand out were limited to a few bold paint colors and large wheels. The test vehicle, finished in Eiger Gray with silver 23-inch wheels and a Black Exterior Pack, exuded understated luxury. Inside, the Deep Garnet over Ebony theme, complemented by aluminum and shiny black trim, created an atmosphere of refined elegance. The Range Rover Sport was available in SE P360, SE Dynamic P400, and Autobiography P440e specifications, with the SE Dynamic P400 test vehicle featuring numerous upgrades that brought its MSRP to $98,420. Notable design elements included premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and surface LED technology in the taillights, contributing to its excellent aerodynamics.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner retained its classic, albeit outdated, design, reminiscent of its 2010 roots. Its boxy shape and flared fenders gave it a rugged and stable appearance, ideal for off-road adventures. The TRD Pro model, with its underbody skid plates, all-terrain tires, and beefy tubular roof rack, emphasized its off-road prowess. Inside, the 4Runner's old-school styling and last-generation technology were evident, with an analog instrument panel and a small eight-inch infotainment touchscreen. The interior featured hard plastics, but cushioned panels and grained seat upholstery provided some comfort. Despite its dated design, the 4Runner's visibility was excellent, and its spacious interior offered ample legroom and storage options, making it a practical choice for adventure seekers.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement and driver-focused engagement, though it excelled more in the former. It featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque in the SE Dynamic model. The SE P360 offered 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, while the Autobiography P440e boasted a plug-in hybrid drivetrain with 434 hp and 406 lb-ft, along with an estimated 51 miles of electric range. A 523-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 was available in limited early-build models. The Range Rover Sport's 395-hp inline-six provided ample power, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds, and it was rated to tow 7,716 pounds. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined, and the test vehicle averaged 22.3 mpg. The SUV's new architecture increased torsional stiffness by 35%, and its adaptive damping air suspension enhanced ride comfort and handling. However, it struggled to match the agility of sport-tuned rivals from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. Off-road, the Range Rover Sport excelled, with impressive ground clearance, approach, breakover, and departure angles, and advanced off-road technology.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner, powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, was paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. While its powertrain specs were comparable to the Bronco and Wrangler, the 4Runner's transmission limited its responsiveness and fuel efficiency. The TRD Pro model featured standard four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case, while other trims offered rear-wheel drive with optional 4WD. On-road, the 4Runner felt sluggish, with noticeable rear-end squat during acceleration and a noisy engine. Its soft suspension, while beneficial for off-roading, resulted in body roll and floatiness on paved roads. Off-road, the 4Runner's capabilities shone, with features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select enhancing its performance. However, its on-road handling and braking were less refined, with significant nosedive under hard braking.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport maintained 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 were comfortable with 20-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The rear seat, though improved, remained tight for taller passengers, with narrow door openings and hard front seatback panels. 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 under the sliding cupholder tray.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's interior, though dated, was functional, with large climate-control dials and sturdy handles for off-road stability. Visibility was excellent, and the front seats provided ample space, though the steering wheel's limited telescoping range could be an issue for taller drivers. The second row offered generous legroom, but headroom was limited for taller passengers. The 4Runner's cargo area provided 47.2 cubic feet of space, expandable to 89.7 cubic feet with the rear seats stowed. The optional sliding deck reduced capacity but added convenience. The 4Runner featured a sliding glass rear window and a hitch receiver with a 5,000-pound towing capacity.

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 system was often confusing and frustrating to use, with limited functionality from the native digital assistant. The Range Rover Sport offered impressive Meridian audio systems and a next-generation Active Noise Cancellation system.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's infotainment system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but its small eight-inch touchscreen was challenging to use while driving. The TRD Pro model came with a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system, though road noise often obscured its quality. Additional terrain controls were located in the headliner console, with Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select enhancing off-road performance.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was equipped with advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, and a surround-view camera system. However, the adaptive cruise control and steering assist were not as smooth or reliable as expected.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with four out of five stars from NHTSA for overall and frontal crash protection. It featured adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and a blind-spot monitor. The TRD Pro and Limited trims included a surround-view camera system, though the 4Runner's safety alerts were often oversensitive.