Land Rover Range Rover vs Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover underwent a subtle evolution rather than a radical redesign. Its exterior maintained the broad, rounded face and expansive sheet metal of its predecessor, with a new vertical accent strip under the mirrors as a distinguishing feature. The rear saw the most significant change, with thin LED strips replacing the old square taillights, integrated into a darker trim element. The interior was simplified, featuring a larger tablet-like touchscreen and fewer buttons, while maintaining a familiar design. Premium leather and rich wood trim elements enhanced the luxurious feel, and the cabin exuded a solid, creak-free quality even on rough roads.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid retained its previous design with minimal changes, such as a new Cypress Green paint color and standard power-folding exterior mirrors for higher trims. The Highlander Hybrid's design was characterized by exaggerated forms, including scowling headlights and flared rear fenders, which some found over-styled. Inside, the cabin featured large air vents, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and oversized climate control knobs. However, the interior's mismatched textures and tones, along with reflections from the display, made it visually overwhelming. The quality of materials and controls felt subpar, with issues like flexing door panel pods and untucked leather upholstery.

The 2022 Range Rover offered two powertrains: a base P400 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, and an optional P530 with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The P400 provided effortless acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, while the V8 offered even more power. The Range Rover's handling was surprisingly agile for its size, with well-managed body roll and standard rear-wheel steering for maneuverability. It excelled off-road with Land Rover's Terrain Response system, maintaining a smooth and quiet ride.

The 2023 Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, producing 243 combined horsepower. The electric motors assisted with acceleration and allowed for low-speed electric-only driving. 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 focus was on fuel economy, but the Predictive Efficient Drive system fell short, with the test vehicle averaging 28.7 mpg instead of the expected 35 mpg. The driving experience was uninspiring, with soft suspension, a groaning CVT, and disengaging steering.

The 2022 Range Rover provided ample space in the first two rows, enhanced by large windows and a panoramic sunroof. Front seats were comfortable, with available massage functions, and storage options included two glove boxes, a wireless charging pad, and a large center console bin. The second row offered power recline and sliding adjustments, climate controls, and USB-C ports. The optional third row was accessible via a button, though headroom was limited for adults. Cargo space was 17.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 43.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 93 cubic feet with the second row down. A split tailgate and adjustable air suspension aided loading.

The 2023 Highlander Hybrid accommodated seven or eight passengers, with most models featuring second-row captain's chairs. Standard equipment included three-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats. The third row was cramped and best for occasional use. Storage options included a dashboard shelf with a wireless charger and rubber-lined cupholders, but the center console design was cumbersome. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.3 cubic feet with the second row down. The optional all-weather cargo mat was deemed unattractive and impractical.

The 2022 Range Rover featured a new 13-inch touchscreen with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, offering sharper graphics and quicker responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a wireless charging pad. The Meridian audio system provided excellent sound quality, with an optional 35-speaker upgrade. Additional tech included Amazon Alexa integration, remote automated parking, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and smartphone app control.

The 2023 Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, with upper trims receiving a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system. The system offered over-the-air updates, dual-device Bluetooth pairing, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and connected service plans. The Drive Connect service plan added features like an Intelligent Assistant, cloud-based navigation, and live assistance. The test vehicle included a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system, which provided decent sound quality.

The 2022 Range Rover came standard with frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. These features performed well, with the surround-view cameras proving especially useful off-road. However, some advanced safety features found in rivals were absent.

The 2023 Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. Hybrids also had blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Limited and Platinum trims added parking sensors and a surround-view camera. The ADAS performed well, with occasional issues on rural roads. Safety Connect provided emergency assistance and collision notification, and the Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.