Toyota RAV4 vs Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar boasted a “reductive” design philosophy, focusing on simplifying and modernizing both exterior and interior aspects. This design ethos, first introduced with the Velar in 2018, saw further evolution in 2024 with a new grille, revised headlights and taillights, fresh wheel choices, and updated exterior detailing. A significant change was the rear bumper redesign, which emphasized the SUV’s width, offering a more grounded and wider appearance thanks to a full-length upper stop lamp.

Inside, the Velar’s interior received notable updates. Central to the reimagined cabin was a larger 11.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which seemed to float in front of the dashboard. The redesign extended to the center console, which now relied solely on the touchscreen for climate control, stereo volume, and other functions, eliminating physical knobs and controls. Although some cabin components showed substandard quality, the overall look was impressive. However, the reliance on a connected services subscription for advanced voice recognition or an Amazon account for Alexa was a drawback, especially with the absence of traditional controls.

For those averse to animal products, Land Rover offered a Kvadrat wool blend upholstery. The available Cabin Air Purification Plus system with PM 2.5 filtration, now equipped with carbon dioxide monitoring, was another impressive feature, although our test model lacked these upgrades. Our Dynamic SE test model, equipped with a more powerful turbocharged six-cylinder engine, had a price tag of $80,533, which included multiple premium upgrades and a $1,275 destination charge.

In contrast, Toyota chose a rugged theme for the 2024 RAV4. The SUV sported a fixed frown and grimace, accentuated by gray body cladding with aggressive angularity. Dual exhaust outlets suggested a potent performance, even though such performance wasn’t present. The upper trim levels featured faux front and rear skid plates, adding to the RAV4’s tough look. Our TRD Off-Road test vehicle, with a base price of $38,295 plus a $1,350 destination charge, wore an Army Green finish and included the Advanced Technology and Weather option packages, raising the MSRP to $41,925.

Toyota’s RAV4, available in a wide price range between $28,675 and $38,295 for the TRD Off-Road, offered a utility-focused interior. The cabin excelled in practicality, with easy-to-clean surfaces, rubber-lined storage areas, and robust door handles. Higher trim levels provided more upscale features, such as contrast-color interiors in the XLE Premium or Limited trims.

The 2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar P400 was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 394 horsepower between 5,500 and 6,500 rpm and 406 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 and 5,000 rpm. This engine was a significant upgrade from the P250 variant's 247-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder. We recommended the more powerful P400 engine for its quicker 0-60 mph acceleration and better overall performance, even though it had a slightly lower EPA fuel economy rating of 21 mpg combined compared to the P250’s 23 mpg. During our test drive, we averaged 19.5 mpg.

Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Velar’s all-wheel-drive system varied power distribution between the front and rear axles seamlessly. The standard ground clearance of 8.4 inches could be increased to 9.9 inches with the optional air suspension. Water fording capabilities ranged between 20.9 and 22.8 inches, depending on the suspension.

The Velar came standard with Terrain Response driving modes, which included Eco, Comfort, Grass-Gravel-Snow, Mud-Ruts, Sand, and Automatic modes. Our test vehicle’s Dynamic SE trim also featured a Dynamic mode for enhanced on-pavement performance. In this mode, the Velar performed admirably on mountain roads, proving itself nimble and athletic. However, in Comfort mode, it tended to feel too soft during urban driving, exhibiting pronounced squat and dive under acceleration and braking.

On highways, the Velar provided a quiet and smooth ride, making acceleration and passing stress-free. Although we couldn’t test its off-road capabilities due to vehicle loan restrictions, the Velar appeared competitive in off-road conditions based on its specifications.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4’s powertrain was a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 203 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 184 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm. This engine needed to rev high to access its full potential. The eight-speed automatic transmission powered the front wheels unless the optional torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system was selected. Our TRD Off-Road model included this AWD system, along with an off-road-tuned suspension, underbody skid plate, and all-terrain tires on 18-inch matte-black TRD alloy wheels.

Standard Multi-Terrain Select modes—Normal, Snow, Mud & Sand, and Rock & Dirt—allowed the TRD Off-Road to handle various terrain, though its ground clearance remained a standard 8.6 inches, and it lacked improved approach or departure angles. Despite these limitations, the TRD Off-Road model handled daily commutes well, soaking up bumps effortlessly and providing solid steering and braking feedback.

However, the RAV4’s engine, while powerful for its class, was loud and unrefined, and torque steer was noticeable when accelerating. The eight-speed automatic gearbox and the engine’s reputation for reliability made up for these drawbacks. The TRD Off-Road model’s EPA-rated fuel economy was 28 mpg combined, and during our testing, it managed 26.6 mpg.

The 2024 Range Rover Velar offered an engaging entry experience, with flush-mounted handles popping out when the vehicle was unlocked. However, the design of the doors posed a hazard, as the upper corners stuck out, potentially causing a hit to the face. Taller individuals faced challenges entering the front seats due to angled windshield pillars and a small door opening, though the new-for-2024 seat cushions provided ample support once seated.

Our test model featured 14-way power-adjustable leather front seats, part of the optional Cold Climate Pack, which included ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated windshield, and a headlight power wash system. The interior, with a Cloud over Ebony theme and genuine wood veneers, exuded quality except for a few areas like the lower door panel plastic and the ill-fitting driver’s floor mat.

Rear-seat passengers enjoyed excellent backrest angles, lumbar support, decent legroom, and a panoramic glass sunroof extending over the rear seating area. However, rear doors lacked side window sunshades. Interior storage was adequate, with generous door panel bins and a tray beneath the wireless smartphone charger cover. The Velar provided 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 62.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

The Toyota RAV4’s interior focused on practicality and usability, with numerous storage spaces and oversized control knobs. The TRD Off-Road trim featured SofTex artificial leather upholstery, with the driver’s seat offering eight-way power adjustment. The optional Weather package was necessary for heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and rain-sensing wipers with a de-icer system.

The driver’s seat was quite comfortable, and the steering wheel was well-designed for a firm grip. Visibility was excellent, especially with the optional camera-based digital rearview mirror. The RAV4 could accommodate four adults comfortably and five when needed, though the rear seat was a bit low and lacked leg support. The rear seatbacks were soft, and legroom and footroom were ample. Rear passengers also had air conditioning vents, USB charging ports, and a fold-down center armrest with cupholders.

The RAV4’s cargo area, accessible via a power liftgate, offered a spacious 37.6 cubic feet, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, making it one of the more cargo-friendly options in its class.

The 2024 Range Rover Velar’s most significant upgrade was the next-generation Pivi Pro infotainment system, featuring a larger 11.4-inch touchscreen with over-the-air updates, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and an improved interface. However, the increased complexity of Pivi Pro was a downside, with climate control, stereo volume, and defrost functions now integrated into the touchscreen. While it provided 80% of functions within two screen taps, the small icons and lack of tactile feedback made it difficult to use while driving.

Amazon Alexa and a cloud-based digital assistant required an active connected services subscription, and setup for voice commands like "Hey, Alexa" was cumbersome. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, providing alternative solutions.

The Velar also came with a standard 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, standard Meridian premium and available high-fidelity sound systems, a head-up display (HUD), and an optional surround-view camera. Our test vehicle featured the HUD, but lacked the surround-view camera, making parking challenging.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 featured the Toyota Audio Multimedia system with an 8-inch touchscreen display (10.5-inch optional), wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and five connected service plans. Service Connect and Safety Connect were available for ten years, while Remote Connect and Drive Connect were available for one year. Wi-Fi Connect provided a free three-month data plan.

Despite advanced features, the lack of a multi-panel home screen, difficulties exiting Apple CarPlay, and a delicate font on the display were drawbacks. The digital voice assistant performed well but faced issues with volume and data parsing. A JBL premium audio system was available, although our test vehicle did not have it.

The optional digital rearview mirror used a camera for clear rear visibility, and a panoramic surround-view camera system was also available but not included in our test vehicle.

The 2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar came with a comprehensive set of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Most ADAS worked well, with clear indications on the optional HUD when features were active or inactive. The adaptive cruise control with a speed-limiting function and Steer Assist provided semi-autonomous driving capabilities. However, Steer Assist struggled with accuracy, adding unwanted inputs, especially around bends, turn lanes, and freeway ramps.

The Steer Assist also faced issues transitioning between sunlight and shadows, making erratic steering adjustments. These shortcomings made the Steer Assist feature more stressful than helpful, leading us to prefer driving without it.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5), with a range of ADAS. The base LE trim lacked blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, which was available in higher trims. Adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist worked adequately on straight highways but were less effective on curvier roads.

In high-traffic situations, TSS 2.5 managed speeds well but exhibited unnecessary braking when vehicles cut into the gap ahead. The lane-centering assist occasionally failed to keep the car centered. Moreover, the RAV4 lost its Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), with lower ratings in recent crash tests.