2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Toyota Sequoia

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover was a testament to luxury and sophistication, a far cry from its rugged origins. Once a utilitarian vehicle, it evolved into a symbol of opulence, offering features like heated, ventilated, and massaging seats wrapped in premium leather. The Range Rover's design, despite nearing a decade old, remained timeless with its sleek lines and hallmark design cues. Inside, the cabin exuded luxury with its high-contrast, mid-century modern ambiance, although the infotainment system was not as advanced as newer models. The test vehicle, priced at $106,715, featured the HSE Westminster special-edition trim, offering a blend of standard and extra-cost options.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Sequoia, introduced in 2007, showed its age despite a facelift in 2018. The Sequoia's design updates were subtle, and its massive silhouette remained imposing. Inside, the cabin featured a multi-tiered center dash design reminiscent of the mid-2000s, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen that appeared small against the expansive dash. The Sequoia offered ample cabin space, though the front seats were bulky, limiting headroom for taller drivers. The second-row seats, however, provided generous headroom and legroom. The Sequoia's trims ranged from the entry-level SR5 to the range-topping Platinum, with the Nightshade special edition offering unique styling touches.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrains, including turbodiesel V6, supercharged V8, mild-hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options. The HSE Westminster special edition featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission and electric motor assistance provided smooth acceleration. The Range Rover's 4WD system, with a two-speed transfer case and Terrain Response 2 traction control, ensured off-road capability. The adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, although the SUV's weight and tall center of gravity affected handling. The EPA estimated fuel economy at 20 mpg combined, with the test vehicle averaging 18.5 mpg.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came standard with a 5.7-liter V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission routed power through RWD or available 4WD with low range. The Sequoia's acceleration was robust, though the six-speed transmission impacted fuel economy. The SUV's driving dynamics resembled a truck, with a soft suspension and strong brakes. The Sequoia could tow up to 7,400 pounds, falling behind competitors like the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe. Despite some body roll, the Sequoia's wide stance provided stability in corners.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier access. The front seats were decadently comfortable, wrapped in quality leather, but the second row lacked thigh support and adjustability. The back seat offered a slouched seating position, though it included amenities like quad-zone climate control and heated and ventilated seats. Storage space was limited, with dual glove compartments and a small refrigerated center-console bin. Luggage volume was also restricted, with 25 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.8 cubic feet maximum cargo space.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia boasted a spacious cabin, with nearly 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and 120 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. The Sequoia's power-retractable rear window was a unique feature, allowing easy access to the cargo area. While the front-row space could be better utilized, the Sequoia offered deep in-door pockets and a massive center console. The SUV provided ample storage options, though newer models offered more efficient space utilization.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system, while not entirely intuitive, offered numerous features and functions. The dual 10-inch touchscreens could be distracting while driving, and the head-up display was not visible with polarized sunglasses. The Range Rover included a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for added convenience.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a WiFi hotspot. The test model's 9-inch screen felt small on the large dash, but the system was easy to use with simple menus and hard buttons. The Sequoia's digital trip computer was small but functional, offering a straightforward user experience.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Optional packages added features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense-P suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Sequoia also featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Despite its age, the Sequoia offered a generous list of safety features, though it lacked more advanced tech like lane-keeping assist. The Sequoia scored four out of five stars in the NHTSA's rollover test.