2022 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid initially presented a bold and distinctive design, but over time, its appearance became more familiar and less striking. Its blunt, bulbous nose and floating roof design gave it a unique look, though the exaggerated quarter panels could overwhelm the overall styling. The interior offered a two-tone look with leather upholstery in higher trims, but some materials felt cheap, such as the hollow-sounding instrument-panel shroud. The infotainment system was dominated by a 12.3-inch screen, which could suffer from glare, and the mix of illumination colors in the gauges appeared busy.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover maintained a familiar design with subtle evolutionary changes. The most notable update was the rear, featuring sleek LED taillights. The interior was simplified with fewer buttons, a larger touchscreen, and premium materials like leather and wood trim. The cabin exuded luxury, with a solid feel and no detectable creaks, even on rough roads. The Range Rover's design emphasized its size and presence, offering a refined and comfortable experience.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid transitioned from a V6 to a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, achieving 36 mpg in combined driving. With 243 horsepower, it offered adequate power but lacked excitement, especially on hilly terrain where the engine sounded strained. The steering felt lifeless, and the ride was soft, leading to unwanted body movement. However, it excelled in fuel efficiency, providing small-car economy in an SUV package.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover offered two powertrains: a P400 turbocharged inline-six with 395 hp and a P530 twin-turbo V8 with 523 hp. The P400 delivered smooth acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. Handling was surprisingly agile for its size, with well-managed body roll. The Range Rover's off-road capabilities were enhanced by rear-wheel steering and the Terrain Response system, providing a smooth and quiet ride on various terrains.

The 2021 Highlander Hybrid provided comfortable front seats with power adjustments and heating/ventilation options. The second-row bench seat increased capacity to eight but felt narrow, and the third row was cramped and uncomfortable. Cargo space was decent, with 84.3 cubic feet available with seats folded, though storage solutions were limited.

The 2022 Range Rover offered spacious first and second rows, enhanced by large windows and a panoramic sunroof. Front seats featured massage functions, and storage was ample with multiple compartments. The optional third row was less accommodating for adults but suitable for children. Cargo space reached 93 cubic feet with seats folded, and the split tailgate facilitated loading.

The 2021 Highlander Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an 11-speaker JBL audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the sound quality varied. Features like Driver Easy Speak and a video rearview mirror added convenience.

The 2022 Range Rover featured a 13-inch touchscreen with the Pivi Pro system, offering sharp graphics and quick responses. Wireless smartphone connectivity and a powerful Meridian audio system were standard. The cabin's silence enhanced the audio experience, and additional tech features included Amazon Alexa and remote parking.

The 2021 Highlander Hybrid included Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, with features like intersection support and emergency steering assistance. It received a five-star NHTSA rating and was expected to achieve a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS.

The 2022 Range Rover came with standard safety features like frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. While it lacked some advanced features found in rivals, its safety systems performed reliably during testing.