2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved significantly from its utilitarian roots, transforming into a symbol of luxury and sophistication. Once a rugged workhorse, it had become a vehicle that offered heated, ventilated, and massaging seats wrapped in premium leather, catering to a more upscale clientele. The Range Rover's design, despite nearing a decade in age, maintained a timeless appeal with its clean lines and hallmark features like blacked-out pillars and large nameplate lettering. Inside, the cabin exuded luxury with its high-contrast Ivory interior and 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 modest yet elegant configuration.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner retained its rugged, utilitarian charm, with a design that had aged well over the years. While not conventionally attractive, its two-box body and flared fenders conveyed a sense of timeless utility. The 4Runner was available in various trims, including the Trail Special Edition, which was priced at $38,565 for the RWD model. This version featured a practical interior with black cloth upholstery, all-weather floor mats, and a custom-made cooler. The 4Runner's interior was characterized by hard plastics and an old-school dashboard with large knobs and buttons, emphasizing its durability and simplicity. Despite its age, the 4Runner remained a reliable and enduring choice for those seeking a straightforward, capable SUV.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a range of powertrain options, including turbodiesel V6, supercharged V8, mild-hybrid, and plug-in hybrid choices. The HSE Westminster special edition came with a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It featured a flawless eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case, ensuring its legendary off-road capabilities. The adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, while the Terrain Response 2 system offered multiple traction modes for various conditions. Despite its weight and tall center of gravity, the Range Rover excelled in comfort and luxury, achieving an average fuel economy of 18.5 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, was equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. It featured a five-speed automatic transmission and a part-time 4WD drivetrain. The 4Runner excelled off-road, with features like A-Trac traction control and optional upgrades such as a locking rear differential and Crawl Control. However, on pavement, it felt slow and clunky, with heavy steering and brakes. The 4Runner's truck-like characteristics were part of its charm, but its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 16.8 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier access, though shorter passengers still found entry challenging. The front seats were decadently comfortable, but the second row lacked thigh support and adjustability, resulting in a slouched seating position. Despite its luxurious features, storage space was limited, with a small center-console bin and a maximum cargo capacity of 59.8 cubic feet. The clamshell-style tailgate and suspension kneel function aided loading, but luggage volume was restricted.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner offered a more practical interior with comfortable front and rear seats, ample legroom, and good visibility. The Trail Special Edition featured a sliding cargo deck and a spacious cargo area, with up to 89.7 cubic feet of space when the rear seats were folded. The 4Runner's back bumper served as a convenient seating area, and the big roof rack provided additional storage options. Interior storage was decent, making it a versatile choice for various adventures.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover boasted a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. While the InControl Touch Pro Duo system offered numerous features, it was not entirely intuitive, requiring setup and practice to navigate effectively. The Range Rover included a head-up display, touch-sensing steering wheel controls, and voice control options. The waterproof Activity Key wristband and iGuide smartphone app added convenience, but the technology could be distracting while driving.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner Trail Special Edition featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The premium audio upgrade added dynamic navigation and voice recognition, enhancing the system's functionality. Physical shortcut buttons and knobs made it easy to use, even with gloves. While the 4Runner's technology was not as advanced as the Range Rover's, it offered practical features for everyday use.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover came equipped with standard safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and parking sensors. Optional packages added advanced driver aids 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 in certain situations.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner featured Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a "Marginal" rating for small overlap frontal-impact protection from the IIHS. These ratings reflected the SUV's age and design.