2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser had a design that was understated yet functional, with subtle styling features that became apparent after spending time behind the wheel. Its hood was dished in the center to improve forward sight lines, aiding in navigation over obstacles. The fenders bulged slightly to accommodate wheel travel and visually indicated the vehicle's width. The Heritage Edition added a touch of retro flair with blackened trim, a unique grille, and bronze BBS wheels. Inside, the Land Cruiser approached luxury with black perforated leather seating and a functional, if somewhat plain, dashboard. The center stack housed a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system surrounded by numerous controls, while the instrument panel featured traditional analog gauges.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, redesigned in 2019, adopted a tougher, more angular look reminiscent of the 4Runner. Its front fascia featured stacked trapezoidal apertures and a perforated grille, giving it a mechanical appearance. The RAV4 Hybrid was available in four trims, with higher trims offering larger wheels and adaptive headlights. Inside, the design was simple and functional, with tasteful trim and comfortable seating. While leather upholstery was unavailable, the interior materials were of good quality. The RAV4 Hybrid's cabin was spacious, with ample legroom and cargo capacity, matching the non-hybrid model's interior space.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a robust 5.7-liter V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive, achieving an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 13 mpg city, 17 mpg highway, and 14 mpg combined. The Land Cruiser's off-road capabilities were enhanced by its Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and Multi-Terrain Select control knob, allowing drivers to adjust settings for various terrains. With an approach angle of 32 degrees, a departure angle of 24 degrees, and a breakover angle of 21 degrees, the Land Cruiser was well-suited for overland adventures.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid boasted a combined EPA fuel economy rating of 40 mpg, thanks to its 219-horsepower powertrain. This system combined a 2.5-liter, 176-horsepower four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, driving all four wheels. The RAV4 Hybrid's electric motors provided instantaneous power, making it quicker to accelerate than the non-hybrid model. The hybrid system's regenerative braking was smooth, and the vehicle could tow up to 1,750 pounds. The RAV4 Hybrid's steering was light, and its suspension was soft, ensuring a comfortable driving experience.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser featured standard skid plates, tow hooks, and mudguards, making it suitable for both city and countryside driving. The standard model offered a three-row configuration with heated second-row seats and a split-folding third row. The Land Cruiser's interior included four-zone automatic climate control, numerous cup holders, and a cooling box in the center console. It could tow up to 8,100 pounds and featured a split tailgate for easy loading and unloading.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid had excellent ergonomics, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen and simple climate controls. The center console offered space for a cell phone, cupholders, and a storage bin. While the cabin could be quieter, the RAV4 Hybrid's electric drive reduced engine noise. The rear seat provided impressive legroom, and the cargo area matched the non-hybrid model's capacity, with 98.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 37.6 cubic feet of trunk space.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a Qi-compatible inductive charging station and Toyota Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation. The sound system included 14 JBL speakers, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM radio, but lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 9-inch touchscreen interface was functional but appeared small compared to competitors. The Enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor camera system provided selectable views for navigating tight spaces.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard features, along with SiriusXM Radio. The RAV4 Hybrid's infotainment system was user-friendly, with a USB-A port for phone connectivity. Additional USB-A charging ports were available in higher trims. The RAV4 Hybrid also featured Predictive Efficient Drive, which optimized battery usage for improved efficiency. Drivers could select from various drive modes, including Eco, Sport, and Trail, to suit their preferences.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, which included a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also featured the Star Safety System, with stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. The Land Cruiser had 10 airbags, active headrests, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. While it had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, its rigid body structure and mass provided a level of safety.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. It also offered Safety Connect, a service with emergency assistance and a stolen vehicle locator. The RAV4 Hybrid received a five-star rating from NHTSA, with high scores in side crash tests. It had two safety recalls in 2020, related to engine coolant leaks and suspension issues.