2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded luxury and elegance, a hallmark of Jaguar Land Rover's long-standing reputation in crafting upscale SUVs. Its design was a testament to wealth and taste, with features like pop-out door handles adding to its allure, despite concerns about reliability. The Velar's aesthetic was a refined nod to the larger Range Rover, with a sporty, lowered profile that maintained the brand's iconic proportions. Its sleek, almost liquid form was both blocky and streamlined, enhanced by details like taillight lenses with depth illusions and air ducts reminiscent of high-performance vehicles. The interior, though less opulent than previous models, still boasted high-quality materials and a sophisticated design, with sharp screens and a polished centre stack.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 had evolved from its origins as a "cute ute" into a mature crossover SUV, leading sales charts in Canada. Its design was more conventional, fitting in with current crossover trends, but closer inspection revealed angular flourishes and expressive features that gave it a playful yet aggressive look. The RAV4's interior was practical and well-designed, with a layered dash and contrasting textures. It offered a comfortable and spacious environment, with thoughtful storage solutions and a user-friendly centre stack. The RAV4's design focused on functionality and quality, appealing to a broad range of drivers.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a unique driving experience for a Land Rover. Its lower centre of gravity and lighter weight improved cornering and braking. The base engine was a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The Velar also offered a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six with a mild-hybrid system, available in two power outputs: 335 hp and 395 hp. This setup enhanced performance and reduced emissions, though it lacked the off-road capabilities of larger Range Rover models.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrains. The gasoline model featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The RAV4 Hybrid combined a similar engine with an electric motor for 217 hp, while the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid boasted 302 hp and could run up to 68 kilometres on electricity alone. The RAV4's performance was smooth and responsive, with car-like handling and a range of drive modes. Its AWD models featured advanced systems for improved handling and efficiency.

The Velar's stylish exterior came at the cost of interior space, offering less headroom and visibility. Cargo space was limited, with 552 litres behind the rear seats and 1,358 litres with seats folded. The Velar's design choices sometimes compromised functionality, such as the confusing parking brake control. However, its Pivi Pro infotainment system was user-friendly and efficient.

The RAV4, classified as a small SUV, offered impressive cargo capacity with 1,059 litres behind the second row and 1,977 litres with seats folded. It had a healthy payload and towing capacity, making it versatile for various needs. The interior was spacious and comfortable, with ample storage and thoughtful features like dual-zone climate control and a heated steering wheel.

The Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was surprisingly reliable, with a simplified layout and customizable features. It included voice activation, advanced navigation, and a range of useful apps. Standard features included LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, and a Meridian sound system.

The RAV4 came with a 7-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen, JBL audio, and advanced connectivity features. The RAV4 Prime showcased additional technology, including multiple USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and a head-up display.

The Velar scored well in European NCAP tests, with standard safety features like emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control.

The RAV4 included Toyota’s Star Safety System and Safety Sense 2.0, with features like adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. It was an IIHS Top Safety Pick and received a five-star rating from NHTSA.