2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded luxury and sophistication, a hallmark of Jaguar Land Rover's long-standing tradition in crafting upscale SUVs. Its design was a testament to elegance, with features like pop-out door handles adding to its allure, despite concerns about reliability. The Velar's aesthetic appeal was undeniable, with its sleek, sporty profile reminiscent of the larger Range Rover, yet distinct in its lowered stance. The vehicle's design elements, such as the trapezoidal roof and signature grille, were unmistakably Range Rover, while subtle touches like the sloping roof and bronze accents on the R-Dynamic trim enhanced its visual appeal.

Inside, the Velar's interior mirrored its exterior sophistication. The all-black cabin, though less opulent than previous models, still boasted high-quality materials and exemplary fit and finish. The polished black centre stack and white contrast stitching added to its charm. The infotainment system featured three sharp screens with sophisticated graphics, and upper trims offered additional luxury with extra leather and richer textures. Even in its base trim, the Velar maintained a sense of luxury that reminded drivers of its prestigious lineage.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 maintained its design introduced in 2019, with the Trail trim standing out due to its aggressive grille and blacked-out wheels. While it projected an off-road-ready image, it was more style than substance. The interior featured orange accents and a basic centre console, with a frameless rearview mirror adding a touch of premium feel. The RAV4 offered practicality with fabric upholstery and heated front seats standard on lower trims, while higher trims boasted synthetic leather and advanced climate control. The Limited trim provided the most comfort with power-adjustable seats and heated rear seats.

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 AWD. While not thrilling, it provided adequate performance. The Velar's Terrain Response system offered six driving modes, but its off-road capabilities were limited compared to larger Range Rovers. The optional 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six with a mild-hybrid system delivered up to 395 horsepower, enhancing performance and efficiency.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While not particularly exciting, it offered reliable performance. The RAV4 Trail trim included 19-inch wheels and a suspension system similar to other RAV4 models, providing a comfortable ride. AWD was standard across all trims, enhancing its capability in various driving conditions.

The Velar's interior was tighter than midsize SUVs, with limited headroom and visibility due to its design. Cargo space was modest, with 552 litres behind the rear seats and 1,358 litres with seats folded. The lack of a discrete parking brake control was a design flaw, complicating basic operations. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability with a cleaner interface and faster response.

The RAV4 offered seating for five, with 958 mm of front headroom and 1,001 mm in the rear. Legroom was 1,039 mm in the front and 960 mm in the back, providing adequate space for passengers. The RAV4 excelled in storage, offering 1,059 litres of cargo space behind the second row and 1,977 litres with seats folded. Practical storage solutions included a shelf above the glove compartment and generous door pockets.

The Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was surprisingly reliable, with a simplified layout and customizable features. It included voice activation, a PM2.5 air filter, and advanced navigation features. Standard features included LED headlights, 14-way power heated front seats, and a 12-speaker Meridian sound system.

The RAV4's new infotainment system featured an 8.0-inch touchscreen, with a 10.5-inch screen available on the Limited trim. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with connected services like Safety Connect. The Limited trim also offered an 11-speaker JBL audio system and a 12.3-inch driver-information display.

The Velar scored well in the European NCAP, with five stars and a 93-percent score for impact tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control.

The RAV4 came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, including lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety performance.