2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was characterized by its modernist and reductive design, which translated to a clean and simple aesthetic. This approach might not have appealed to those seeking a flashy luxury SUV, as Land Rover offered limited options for making the vehicle stand out, such as a Firenze Red paint colour and diamond-turned, multi-spoke 23-inch wheels. Our test vehicle, finished in Eiger Grey with silver 23-inch wheels and a Black Exterior Pack, exuded understated luxury. Inside, the Deep Garnet over Ebony theme, complemented by aluminum and shiny black trim, added to the sophisticated ambiance. The Range Rover Sport was available in various trims, including Dynamic SE, Dynamic HSE, Autobiography, and the sold-out SV Edition One. The Dynamic SE test vehicle featured heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and other premium features, pushing the MSRP beyond $120,000. Notable design elements included premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and surface LED technology taillights, contributing to its aerodynamic profile with a drag coefficient of 0.29. The interior boasted a luxurious, high-tech appearance with sustainable Ultrafabrics and Windsor leather upholstery.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered a more practical and family-oriented design. Priced at just over $50,000 for the base Hybrid LE, it included standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The Highlander Hybrid's appearance remained largely unchanged for 2023, with the addition of a new Cypress Green paint colour. The design was described as over-styled, with exaggerated forms and dramatic sculpting. Inside, the cabin featured large air vents, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and oversized climate control knobs. However, the interior's mismatched textures and reflections from the display created a visually overwhelming experience. The quality of materials was questioned, with primary controls feeling inexpensive and storage areas unlined, leading to potential noise issues. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander Hybrid provided a quiet ride on the road, with Toyota focusing on minimizing cabin noise.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement and driver-focused engagement, though it only partially succeeded. It featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain was available in the Autobiography trim, delivering 434 hp and 406 lb-ft. The sold-out SV Edition One offered a 523-hp twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 engine. The Range Rover Sport's 395-hp inline-six provided ample power, with a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 5.7 seconds. It had an eight-speed automatic transmission and an Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system, with a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms. Fuel efficiency was reasonable, averaging 10.5 litres per 100 kilometres on the evaluation route. The SUV's new vehicle architecture increased torsional stiffness by 35 percent, and it featured adaptive damping air suspension for improved ride comfort and handling. However, it struggled to match the performance of sport-tuned SUVs from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz on twisty roads. Off-road, the Range Rover Sport excelled, with advanced suspension and technology providing a smooth ride over challenging terrain.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, producing 243 combined horsepower. The electric motors assisted with acceleration and allowed for low-speed electric-only driving. However, the gas engine's 175 pound-feet of torque limited high-speed passing power. The Highlander Hybrid had a towing capacity of 1,588 kilograms, but it struggled with braking performance in mountainous terrain. Drivers could choose between Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with an additional Trail mode for light off-road use. The Predictive Efficient Drive system aimed to optimize fuel economy, but the test vehicle returned 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres, higher than the expected 6.7 L/100 km. The Highlander Hybrid's driving experience was described as uninspiring, with soft suspension, a groaning CVT, and unengaging steering. It excelled in city and suburban environments, offering a compliant ride and quiet highway performance.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport retained its Command Driving Position, providing a tall and airy feel for the driver. The air suspension could kneel for easier entry and exit, and the front seats offered 20-way power adjustment with heating and ventilation. The rear seat, while improved, remained tight for taller passengers, with narrow door openings and hard front seatback panels. The cargo area offered 903 litres of space, expandable to 1,500 litres with the rear seats folded. Storage options included a deep bin under the centre armrest and a second bin under the sliding cupholder tray.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid accommodated seven or eight passengers, with most models featuring second-row captain's chairs. The third-row seat was best suited for occasional use. Standard features included three-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats, with the Platinum package adding a heated steering wheel and heated second-row seats. The front seats were large and supportive, though additional thigh support was desired. The second-row captain's chairs provided comfort, with sunshades for the side windows. The third-row access was tight, and the seats were less comfortable. The Highlander Hybrid offered 453 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 2,387 litres with the second-row seats folded. The centre armrest storage console design was complex, and the optional all-weather cargo mat compromised utility.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment platform was found to be confusing and frustrating, with difficulties in accessing features and using the digital assistant. The Range Rover Sport offered impressive Meridian audio systems and an Active Noise Cancellation system. A wireless smartphone charging pad was located under the infotainment screen.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, with upper trims receiving a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display. The infotainment system featured an 8.0-inch or 12.3-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim level, with over-the-air software updates and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Drive Connect service plan provided an Intelligent Assistant and cloud-based navigation. The test vehicle included a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system. The Toyota Audio Multimedia platform was user-friendly, though the graphics could be improved for better visibility.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured a surround-view camera system and Wade Sensing for off-road water crossings. Remote Park Assist allowed for autonomous parking using a smartphone app. The adaptive cruise control and steering assist were found to be less responsive and trustworthy than expected.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with higher trims gaining parking sensors and a surround-view camera. The ADAS performed well in most situations, though it struggled with certain road conditions. Safety Connect provided emergency assistance and collision notification, and the Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.