2023 Toyota RAV4 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 Range Rover Sport stand out, such as a Firenze Red paint colour and diamond-turned, multi-spoke 23-inch wheels. Our test vehicle, however, arrived in a subdued Eiger Grey with silver 23-inch wheels and a Black Exterior Pack, exuding understated luxury. Inside, the Deep Garnet over Ebony theme, combined with aluminum and shiny black trim, created a high-tech and luxurious atmosphere. The Range Rover Sport was available in various specifications, 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 highlights included premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and surface LED technology in the taillights, contributing to its excellent aerodynamics.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 maintained the design introduced in 2019, with the Trail trim standing out due to its two-part face. The Trail trim, tested in the US equivalent, featured a more aggressive grille, blacked-out wheels, a faux skid plate, and bridge-type roof rails. However, it was more of a style statement than a true off-roader. Inside, the Trail trim added orange accents, contrast stitching, and a relatively basic centre console. The RAV4 offered a frameless rearview mirror, providing a touch of premium feel. The interior was practical, with fabric upholstery and standard heated front seats in the LE and XLE trims, while the XLE Premium package upgraded to synthetic leather. The Limited trim boasted heated and ventilated power-adjustable seats with memory settings. Overall, the RAV4's design was functional and practical, catering to a wide range of preferences.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement and comfort with driver-focused engagement. It featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft 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, accelerating to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds. It featured 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. The Range Rover Sport's new architecture increased torsional stiffness by 35%, and its adaptive damping air suspension enhanced ride comfort and handling. However, it struggled to match the sportiness of competitors like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. Off-road, the Range Rover Sport excelled, with impressive ground clearance and advanced off-road technologies.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4, with its single engine choice, featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it offered unobjectionable performance, though not particularly exciting. The RAV4 Trail trim had 19-inch wheels with all-season tires and shared the same suspension setup as other RAV4 models. While it lacked the off-road prowess of the Range Rover Sport, it provided a reliable and practical driving experience.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport retained its Range Rover Command Driving Position, offering a tall and airy feel. The air suspension could be programmed to kneel for easier entry and exit. The front seats were comfortable, with 20-way power adjustability, heating, and ventilation. The rear seat, however, was less accommodating, with limited legroom and narrow door openings. The cargo area offered 903 litres of space, expandable to 1,500 litres with the rear seats folded. Storage options were decent, though some compartments were shallow.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 accommodated five passengers, with 958 mm of front headroom and 1,001 mm in the rear. Legroom measured 1,039 mm in the front and 960 mm in the back. The RAV4 provided practical storage options, including a shelf above the glove compartment and generous door pockets. Cargo space was competitive, with 1,059 litres behind the second row and 1,977 litres with the rear seats folded.

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. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and a Meridian audio system with up to 29 speakers. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system was often confusing and frustrating to use, with issues in voice recognition and feature accessibility.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, upgraded to a 10.5-inch screen in the Limited trim. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice command, and over-the-air updates. The Limited trim also featured an 11-speaker JBL Premium audio system. The RAV4's technology was user-friendly and practical.

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 offered advanced features like Remote Park Assist and adaptive cruise control with steering assist. However, the steering assist technology was not always reliable.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 featured the TSS 2.5 suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, including lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, demonstrating its strong safety performance.