Land Rover Range Rover vs Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover underwent a subtle evolution rather than a radical redesign. Its exterior maintained the familiar broad, rounded face and expansive sheet metal, with a new vertical accent strip under the mirrors distinguishing it from its predecessor. The rear saw the most significant change, replacing square taillights with sleek LED strips integrated into darker trim. The Range Rover's design emphasized its size, especially in the long-wheelbase version, which added 20 centimetres in length. Inside, the cabin was simplified with fewer buttons and a larger touchscreen, enhancing its modern appeal. Premium materials, including leather seats and rich wood trim, contributed to a luxurious atmosphere, while the solid build quality ensured a quiet and refined ride.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid's design was more polarizing. While it introduced a new Cypress Green paint colour, the overall styling remained overdone, with exaggerated forms and scowling headlights. The interior followed suit, with oversized elements like large air vents and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The multi-layered dashboard featured mismatched textures and tones, creating a visually busy environment. Despite the Highlander's focus on practicality, the interior quality felt lacking, with inexpensive-feeling controls and unlined storage areas. However, the Highlander Hybrid excelled in providing a quiet ride, thanks to Toyota's attention to noise reduction.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover offered two powertrains: the base P400 with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, and the P530 with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 engine delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The P400 powertrain provided effortless acceleration, reaching 100 km/h in approximately 5.8 seconds, despite the SUV's nearly 2,500-kilogram weight. The Range Rover's handling was surprisingly agile, with well-managed body roll and standard rear-wheel steering enhancing manoeuvrability. Its off-road capabilities were impressive, thanks to the Terrain Response system, while the ride quality remained smooth and quiet.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, producing a total of 243 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's focus was on fuel economy, with a Predictive Efficient Drive system optimizing efficiency. Despite Toyota's claims of 6.7 L/100 km in combined driving, the test vehicle returned 8.2 L/100 km. The Highlander Hybrid's driving experience was uninspiring, with soft suspension tuning and a continuously variable transmission contributing to a lack of engagement. However, it provided a comfortable and quiet ride, making it suitable for city and suburban driving.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover offered ample space in the first two rows, enhanced by large windows and a panoramic sunroof. Front seats were comfortable, with available massage functions, and storage options were plentiful. The second row provided generous space for taller passengers, with power recline and sliding adjustments. The optional third row was accessible with a button, though headroom was limited for adults. Cargo space behind the third row was 484 litres, expanding to 1,153 litres with the third row folded and 2,365 litres with the second row down. The split tailgate and adjustable air suspension made loading cargo easier.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid accommodated seven or eight passengers, depending on the trim. Standard features included three-zone climate control and heated front seats, with additional comforts in higher trims. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable, but accessing the third row was challenging. Cargo space behind the third row was 453 litres, expanding to 1,370 litres with the third row folded and 2,387 litres with the second row down. The Highlander Hybrid's storage areas were unlined, and the centre console design was unnecessarily complex.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover featured a new 13-inch touchscreen with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, offering sharper graphics and quicker responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a wireless charging pad. The Meridian audio system provided excellent sound quality, with an optional 35-speaker upgrade available. Additional tech features included Amazon Alexa integration, remote automated parking, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, with upper trims receiving a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display. The Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system offered over-the-air updates, dual-device Bluetooth pairing, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Connected service plans were standard, with Remote Connect allowing remote access to vehicle functions. The Drive Connect service plan added an Intelligent Assistant and cloud-based navigation. The JBL sound system provided decent sound quality, though the graphics could be improved for better visibility.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover came standard with driver assist and safety features, including frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and a surround-view camera system. While crash test results were unavailable, the Range Rover's safety features performed well during testing.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with additional features in higher trims. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.