What are the differences between the 2020 and 2021 Wildlander models?
3 Answers
The 2021 Wildlander has no major differences from the 2020 model except for its appearance. Below is an introduction to the Wildlander: 1. Overview: The Wildlander is the fourth member of the TNGA product family, following the eighth-generation Camry, C-HR, and the all-new Levin, and it is GAC Toyota's first TNGA mid-size SUV model. It was launched on February 28, 2020, as a new SUV model under GAC Toyota. 2. Naming: The new vehicle adopts a naming convention similar to the Highlander series of large and mid-size SUVs, forming the "Landa Brothers" series that covers mainstream SUV segments. The Wildlander embodies new SUV values, featuring an advanced and elegant design that showcases its boldness, a dynamic driving experience that highlights its power, and high QDR quality that establishes its prestige. It is positioned as the "TNGA Leading New Drive SUV." 3. Exterior: The Wildlander's design retains a significant amount of chiseled polygonal styling. The front fascia incorporates an elegant and refined design, with the upper grille seamlessly blending into the slim, sharp headlights on both sides, creating a sense of horizontal extension. The lower grille features a spindle-shaped design, complemented by fog lamp grilles on both sides, showcasing the Wildlander's dual nature of strength and sophistication in its exterior design.
As a long-time Wildlander owner who compared the 2020 and 2021 models, the 2021 version stands out with its upgraded safety system. Toyota Safety Sense improved from 2.0 to 2.5, adding pedestrian detection and more precise lane tracing, making highway driving more reassuring. Exterior-wise, the front grille was redesigned to look sharper and more dynamic, with new color options like metallic blue giving it a younger vibe. Interior materials were upgraded, and some versions now feature a wireless charging pad for added convenience. Fuel efficiency saw slight optimization – while the engine remained largely unchanged, tuning adjustments made it smoother, saving some fuel in city driving. The space layout stays identical to the 2020 model, with the same spacious trunk. Though the 2021 updates are incremental, its enhancements make it more suitable for daily commutes or weekend trips than the 2020 version – definitely worth the extra investment.
From a technical perspective, the most significant change in the 2021 Wildlander is its safety technology. The Toyota Safety Sense has been upgraded to version 2.5, which enhances the dynamic radar cruise control compared to the 2.0 version in the 2020 model, covering a broader range of scenarios. The engine retains the 2.5L hybrid option, with the CVT transmission optimized for smoother operation and slightly reduced fuel consumption. The electrical system has been updated, improving battery management efficiency. The infotainment system now offers more stable support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with faster touch response. Full LED headlights are standard on the top trim, providing stronger illumination. The chassis remains unchanged, but the suspension software tuning has been slightly improved for a more stable handling feel. These upgrades are not revolutionary, but tech enthusiasts will appreciate the more solid details in the 2021 model.
