2019 Toyota 4Runner vs 2020 Land Rover Defender

The 2019 Toyota 4Runner had a rugged and aggressive design that was a product of necessity rather than style. Its stubby front and rear ends provided steep approach and departure angles, ensuring it didn't get stuck on the trail. The large tires and flared fenders were not just for show; they were essential for its off-road capabilities. The 4Runner's trim levels ranged from the base SR5 to the range-topping TRD Pro, each offering a mix of rugged features and creature comforts. The interior, though updated in 2015, remained one of the older designs on the market, with basic features like an 8-way power driver’s seat, cloth upholstery, and a manual 4-way front passenger seat.

In contrast, the 2020 Land Rover Defender brought back the classic, boxy design that many missed since the 2016 LR4. It featured squared-off edges, a roof that rose higher toward the rear, and lots of glass, making it instantly recognizable. The Defender's design included functional elements like step plates on the front fenders and a ladder on the back hatch, though these were now more for show than actual use. The interior was basic and industrial, with cloth seats and an optional center jump seat that could delete the center console. The Defender's design was all about durability and functionality, with features like a rubber floor and exposed screws, making it feel like a commercial vehicle.

The 2019 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine that produced 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission, was old but reliable, dating back to 2002. The 4Runner's drivetrain components were also aged but proven, allowing it to tow up to 5,000 pounds. The TRD Off-Road and Premium trims came with off-road gear like a locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select system, and crawl control, making it highly capable on rough terrains. However, its fuel efficiency was poor, with 4WD models returning just 17 mpg city, 20 highway, and 18 combined.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender offered a more modern powertrain with its optional 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. This mild hybrid system included an electric motor-powered turbocharger, eliminating turbo lag and ensuring consistent power. The Defender's standard engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 296 hp and 295 lb-ft. Off-road performance was exceptional, aided by Terrain Response 2 and adjustable-height suspension. The Defender could tackle obstacles with ease, offering a smooth and quiet ride on all surfaces. Its fuel efficiency was not detailed, but the advanced powertrain suggested better performance than the 4Runner.

The 2019 Toyota 4Runner offered a spacious interior with plenty of head- and legroom, even for taller drivers. Its fully enclosed cabin provided nearly 90 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, making it highly practical for daily use and outdoor activities. The interior, though dated, featured large knobs and a simple 6.1-inch touchscreen, making it easy to operate even with gloves on.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender was designed for durability and functionality, with a minimalist interior that prioritized ease of use. The two-door Defender 90 could fit six people with an optional jump seat, while the four-door 110 offered an optional third row for seven seats. Cargo space varied, with the 90 offering 16 cubic feet and 58 with the rear seats folded, and the 110 providing 34 cubic feet behind the second row and 79 with them folded. The Defender's interior was basic but functional, with features like a panoramic moonroof and optional rear air conditioning.

The 2019 Toyota 4Runner lagged in technology, lacking modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Its Entune system, available in the SR5 Premium trim, included navigation and Siri Eyes Free but was basic and straightforward. The fonts were small, and the system felt outdated compared to newer infotainment systems.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender featured the new Pivi Pro infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous Jaguar Land Rover systems. It included two SIM cards for streaming data and over-the-air software updates. The interface was simpler, with a muted grayscale theme and easier-to-use controls. Off-road capabilities were enhanced by front cameras showing the ground underneath the front hood and a rearview mirror that doubled as a screen. The Defender also offered a 12-inch digital instrument panel, 4G WiFi, and a wireless charger. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, LED headlights, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2019 Toyota 4Runner came with basic safety features like airbags, traction control, and a reversing camera. It lacked modern driver-assistance features, making it less family-friendly. The 4Runner received 4 out of 5 stars overall in NHTSA crash tests but only 3 out of 5 in the rollover test.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. crash testing agencies. It came with six airbags, forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and 360-degree cameras. Optional features included rear cross-traffic alerts and alerts upon exiting the vehicle.