2021 Honda CR-V vs 2020 Land Rover Defender

The 2020 Land Rover Defender brought back the classic, boxy design reminiscent of the beloved LR4, with squared-off edges, a rising roofline, and roundish headlights. Its rugged exterior featured short overhangs, skid plates, and an external spare tire, making it a true off-road icon. The interior was basic and industrial, with cloth seats, exposed screws, and a utilitarian layout. Despite its high price tag, the Defender's interior lacked the luxury expected in a $75,000 vehicle, feeling more like a commercial vehicle than a high-end SUV.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V had a more conventional crossover design, blending in with its competitors. It offered a few distinguishing features like a unique grille and chrome accents, but overall, it didn't stand out in the crowded market. The CR-V came in eight colors, though most were shades of gray, black, or white, with only a few vibrant options available on higher trims. Inside, the CR-V provided a modern look with angular seats and optional wood panels and chrome accents, offering a more upscale appearance than some of its rivals.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender justified its high price with impressive performance. It featured a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, providing smooth and consistent power. The Defender's off-road capabilities were exceptional, thanks to its Terrain Response 2 system and adjustable-height suspension. It could tackle steep inclines, deep water, and rocky trails with ease. The standard engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 296 horsepower, suitable for the smaller two-door 90 model. The Defender's on-road performance was less refined, with slow steering, noticeable body lean, and a heavy feel.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, focused on providing smooth and steady acceleration with its 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It wasn't built for speed, taking about 7.8 seconds to reach 60 mph, but it offered predictable cornering and a comfortable ride. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided a seamless driving experience, though it lacked the engagement of a traditional automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The CR-V's suspension setup ensured decent handling and ride quality, making it a reliable choice for everyday driving.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender prioritized durability and functionality, with a minimalist interior designed for tough conditions. The two-door 90 model could seat up to six people with an optional jump seat, while the four-door 110 offered seating for up to seven with an optional third row. Cargo space was generous, with up to 79 cubic feet available in the 110 model. The Defender's towing capacity was impressive at 8,200 pounds, and its rugged design allowed it to handle rough terrain with ease.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in providing ample space for passengers and cargo. It offered 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The CR-V's tailgate options varied by trim, with a hands-free power tailgate available on the top Touring trim. Roof rails were standard only on the Touring trim, limiting the CR-V's versatility for carrying additional gear. Overall, the CR-V was designed to comfortably fit five people and their belongings, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender featured the new Pivi Pro infotainment system, which aimed to improve upon previous Jaguar Land Rover systems. It included two SIM cards for streaming data and over-the-air updates, affecting up to 16 computer modules. The system had a grayscale interface with some usability issues, but it offered useful off-road features like front cameras showing the ground beneath the hood and a rearview mirror that doubled as a screen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, LED headlights, and a 360-degree camera system. Higher trims added luxury features like a heated steering wheel, leather seats, and a 14-speaker Meridian stereo.

The 2021 Honda CR-V's base LX trim had a basic 5-inch color screen with Bluetooth connectivity, while higher trims featured a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The audio system varied by trim, with the top Touring trim offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were plentiful, with USB ports and a 12-volt outlet available in most trims. The Touring trim also included a wireless phone charger and a satellite navigation system with voice recognition.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. crash testing agencies and lacked knee and rear side airbags. It came standard with forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, driver attention monitor, and 360-degree cameras. Optional safety features included rear cross-traffic alerts and exit alerts for passing cars or cyclists.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It fell short of the highest IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating due to lower headlight scores and an updated side crash test. The CR-V's LATCH child safety seat anchoring system received an "Acceptable" rating. Honda's Sensing system made advanced safety features standard across all trims, including a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, road departure mitigation, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and auto high-beam headlamps. Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was standard from the EX trim upwards.