2021 Toyota 4Runner 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, all contributing to its off-road capability. The Defender's design included nostalgic elements like step plates and a ladder, though these were more for show than function. Inside, the Defender's industrial aesthetic was evident with exposed screws, a powder-coated aluminum bar, and a basic, utilitarian layout. Despite its high price, the interior felt more like a well-built Jeep than a luxury SUV.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner maintained a design that had aged well over its 12-year run, with a two-box body, flared fenders, and trapezoidal wheel arches. The 4Runner's appearance was more about utility than aesthetics, with a focus on durability and functionality. Inside, the 4Runner offered a comfortable and spacious cabin with supportive seats and ample legroom. The dashboard was old-school, featuring large knobs and buttons, and the interior was dominated by hard plastic, which was easy to clean and in line with the SUV's rugged mission. The 4Runner's design emphasized simplicity and durability, making it a reliable choice for long-term use.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender justified its price with impressive performance. It featured a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This mild hybrid system eliminated turbo lag and provided consistent power. The Defender's off-road capabilities were enhanced by Terrain Response 2 and adjustable-height suspension, allowing it to tackle steep angles and deep water 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 excelled both on and off-road, offering a smooth and quiet ride on pavement and exceptional off-road performance.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine with 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, was paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. The 4Runner's off-road prowess was highlighted by its A-Trac traction control system, which helped it navigate challenging terrain. The Trail Special Edition, priced at $43,729, included features like a TRD front skid plate and a Yakima RoadWarrior rooftop cargo basket. However, on pavement, the 4Runner felt slow, heavy, and clunky, with a less refined ride and handling. Its truck-like driving characteristics were part of its charm, but it was less suited for daily suburban driving. The 4Runner's fuel economy was also a drawback, averaging 16.8 mpg.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender was designed for durability and functionality, with a minimalist interior that prioritized ease of use. The two-door 90 model could seat up to six people with an optional jump seat, while the four-door 110 model offered seating for up to seven. Cargo space varied, with the 90 providing 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 58 cubic feet with them folded, while the 110 offered 34 cubic feet behind the second row and 79 cubic feet with them folded. The Defender's towing capacity was an impressive 8,200 pounds. The interior featured rubber floors and durable materials, making it easy to clean and maintain.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner offered a spacious and comfortable interior with supportive front and rear seats. The back seat provided ample legroom, good visibility, and USB charging ports. A third-row seat was available, but our test vehicle featured a sliding cargo deck that could hold up to 440 pounds. Cargo space was generous, with up to 47.2 cubic feet behind the back seat and 89.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. The 4Runner's interior storage was decent, and the back bumper served as a convenient place to sit. The 4Runner's high ground clearance made it challenging for shorter passengers to climb aboard without running boards.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender featured the new Pivi Pro infotainment system, which was a significant improvement over previous JLR systems. It included two SIM cards for streaming data and over-the-air software updates. The interface was more user-friendly, though some issues remained, such as small zoom icons on the map. The Defender's off-road capabilities were enhanced by front cameras that showed the ground underneath the front 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 offered additional luxuries like a heated steering wheel, leather upholstery, and a 14-speaker Meridian stereo.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner Trail Special Edition came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The premium audio upgrade added dynamic navigation, dynamic point-of-interest search, and dynamic voice recognition. The system was user-friendly, with physical shortcut buttons and knobs that could be operated while wearing gloves. The 4Runner also included a windshield wiper de-icer system and a 120-volt AC power outlet in the cargo area. However, it lacked some of the advanced technology found in more modern vehicles.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by any U.S. crash testing agency 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 features included rear cross-traffic alerts and alerts for passing cars or cyclists when exiting the vehicle.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic forward emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The 4Runner received a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a "Good" rating for roof crush strength from the IIHS. However, its protection for the driver in a small overlap frontal-impact collision was rated as Marginal, and the front passenger protection received a three-star rating.