2021 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2020 Land Rover Defender

The 2020 Land Rover Defender was a nostalgic nod to the classic Land Rover design, reminiscent of the beloved LR4. Its squared-off edges, rising roofline, and round headlights evoked a sense of familiarity and ruggedness. The Defender's exterior was adorned with functional yet quirky features like step plates and a ladder, harking back to its utilitarian roots. Despite its retro charm, the Defender's interior was basic and industrial, with exposed screws and a focus on durability over luxury. The cabin was designed for practicality, with options for cloth or synthetic leather seats and a minimalist dashboard layout. While it lacked the opulence of some luxury SUVs, the Defender's charm lay in its adventurous spirit and off-road capabilities.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser exuded a more traditional SUV aesthetic, with a boxy shape and chrome accents. The Heritage Edition added a touch of nostalgia with its bronze wheels and retro badges. Inside, the Land Cruiser offered a plush and premium experience, with leather upholstery and a commanding driving position. The interior was spacious, with heated and ventilated front seats and a four-zone climate control system. However, the Land Cruiser's design felt somewhat dated, with a mix of Toyota parts-bin switchgear and older Lexus design elements. Despite its luxurious touches, the Land Cruiser's interior lacked the modern flair and technological advancements found in newer SUVs.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender offered a choice of two engines, with the standout being a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. This mild hybrid powertrain provided a smooth and powerful driving experience, with the electric motor eliminating turbo lag. The Defender's off-road prowess was enhanced by its Terrain Response 2 system and adjustable-height suspension, allowing it to tackle challenging terrains with ease. The Defender's handling was reminiscent of older SUVs, with slow steering and noticeable body lean, but it excelled in off-road scenarios, offering impressive traction and capability.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. The engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel-drive system. The Land Cruiser's off-road capabilities were bolstered by features like a Torsen limited-slip differential, Multi-Terrain Select, and Crawl Control. On the road, the Land Cruiser offered a smooth and refined ride, with a focus on comfort and quietness. However, its fuel economy was less than stellar, averaging around 14.7 mpg. The Land Cruiser's handling was more akin to a luxury SUV, with a focus on comfort and stability.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender was designed with versatility in mind, offering a range of seating configurations and cargo options. The two-door Defender 90 could accommodate up to six passengers with an optional jump seat, while the four-door Defender 110 offered seating for up to seven. The Defender's interior was spacious, with generous headroom and legroom, and a focus on durability and practicality. Cargo space varied depending on the model, with the Defender 110 offering up to 79 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Defender's towing capacity was impressive, rated at 8,200 pounds.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser offered a luxurious and spacious interior, with seating for up to eight passengers. The front seats were heated and ventilated, and the second-row seats were heated as well. The Land Cruiser's cargo space was somewhat limited, with 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row and 82.8 cubic feet with all seats folded. The split clamshell-style liftgate provided easy access to the cargo area, and the lower tailgate served as a convenient seating area. The Land Cruiser's towing capacity was rated at 8,100 pounds, making it a capable choice for hauling.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender featured the Pivi Pro infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous Land Rover systems. It offered a 10-inch touchscreen with dual SIM cards for streaming data and over-the-air updates. The system was user-friendly, though some interface issues persisted. The Defender's off-road capabilities were enhanced by a range of cameras and sensors, providing valuable information for navigating challenging terrain. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 360-degree camera system. Higher trims offered additional luxury features like a Meridian stereo and adaptive cruise control.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's infotainment system was more basic, with a 9-inch touchscreen and Toyota Entune technology. It lacked modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the interface was less intuitive than newer systems. The Land Cruiser's technology was straightforward, with large buttons and knobs for easy operation. The rear-seat entertainment system was dated, offering DVD playback and HDMI connections. The standard JBL Synthesis audio system provided good sound quality, but it was not as advanced as some competitors' offerings.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender came equipped with a range of safety features, including forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and 360-degree cameras. However, it lacked knee airbags and rear side airbags, with a total of six airbags. The Defender had not been rated by U.S. crash testing agencies due to its limited volume and price.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. The Land Cruiser had 10 airbags, providing a good level of protection in the event of a collision. However, it lacked more advanced driving assistance systems like stop-and-go adaptive cruise control.