2021 Land Rover Defender vs 2020 Toyota 4Runner

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was characterized by its tall slab sides, high beltline, and short overhangs, contributing to its timeless design. Its utilitarian attitude was reminiscent of the XJ Jeep Cherokee, with flared wheel wells accommodating bulky off-road tires and short overhangs allowing it to tackle steep pitches. The hood scoop, a visual cue for the TRD trim, was one of the few non-functional elements. The front end featured small, angular headlights, with grille accents varying by trim. The Limited trim, aimed at comfort, featured leather upholstery and an 8-inch touchscreen, though it retained a utilitarian feel with plenty of plastic and a seating position designed for off-road adventures.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender echoed the vibe of its predecessors while embracing modernity. It featured half-round LED headlights, a structural-looking grille, and flat-topped fenders with diamond-plate patterns. The spare tire was mounted on the side-hinged tailgate, and short overhangs gave it a capable appearance. Inside, the exposed structure theme continued with a dash held between horizontal beams and beefy controls. The leather-upholstered seating was both tough and luxurious, with a digital instrument panel and a securely mounted center touchscreen. The interior felt authentic and thoughtfully designed, with real metal and leather surfaces.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. It was not designed for fuel efficiency, with an EPA estimate of 16 mpg city, 19 highway, and 17 combined. The 4Runner excelled off-road, with body-on-frame construction and advanced traction systems like CRAWL control and Multi-Terrain Select. It offered a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds but was less suited for on-road driving, with significant body roll and vague steering.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender offered two powertrains: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four with 296 horsepower and a 3.0-liter inline-six mild-hybrid with 395 horsepower. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD with Terrain Response. The Defender boasted impressive off-road capabilities, with a 30.1-degree approach angle, 37.6-degree departure angle, and 35.4 inches of wading depth. On-road, it was quick and comfortable, with the 3.0-liter model reaching 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds. It had a towing capacity of 8,200 pounds and a payload capacity of over 1,700 pounds.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner offered excellent outward visibility and a relatively tight turning radius of 18 feet, 7 inches. Inside, it featured large, chunky knobs for controls and an 8-inch touchscreen. The tall seating position provided a commanding view, though climbing in and out could be tiring without power-retractable running boards. The optional third row was best for short, occasional use, with narrow and thin jump seats lacking legroom.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender rode on a unibody platform with four-wheel independent multi-link air suspension, enhancing both on-road and off-road performance. It offered flexible interior configurations, with a jump seat option and a third-row seat available in the long-wheelbase 110. Luggage space was generous, with 34-34.6 cubic feet behind the second row in the 110 and 58.3 cubic feet in the three-door model. The 110 had a maximum cargo capacity of 78.8 cubic feet.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It also offered Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth connectivity, and various subscription services. However, the onboard navigation system was less intuitive than smartphone apps. While the 4Runner had advanced features, they were more focused on the powertrain than the dashboard.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender used Land Rover's Electronic Vehicle Architecture 2.0, allowing remote software updates. It featured the Pivi Pro system with a 10-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. Standard connectivity included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Defender offered multiple camera views, including a "transparent hood" view, and optional upgrades like a Meridian sound system and a ClearSight rear-view mirror.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and a pre-collision system. It had eight standard airbags and received four out of five stars from the NHTSA, with a Marginal score in the IIHS small overlap front test. The adaptive cruise control worked well, but the lane-departure alert system was less effective.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS but featured a comprehensive list of standard safety features. These included a perimeter alarm, electronic traction control, dynamic stability control, emergency braking, and a 360-degree parking aid. The Defender underwent extensive durability testing, with recovery points capable of withstanding up to 10 tons of pull.