2020 Land Rover Defender vs 2020 Toyota Highlander

The 2020 Toyota Highlander presented a design that was subtle yet refined. Its exterior featured slanted tailgate glass and body panels with pronounced creases, creating a trapezoidal theme that was consistent across various elements like the tailgate's license plate cutout and the grille. The vehicle's LED headlights and fog lights, available on all trims except the base L, added a touch of modernity, while the 20-inch wheels on the Limited and Platinum trims provided a more robust appearance. Despite these enhancements, the Highlander's exterior was often described as more functional than exciting. Inside, the Highlander excelled with a cabin that emphasized quality fit and finish. Silver-painted accents and a multi-layered dash with an 8-inch touchscreen created a sophisticated environment. The interior color palettes were well-chosen, with the Limited trim offering a three-tone interior that combined brown, beige, and black elements. The attention to detail in the cabin was notable, with padded surfaces and rich textures, making it one of the nicest interiors in its class.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender brought back the classic boxy design reminiscent of the beloved LR4. Its squared-off edges, rising roofline, and roundish headlights evoked nostalgia while maintaining a rugged, purposeful look. The Defender's design was both classic and functional, with features like step plates and a ladder for roof access, although these were more for show than practical use. The vehicle's taillights and external spare tire added to its distinctive appearance. Inside, the Defender's interior was basic and industrial, with a focus on durability. Cloth seats came standard, and the cabin featured exposed aluminum bars and screws, emphasizing its utilitarian nature. While leather options were available, the interior was more about function than luxury. The Defender's cabin layout offered flexibility, with options for a jump seat and third-row seating, making it adaptable for various needs. Despite its rugged charm, the interior lacked the luxury expected at its price point.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. This engine delivered 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, providing smooth and brisk acceleration. The eight-speed automatic transmission complemented the engine's performance, although it required a heavy foot for kickdowns. The Highlander's steering was loose, and its suspension was soft, leading to a floaty ride that lacked precision. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander offered a comfortable and isolating driving experience, ideal for long road trips. Fuel economy was commendable, with the FWD model achieving 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, while the AWD version offered slightly lower figures. The Highlander hybrid variant boasted impressive fuel efficiency, reaching up to 36 mpg combined.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender offered a choice between a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with 296 horsepower and a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine with 395 horsepower. The latter, a mild hybrid, provided smooth power delivery and eliminated turbo lag. The Defender's air suspension ensured a plush ride, capable of handling rough terrains with ease. Off-road performance was exceptional, thanks to features like Terrain Response 2 and adjustable-height suspension. The Defender's steering was slow, and its handling was reminiscent of older SUVs, requiring careful maneuvering. Despite its off-road prowess, the Defender was comfortable on paved roads, offering a quiet and composed ride. Towing capacity was impressive at 8,200 pounds, making it a versatile choice for adventure seekers.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander offered seating for eight, or seven with the optional second-row captain's chairs. The second-row seats were versatile, with generous adjustments and easy access to the third row. The Highlander's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with features like three-zone climate control and a large panoramic moonroof on the Platinum trim. Cargo space was ample, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Highlander also featured practical storage solutions, including shelves integrated into the dash and multiple cupholders.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender prioritized functionality, with a cabin designed for durability and ease of use. The Defender 90, a two-door model, offered unique seating configurations, including an optional jump seat. The four-door 110 model provided more space, with an optional third row for additional passengers. Cargo space varied depending on the model, with the 110 offering up to 79 cubic feet with seats folded. The Defender's interior was simple, with controls that were easy to use and a new infotainment interface that reduced clutter. The vehicle's design allowed for easy access to the roof, and its towing capacity was a standout feature.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander's infotainment system was outdated, with low-resolution screens and a lack of onboard apps. The 12.3-inch touchscreen, optional on the Limited and standard on the Platinum, was limited in its functionality. However, the Highlander offered standard features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The vehicle's semi-automated driving system was effective, with adaptive cruise control and road sign detection. The optional JBL audio system provided decent sound quality, and the vehicle came with a range of connectivity options, including WiFi and USB ports.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender introduced the Pivi Pro infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous versions. The system featured two SIM cards for streaming data and over-the-air updates. The interface was more user-friendly, although some elements were still challenging to navigate. The Defender's off-road capabilities were enhanced by its technology, with cameras providing views of the terrain and a rearview mirror that doubled as a screen. The vehicle offered a range of standard features, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 360-degree cameras. Higher trims added luxury features like a heated steering wheel and a premium audio system.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear emergency braking. The Highlander received a 2020 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, scoring well in crash tests and emergency braking evaluations.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. crash testing agencies. It came with six airbags and standard safety features like forward emergency braking and lane-keep assist. Optional features included rear cross-traffic alerts and exit alerts for passing cars or cyclists.