2021 Land Rover Defender vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Land Rover Defender carried forward the legacy of its predecessors, which dated back to the original Land Rover Series I from 1948. The Defender's design evolved over the decades, maintaining its distinctive look with round headlamps, a box-shaped cabin, and a tall roofline. The new Defender echoed this classic vibe while incorporating modern elements like half-round LED headlights and a structural-looking grille. The interior featured exposed structure themes, with a dash held between horizontal beams and beefy controls, blending ruggedness with luxury.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V had a more conventional appearance, similar to many other compact crossovers. Its design was functional, aimed at fitting five people comfortably and carrying their gear. The CR-V offered a few distinguishing details like the grille opening and chromed plastic features, but overall, it didn't stand out in the crowded crossover market. The interior was modern, with angular seats and a choice of cloth or leather upholstery, depending on the trim level.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender offered two powertrains in the U.S. The base model had a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine producing 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The more powerful option was a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six mild-hybrid setup, delivering 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD. The Defender excelled in off-road capabilities, with features like Terrain Response, locking differentials, and impressive approach and departure angles. On-road, it was quick and comfortable, with the 3.0-liter model accelerating from 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, was equipped with a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all trims. It had a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive as an option. The CR-V's acceleration was adequate, reaching 60 mph in about 7.8 seconds. While it didn't provide a thrilling driving experience, it offered smooth and predictable performance, suitable for daily commuting and family trips.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender featured a unibody platform with four-wheel independent multi-link air suspension, enhancing both on-road comfort and off-road capability. The Defender 110 offered flexible seating options, including a jump seat between the front seats and an optional third row. Cargo space was generous, with 34.6 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 78.8 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized practicality, with 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The CR-V offered various tailgate options, including a hands-free power tailgate on the Touring trim. Roof rails were standard only on the top trim, limiting options for carrying additional gear.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender featured Land Rover's Electronic Vehicle Architecture 2.0, enabling remote software updates for 14 individual modules. The Pivi Pro infotainment system included a 10-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, and multiple camera views for off-roading. The audio system ranged from a six-speaker setup to a 14-speaker Meridian system. Additional features included a head-up display and a ClearSight rear-view mirror.

The 2021 Honda CR-V's base LX trim had a basic 5-inch screen, while other trims featured a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The audio system varied from a 180-watt six-speaker setup to a 300-watt system with a subwoofer on the Touring trim. Charging ports were abundant, and the Touring trim added a wireless phone charger.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including front airbags, electronic traction control, dynamic stability control, emergency braking, and a 360-degree parking aid. However, it had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. Standard safety features included a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The EX trim and above added blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.