2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2021 Land Rover Defender

The 2021 Land Rover Defender carried forward the legacy of its predecessors, which dated back to the original Land Rover Series I from 1948. This model was known for its distinctive design, featuring round headlamps, a box-shaped cabin, and a tall roofline, which gave it a unique and timeless appeal. The new Defender aimed to blend this classic vibe with modern aesthetics, incorporating half-round LED headlights and a structural grille design. The vehicle's exterior was marked by short overhangs, a floating roof, and a spare tire mounted on the tailgate, all contributing to its rugged and capable appearance. Inside, the Defender showcased an exposed structure theme, with a dash held between horizontal beams and beefy controls, offering a blend of toughness and luxury comfort.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner, which had not seen a redesign in over a decade, maintained a more utilitarian look. Its design was characterized by a two-box body with flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches, emphasizing balanced proportions and utility. The 4Runner's appearance was more about function than form, with a focus on durability and practicality. Inside, the 4Runner offered a comfortable experience with supportive seats and ample legroom, though it featured more hard plastic surfaces. The interior was straightforward, with large knobs and buttons, reflecting its old-school charm and simplicity.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender offered two powertrains in the U.S.: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine producing 296 horsepower and a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six mild-hybrid setup with 395 horsepower. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, featuring Land Rover's Terrain Response system. The Defender boasted impressive off-road capabilities, with a 30.1-degree approach angle, 37.6-degree departure angle, and a maximum wading depth of 35.4 inches. On-road, the Defender provided a comfortable and stable ride, with the 3.0-liter engine accelerating from 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds. It also had a towing capacity of 8,200 pounds and a payload capacity of over 1,700 pounds.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine delivering 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. The 4Runner's off-road prowess was highlighted by its A-Trac traction control system, which proved effective in challenging conditions. While it excelled off-road, the 4Runner felt slow and heavy on pavement, with a clunky ride and handling. Its maximum towing capacity was 5,000 pounds. The 4Runner's fuel efficiency was a downside, averaging 16.8 mpg during testing, with a combined EPA rating of 17 mpg.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender utilized a unibody platform with independent multi-link air suspension, enhancing both on-road comfort and off-road capability. The Defender offered flexible seating options, including a jump seat between the front seats and an available third row in the long-wheelbase 110 model. Cargo space was generous, with up to 78.8 cubic feet available in the 110 model.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner sat high off the ground, offering comfortable seating with ample legroom and good visibility. A third-row seat was optional, but the test vehicle featured a sliding cargo deck instead. Cargo space was substantial, with up to 89.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded down. The 4Runner's interior was practical, with decent storage and a functional design.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender featured Land Rover's Electronic Vehicle Architecture 2.0, allowing for remote software updates. The Pivi Pro infotainment system included a 10-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Multiple camera views, including a "transparent hood" view, aided off-roading. The audio system could be upgraded to a Meridian sound system, and a ClearSight rear-view mirror was available.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner Trail Special Edition came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The premium audio upgrade added dynamic navigation and voice recognition. The system was user-friendly, with physical buttons and knobs for easy operation.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including emergency braking, blind spot assist, lane-keep assist, and a 360-degree parking aid. It underwent extensive durability testing, though it lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner included Toyota Safety Sense P, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane departure warning. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from NHTSA and a "Marginal" rating for small overlap frontal-impact protection from IIHS.