2021 Land Rover Defender vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Land Rover Defender paid homage to its storied past while embracing modernity. Its design echoed the rugged charm of its predecessors, with half-round LED headlights and a structural grille that exuded seriousness. The Defender's exterior featured callbacks like flat-topped fenders and a floating roof, while the interior showcased exposed structures and high-quality materials, offering a blend of toughness and luxury. The digital instrument panel and center touchscreen added a contemporary touch, making the Defender both authentic and thoughtfully designed.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid presented a bold and distinctive appearance that required some acclimation. Its blunt nose and floating roof design gave it a unique look, while swollen haunches balanced the styling. The interior offered upscale two-tone options with leather upholstery, though the dashboard's asymmetrical design and reflective screen posed challenges. Despite these quirks, the Highlander Hybrid aimed to deliver a comfortable and functional experience for families.

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 producing 395 hp. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD. The Defender excelled in off-road capabilities, boasting impressive approach and departure angles, and a wading depth of 35.4 inches. On-road, it provided a comfortable ride, with the 3.0-liter engine achieving 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds. Its towing capacity reached 8,200 pounds, making it versatile for various tasks.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, on the other hand, focused on efficiency with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a total output of 243 hp. It achieved an EPA rating of 36 mpg combined, but at the cost of driving excitement. The Highlander Hybrid's performance was adequate for daily tasks, though it struggled with noise and handling on challenging terrains. Its regenerative brakes improved over previous models, but the steering remained lifeless, and the ride was prone to body movement.

The Defender's unibody platform and independent suspension enhanced both on-road comfort and off-road prowess. Its interior offered flexible seating configurations, including an optional jump seat and third-row seating in the 110 model. Cargo space was generous, with up to 78.8 cubic feet available in the 110 model.

The Highlander Hybrid provided comfortable seating for the driver and front passenger, with power adjustments and leather upholstery. Second-row captain’s chairs were standard, but the third row lacked comfort and space. Cargo capacity reached 84.3 cubic feet with the third row folded, though storage solutions were less generous than previous models.

The Defender featured Land Rover's Pivi Pro system with a 10-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. It offered remote software updates, multiple camera views, and optional Meridian sound systems. A ClearSight rear-view mirror and head-up display were available, enhancing convenience and safety.

The Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The top infotainment system included a 12.3-inch touchscreen and JBL audio. Toyota's Driver Easy Speak and video rearview mirror added practicality, while the voice recognition system performed well, though it lacked climate control functionality.

The Defender included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as emergency braking, blind spot assist, and a 360-degree parking aid. It underwent extensive durability testing, ensuring reliability in harsh conditions.

The Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, with enhancements like intersection support and emergency steering assistance. It received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was expected to achieve a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS, pending evaluation of its new headlights.