2021 Toyota Land Cruiser 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 in 1948. Over the years, the Defender evolved through various iterations, maintaining its iconic design elements such as round headlamps and a boxy cabin. The new Defender aimed to blend this classic appeal with modern aesthetics, featuring half-round LED headlights and a structural grille. Its design was both rugged and sophisticated, with short overhangs and a floating roof that hinted at its off-road prowess. Inside, the Defender showcased an exposed structure theme, with a dash held between horizontal beams and beefy controls, offering a blend of luxury and durability.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its final year of the current form, offered a Heritage Edition to celebrate its 65th anniversary. The exterior, especially in Midnight Black with bronze BBS wheels, exuded a classic charm. However, the standard model, with its Magnetic Gray paint and plush Terra leather upholstery, appeared more subdued. The Land Cruiser's design was straightforward, with large headlights and a basic two-box shape. Inside, it offered a mix of high-quality materials and dated design elements, such as a traditional hand-operated parking brake and a CD player, evoking a sense of nostalgia.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender was equipped with two powertrains in the U.S. The base model featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine producing 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. A more powerful option was the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six mild-hybrid engine, delivering 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, with advanced off-road capabilities like Terrain Response 2. The Defender boasted impressive off-road specs, including a 30.1-degree approach angle and a 35.4-inch wading depth. On-road, it was quick, with the 3.0-liter model accelerating from 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds. It also had a towing capacity of 8,200 pounds.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, powered by a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine, offered a smooth and quiet ride. Its eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD system, with a two-speed transfer case, provided robust off-road capabilities. The Land Cruiser featured a Torsen limited-slip differential and Multi-Terrain Select traction assist, enhancing its off-road prowess. On the road, it delivered a refined driving experience, though its nearly 3-ton weight affected maneuverability. The Land Cruiser could tow up to 8,100 pounds, making it a capable workhorse.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender, built on a unibody platform, offered a spacious and versatile interior. Its independent multi-link air suspension provided a comfortable ride both on and off-road. The Defender's interior could be configured with a jump seat in the front and an optional 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 Land Cruiser's interior was luxurious, with premium leather upholstery and heated and ventilated front seats. It featured a four-zone automatic climate control system and a three-passenger third-row seat. However, cargo space was limited, with 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 82.8 cubic feet with the second row folded. The split clamshell-style liftgate provided convenient access to the cargo area.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender featured advanced technology, including Land Rover's Electronic Vehicle Architecture 2.0, allowing for remote software updates. Its Pivi Pro infotainment system, with a 10-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, offered modern connectivity options like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Defender also had multiple camera views for off-roading and optional Meridian sound systems.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's technology was more dated, with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system lacking swipe or scroll functionality. It did not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, relying on Toyota's Entune system. The Land Cruiser included a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system and a 14-speaker JBL audio system, though these features felt outdated compared to competitors.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including electronic traction control, dynamic stability control, and a 360-degree parking aid. It underwent extensive durability testing, though it lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser offered Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) as standard, with features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It also included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. However, it lacked more advanced driving assistance systems, which limited its competitiveness in the luxury SUV segment.