2021 Land Rover Defender vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2021 Land Rover Defender carried forward the legacy of its predecessors with a modern twist. It retained the iconic boxy shape and rugged appeal, with design elements like half-round LED headlights and a structural grille that gave it a serious demeanor. The Defender's exterior was a blend of nostalgia and contemporary style, featuring flat-topped fenders, fender flares, and a floating roof. The interior was equally impressive, with exposed structural elements and high-quality materials, including real metal and leather. The digital instrument panel and center touchscreen were seamlessly integrated, providing a modern touch to the classic design.

In contrast, the 2022 Genesis GV70 offered a unique appearance while borrowing some styling cues from other Genesis models. It featured quad LED strips for headlights and taillights, a large shield-shaped grille, and a sloping roofline that added a sporty touch. The Sport Prestige model stood out with its distinctive front fascia, 21-inch wheels, and dark chrome trim. Inside, the GV70 boasted an elliptical theme inspired by an airplane wing, with a minimalistic design and a high-tech feel. The interior offered a range of color options and luxurious materials, including Nappa leather upholstery with suede inserts.

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. The more powerful option was a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six mild-hybrid engine, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet 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 offered a comfortable and stable ride, with a towing capacity of 8,200 pounds.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came with two engine options: a 2.5-liter turbo-four producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 generating 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The GV70 aimed for a sporty character with features like launch control and Sport+ drive mode, but its chassis and steering fell short of delivering a truly dynamic driving experience. It was more comfortable on highways, though the ride was firm with 21-inch wheels.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender utilized a unibody platform, enhancing both on-road comfort and off-road prowess. Its independent multi-link air suspension contributed to a smooth ride and versatile interior configurations. The Defender offered a jump seat option for three-across seating in the front and a third-row seat in the long-wheelbase 110 model. Cargo space was generous, with up to 78.8 cubic feet available in the 110 model.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 provided mid-pack interior space for its segment. Despite its sleek roofline, it offered competitive headroom and adequate legroom in both rows. Cargo space was moderate, with 28.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 56.9 cubic feet with them folded. The interior design, while stylish, compromised storage space with a slim center console and thin door pockets. The front seats offered various comfort features, though some controls were buried in touchscreen menus.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender featured Land Rover's Electronic Vehicle Architecture 2.0, enabling over-the-air software updates for 14 modules. The Pivi Pro infotainment system included a 10-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, and standard connectivity options like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Defender also offered advanced camera views for off-roading and optional Meridian sound systems.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 boasted a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's tile-based layout and glass rotary controller were user-friendly. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 3D effect and a 12-inch head-up display. The GV70 also featured a digital key, fingerprint scanner, and advanced rear-seat monitors. Genesis Connected Services provided additional convenience features, including remote camera activation.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS, but it came with a comprehensive suite of safety features. These included front airbags, electronic traction control, dynamic stability control, emergency braking, blind spot assist, lane-keep assist, and a 360-degree parking aid. The Defender underwent rigorous durability testing, ensuring its capability in challenging conditions.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 also lacked crash-test ratings but offered a robust set of standard safety features. These included lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, blind-spot assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and Highway Driving Assist. The GV70 featured eight airbags, including a front-center airbag, and optional driver-assist features like Highway Driving Assist 2 with lane-change functionality.