2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2021 Land Rover Defender

The 2021 Land Rover Defender carried forward a rich legacy dating back to the original Land Rover Series I in 1948. This iconic lineage began with a model inspired by the Willys Jeep frequently seen in Europe during World War II. The Series II followed in 1958, the Series III in 1971, and the Land Rover 90 and 110 in 1983. The Defender name made its debut in 1990, and the original Defender continued production with minor changes until January 2016. Though it was only sold in the U.S. from 1993 to 1997, it left a lasting impression with its distinctive style. The new Defender aimed to capture the essence of the earlier models while integrating modern design elements. The round incandescent headlamps were replaced with half-round LED lights, creating a serious expression. The sturdy grille design and floating roof were nods to its heritage. The inside featured an exposed structure theme with a dash held between horizontal beams and robust controls, marrying ruggedness with luxury.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, by contrast, offered a variety of customization choices, from its two- or four-door configurations to multiple engine options including a 3.6-liter V6 with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification. Its High Tide special edition added unique features like a 1.5-inch suspension lift, 17-inch wheels, and 35-inch tires with a 4.56 rear axle ratio. The interior of the Wrangler prioritized durability over luxury, with tough cloth upholstery, lots of plastic and rubber, and a driving position that required some acclimatization. While it lacked the refined design touches of the Defender, it offered a rugged charm that's central to its identity.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender offered two powertrains in the U.S. market. The base model had a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine that produced 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The more powerful option was a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid setup, generating 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. Despite its weight of 4,830-5,165 pounds, the Defender handled impressively on various terrains. The 2.0-liter engine could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds, while the 3.0-liter variant managed the same in 5.8 seconds. Additionally, the Defender featured an 8-speed automatic transmission and full-time all-wheel drive with terrain response capabilities, making it adept at both urban driving and off-road adventures. It boasted a towing capacity of up to 8,200 pounds and a payload capacity exceeding 1,700 pounds.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler’s performance was highlighted by its 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid technology, producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an optional 8-speed automatic transmission and Selec-Trac full-time 4WD, it was designed to handle everything from city streets to rugged trails. However, the Wrangler’s fuel efficiency was a drawback, with an average of 16.8 mpg. The unique driving experience of the Wrangler was a mix of sensory engagement and rough terrain capability, offering an immersive and sometimes raucous ride. Jeep fans relished the sensations it delivered right from removing the doors and roof to feeling every bump in the road.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender’s unibody platform, shared with the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, and Discovery, provided a robust yet lightweight framework using extensive aluminum. This setup allowed for a well-balanced ride, both on and off-road, thanks to its four-wheel independent multi-link air suspension. The Defender’s practicality was apparent with optional configurations like a jump seat in the middle of the front row and a spacious second row. The three-door variant (Defender 90) offered 15.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the seats, expandable to 58.3 cubic feet with seats down. The larger Defender 110 model provided 34-34.6 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 78.8 cubic feet when the rear seats were folded.

In comparison, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide struggled with entry and exit due to its raised suspension but provided a sturdy and durable interior. With 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 72.4 cubic feet when the seats were folded down, the Wrangler offered slightly less cargo room than the Defender. Essential features like air conditioning vents, cup holders, and grab handles ensured a comfortable ride for passengers even in harsh conditions. Load handling was dynamic, but opening the tailgate—especially when parked on a slope—required caution due to the added weight of the spare tire.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender was packed with advanced technology. The Electronic Vehicle Architecture 2.0 allowed for remote software updates across 14 individual modules, ensuring that owners could receive timely updates to their vehicle’s systems. The Defender’s Pivi Pro infotainment system featured a 10-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, along with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Multiple camera views, including a “transparent hood” view and a 3D surround-camera system, supported off-road navigation. Premium audio options ranged from a six-speaker system to a 700-watt Meridian system.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler’s technology was more modest, especially in the High Tide trim. Despite having basic features like a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, it lacked the refinement and range of options seen in the Defender. However, it did offer functional upgrades such as remote engine start, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, and single-zone automatic climate control. Optional technology packages included upgrades like an Alpine premium sound system and a larger 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender, although not rated by NHTSA or IIHS, came with an extensive suite of safety features. These included front airbags with occupant monitoring, tire pressure monitoring, traction control, dynamic stability control, emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a 360-degree parking aid. The vehicle underwent rigorous durability testing in extreme conditions, enhancing its credibility as a safe and sturdy option.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler had mixed safety ratings. The NHTSA assigned it a three-star rating for rollover resistance. The IIHS rated it as Marginal for small overlap crash protection and new side-impact tests. While equipped with modern safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and high-beam headlights, the Wrangler’s tall stature and handling characteristics required cautious driving.