2021 Land Rover Defender vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2021 Land Rover Defender carried a rich legacy dating back to 1948, when the original Land Rover Series I was inspired by the Willys Jeep. Over the decades, the Defender evolved through various iterations, maintaining its distinctive look and character. The new Defender aimed to echo the vibe of its predecessors while incorporating modern design elements. It featured half-round LED headlights, a structural-looking grille, and flat-topped fenders with a diamond-plate pattern. The interior emphasized exposed structure, with a dash held between horizontal beams and beefy controls, blending ruggedness with luxury.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner, rooted in the 1980s SUV craze, stayed true to its rugged construction and relationship with the Toyota Tacoma pickup. Unlike many modern SUVs that evolved into car-based platforms, the 4Runner retained its traditional truck-based design. This allowed it to cater to off-road enthusiasts. The 4Runner's high ride height, boxy proportions, and sharply angled front bumper showcased its adventurous spirit. Inside, the layout reflected its last full redesign in 2009, with a dash layout reminiscent of the late 2000s. The 4Runner offered various trims, each with unique features catering to different preferences.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender offered 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 setup, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD with low range and Terrain Response. 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 was quick, with the 2.0-liter model reaching 0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds and the 3.0-liter in 5.8 seconds. It also had a maximum towing capacity of 8,200 pounds.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with a single engine option, a 4.0-liter V6 producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, powered either the rear wheels or available 4WD with low range. While the V6 provided decent acceleration, it felt underwhelming in most driving situations. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome on paved roads, with significant body roll and jostling over bumps. However, off-road, the 4Runner excelled, with its suspension effortlessly absorbing rocks and bumps. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models included features like Crawl Control and a locking differential. The 4Runner had a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender rode on a unibody platform shared with the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, and Discovery, making extensive use of aluminum for weight reduction and strength. It featured four-wheel independent multi-link air suspension, enhancing both on-road and off-road performance. The Defender offered flexible seating options, including a jump seat between the front seats and an optional third row in the long-wheelbase 110 model. Cargo space varied, with the 110 model providing 34-34.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 78.8 cubic feet behind the first row.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner provided a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the two-row version, slightly more than the three-row model. With the second-row seats in use, the two-row 4Runner offered 47.2 cubic feet of cargo space. The three-row model had 88.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, 46.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and just 9 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The third-row seat was optional on select trims, increasing seating capacity to seven. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-open/close rear window for easy access to the cargo area.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender utilized Land Rover's Electronic Vehicle Architecture 2.0, allowing for remote software updates to 14 individual modules. It featured the Pivi Pro infotainment system with a 10-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. Standard connectivity included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Defender offered multiple camera views, including a "transparent hood" view using the 3D surround-camera system. Audio options ranged from a six-speaker system to a 14-speaker Meridian sound system. A full-color head-up display and a ClearSight rear-view mirror were also available.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. It also included Bluetooth connectivity, Satellite Radio, and multiple USB ports. While the screen size couldn't be upgraded, options included navigation, HD radio, and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system. The 4Runner's infotainment system relied on tactile controls, making it user-friendly, especially for those wearing gloves. However, it lacked advanced features like a head-up display.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. However, it came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including a perimeter alarm, front airbags, tire pressure monitoring, electronic traction control, dynamic stability control, roll stability control, emergency braking, blind spot assist, lane-keep assist, driver condition monitor, traffic sign recognition, rear traffic monitor, clear exit monitor, and a 360-degree parking aid. The Defender underwent extensive durability testing, ensuring its robustness in various conditions.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. Additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree parking camera system were available. The 4Runner earned four out of five stars in NHTSA's frontal and side-impact testing and three stars for rollover testing. It was backed by a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.