2021 Land Rover Defender vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2021 Land Rover Defender carried forward the legacy of its predecessors, which began with the original Land Rover Series I in 1948. The Defender name was first used in 1990, and the model retained its distinctive look and character through minor changes until 2016. The new Defender aimed to echo the vibe of previous generations while modernizing the SUV. 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, beefy controls, and luxury-comfortable leather seating.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, continuing from its 2021 redesign, embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV styling cues. It featured a macho front end, re-engineered door hinges, and a sleek profile with 17-inch to 20-inch wheels depending on the trim. Inside, the Sienna avoided the minivan/school bus feel with an uncluttered design and abundant storage. The second and third rows offered comfortable, roomy seating, with available captain’s chairs and a spacious three-across bench in the third row. The third-row bench could quickly store away into the floor, enhancing cargo flexibility.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender offered two powertrains in the U.S.: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder engine producing 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid setup producing 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. All models used an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD with low range and Terrain Response. The Defender boasted impressive off-road specs, including 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 and a payload capacity of over 1,700 pounds.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came exclusively with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. FWD was standard, with AWD available on all trim levels. The AWD system added a separate electric motor driving the rear wheels. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and offered four selectable drive modes. Handling was enhanced by the Toyota Next Generation Architecture (TNGA) platform, providing minimal body roll and comfortable highway cruising. The Sienna Hybrid achieved impressive EPA fuel economy ratings of 36 mpg city/36 mpg highway/36 mpg combined for FWD models and 35 mpg city/35 mpg highway/35 mpg combined for AWD models.

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 available third-row seat in the long-wheelbase 110 model. Cargo space was generous, with 34-34.6 cubic feet behind the second row in the 110 and 15.6 cubic feet in the 90. The 110 model offered up to 78.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed to be a family workhorse, capable of carrying a full 4x8 sheet of plywood inside with the tailgate closed. The sliding second row added flexibility for loading luggage and freight. Cargo measurements were 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna also had a 3,500-pound maximum towing capacity. The standard 60/40-split third-row bench stored away easily, and each row featured storage cubbies and cupholders. Both side sliding doors and the rear tailgate were power-operated, with foot-motion triggers for added convenience.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender featured Land Rover's Electronic Vehicle Architecture 2.0, allowing remote software updates for 14 individual modules. The Pivi Pro infotainment system included a 10-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, with standard Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Multiple camera views, including a "transparent hood" view, were available for off-roading. The audio system could be upgraded to a Meridian sound system with up to 14 speakers. A full-color head-up display and a ClearSight rear-view mirror were also available.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came with a 9-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. It included a one-year trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect telematics services, a 10-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. Qi wireless phone charging was standard on Limited and Platinum models. Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker setup on the LE to a 12-speaker JBL system on higher trims. A rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display was available. The Sienna also featured a color multi-information display and an optional 10-inch head-up display on Platinum models. A digital rearview mirror was available on Limited and Platinum trims.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS but came with an extensive 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, anti-lock braking, emergency brake assist, cruise control speed limiter, 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, including front and rear recovery points capable of withstanding up to 10 tons of pull.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included adaptive cruise control, Lane Tracing Assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags, multiple LATCH child-seat connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, tire-pressure monitoring, and an inflator kit. A spare tire was available, mounted in the wall of the cargo space for safety and convenience.