2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2022 Land Rover Defender

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, despite being in its second generation since its 2005 launch, maintained a modern appeal with its 2018 refresh. This update introduced the dual-screen center console, a hallmark of Land Rover interiors, and continued into the 2021 model. The introduction of a plug-in hybrid variant in 2020, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, kept the Range Rover Sport technologically relevant. The model offered a range of trims, from the base SE with leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control, to the high-performance SVR Carbon Edition with carbon fiber accents and 22-inch alloy wheels. Each trim level added layers of luxury and performance, with features like a supercharged V8 engine in the HSE Dynamic and Autobiography trims, and a focus on high-end luxury in the Autobiography model.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender retained its distinctive, boxy profile reminiscent of the original version, with modern touches like rounded corners and recessed LED headlights. The design was both a nod to its heritage and a step into modernity, offering a larger size for improved interior space and ergonomics. The interior balanced ruggedness with comfort, featuring a mix of leather and suede upholstery, exposed metal, and functional design elements like a large center-console storage bin. The Defender's design encouraged off-road adventures without the worry of damaging a luxurious interior, making it a practical choice for those seeking both style and substance.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered a variety of powertrains, starting with the base P360 mild-hybrid system, which combined a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a 48-volt electrical system, producing 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HST model featured a more powerful P400 version, delivering 395 hp and 406 lb-ft. The HSE Silver Edition provided options for a plug-in hybrid or diesel powertrain, with the P400e plug-in hybrid generating 398 hp and 472 lb-ft, and the diesel offering 254 hp and 443 lb-ft. The HSE Dynamic and Autobiography trims boasted a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine with 518 hp and 461 lb-ft, while the SVR and SVR Carbon Edition models pushed the V8 to 575 hp and 516 lb-ft. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, featuring height-adjustable air suspension and a Terrain Response system for various terrains. The Range Rover Sport excelled in towing, with most variants capable of towing up to 7,716 pounds.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender introduced a new V8 engine alongside two existing powertrains. The base model featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the mid-level option was a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six mild-hybrid powertrain rated at 395 hp and 406 lb-ft. The new V8 engine produced 518 hp and 461 lb-ft, propelling the Defender 90 from zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. All Defender models used a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD with a two-speed transfer case. The V8 models included an electronic active rear differential and unique suspension tuning for sportier handling. Despite its off-road capabilities, the Defender was comfortable on paved roads, with a suspension that absorbed bumps effectively and minimized noise from the large tires. The Defender's off-road prowess was supported by features like a 4WD system with low range, good approach and departure angles, and up to 11.5 inches of ground clearance.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered a maximum of 63.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 31.7 cubic feet with the second row in use. An optional third row increased seating capacity to seven, but reduced cargo space to 10.8 cubic feet. The first and second rows provided ample headroom and legroom, while the third row was best suited for children. The Range Rover Sport balanced space and luxury, making it suitable for road trips or carrying extra bags.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender featured 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats, which were comfortable but challenging to access in the two-door Defender 90 model. The four-door Defender 110 offered more versatility, with two-row and three-row configurations. Three-row models provided 11.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 70.4 cubic feet with the second row folded. Two-row versions offered 18.1 cubic feet with the rear seats up, and 51.7 cubic feet with them folded. The Defender's interior emphasized functionality, with a large center-console storage bin and optional roof rack and cargo boxes for additional storage.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's interior was dominated by a dual-screen center console, with the lower screen controlling climate and vehicle settings, and the upper screen housing the infotainment system. While the system had a learning curve and some bugs in earlier models, it featured integrated dials for various functions and a real volume button. The touchscreen layout was simplified, with icons for switching between menus and connecting to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender came standard with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, featuring a 10-inch central touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster was standard on all trims except the base model, with an optional 11.4-inch touchscreen available. The interface was user-friendly, with well-designed graphics and menu layouts, though the screen required a firm touch to respond. Optional features included a 14-speaker Meridian audio system, head-up display, and a surround-view camera system for off-roading.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport included standard driver assistance features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and parking sensors. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, as well as a surround-view parking camera and head-up display.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered standard driver-assist tech such as lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and traffic-sign recognition. Blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control were optional. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available for the Defender, which is common for luxury vehicles.