2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Land Rover Defender

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved significantly from its utilitarian roots, transforming into a symbol of luxury and sophistication. Initially designed as a rugged, purpose-built vehicle, it quickly moved upscale, especially with the introduction of a four-door version. By 2021, the Range Rover was a luxury SUV with a starting price of $92,000, which could soar to over $250,000 with various upgrades and personalization options. Despite its age, the Range Rover maintained a timeless design, with hallmark features like blacked-out windshield and roof pillars, large nameplate lettering, and clean styling. Inside, it exuded luxury with an Ivory-color interior and a mid-century modern ambiance, although its infotainment system, InControl Touch Pro Duo, was not as advanced as newer models.

In contrast, the 2021 Land Rover Defender aimed to echo the vibe of its predecessors while embracing modernity. The new Defender featured half-round LED headlights, a structural-looking grille, and flat-topped fenders reminiscent of its heritage. It had a robust and capable appearance, with short overhangs and a bold "DEFENDER" nameplate. Inside, the Defender emphasized exposed structure, with a dash held between horizontal beams and beefy controls. The interior felt authentic and high-quality, with real metal and leather surfaces. The Defender's design was both a nod to its past and a step into the future, offering a blend of ruggedness and modern comfort.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrain options, including turbodiesel V6, supercharged 5.0-liter V8, mild-hybrid, and plug-in hybrid choices. The HSE Westminster special edition featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It came with a flawless eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case. The Range Rover excelled in off-road capabilities, thanks to its Terrain Response 2 traction control system. On the road, it provided a smooth and quiet ride, with an adaptive air suspension that filtered road harshness. However, its steering was relatively slow, and the SUV's weight and tall center of gravity led to some side-to-side wallow. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 20 mpg, but the test vehicle averaged 18.5 mpg.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender offered two powertrains in the U.S.: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine with 296 horsepower and a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six mild-hybrid setup with 395 horsepower. A supercharged 5.0-liter V8 was announced for 2022. All Defenders 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 35.4 inches of wading depth. On the road, the Defender was quick and comfortable, with the 3.0-liter version reaching 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds. It had a maximum towing capacity of 8,200 pounds and a payload capacity of over 1,700 pounds. The Defender excelled in both highway and city driving, offering a high seating position and ease of maneuverability.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier entry and exit. The front seats were decadently comfortable, wrapped in quality leather upholstery. However, the second row lacked comfort, with a slouched seating position and limited thigh support. Storage space was barely adequate, with dual glove compartments and a tiny refrigerated bin under the center-console armrest. Luggage volume was limited to 25 cubic feet behind the second row and 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. A button in the cargo area activated the suspension kneel function for easier loading.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender rode on a unibody platform with four-wheel independent multi-link air suspension, enhancing both on-road and off-road performance. The Defender offered flexible interior configurations, including an optional jump seat between the front seats and a third-row seat in the long-wheelbase 110. Luggage space behind the second row was 34-34.6 cubic feet in the 110 and 15.6 cubic feet in the 90. The 110 had a maximum cargo capacity of 78.8 cubic feet. The Defender's interior was spacious and versatile, catering to various needs.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured fully digital instrumentation and infotainment with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system, while not entirely intuitive, allowed for extensive customization. The system required setup to avoid distractions while driving, and the touchscreens could be challenging to use on the move. The Range Rover included a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for added convenience.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender utilized Land Rover's Electronic Vehicle Architecture 2.0, enabling remote software updates for 14 individual modules. The Defender introduced the Pivi Pro infotainment system with a 10-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Defender offered multiple camera views, including a "transparent hood" view, and a ClearSight rear-view mirror. The audio system could be upgraded to a Meridian sound system with up to 700 watts of amplification.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover came with standard safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and parking sensors. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree surround-view camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS, but it offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features. These included a perimeter alarm, front airbags, electronic traction control, dynamic stability control, emergency braking, and a 360-degree parking aid. The Defender underwent extensive durability testing, ensuring its capability in challenging conditions.