2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2022 Land Rover Defender

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved significantly from its rugged origins, transforming into a symbol of luxury and sophistication. Initially designed as a utilitarian 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, and with various powertrains and personalization options, it could reach upwards of $250,000. Despite its age, the Range Rover maintained a timeless design with hallmark features like blacked-out windshield pillars and clean styling. Inside, it exuded luxury with an Ivory-color interior and a mid-century modern ambiance, although its infotainment system was not as advanced as newer models.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Defender retained its distinctive boxy profile and tailgate-mounted spare tire, reminiscent of the original version and classic Series Land Rovers. While it paid homage to its past, the Defender was a thoroughly modern design with rounded corners and recessed LED headlights. The interior was spacious and ergonomic, offering more headroom and legroom than its predecessor. The Defender's rugged character was evident in its design, with bare metal and exposed screws adding to its charm. The Defender 90 V8 test car featured a mix of leather and suede upholstery, making it more practical for off-road adventures without compromising on style.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrain options, including turbodiesel V6, supercharged 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, although its steering was relatively slow and the adaptive air suspension struggled to manage its weight on winding roads. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 20 mpg, but the test vehicle averaged 18.5 mpg.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender introduced a new V8 engine, joining the existing 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six mild-hybrid powertrains. The V8 produced 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque, propelling the Defender 90 from zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The V8 model featured an electronic active rear differential, Dynamic drive mode, and unique transmission and suspension tuning for sportier handling. Despite its off-road prowess, the Defender was comfortable on pavement, with a suspension that absorbed bumps effectively. It offered impressive off-road capabilities, including a 4WD system with low range and a maximum towing capacity of 8,201 pounds.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier access. The front seats were decadently comfortable, but the second row lacked thigh support and adjustability, resulting in an uncomfortable seating position. Storage space was limited, with dual glove compartments compensating for the small center-console bin. Luggage volume was also restricted, with a maximum cargo space of 59.8 cubic feet. A button in the cargo area activated the suspension kneel function for easier loading.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats, providing surprising comfort in the Defender 90 model. Accessing the rear seats was challenging in the two-door version, but folding them down increased cargo space. The four-door Defender 110 model offered more versatility, with up to 70.4 cubic feet of cargo space. The interior design emphasized functionality, with a large caged storage space and a spacious center-console bin. Optional roof racks and cargo boxes allowed for additional storage outside the vehicle.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system was not entirely intuitive, requiring users to set up preferences to avoid distractions while driving. The Range Rover included a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for added convenience.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender came with the standard 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 most trims, with an optional 11.4-inch touchscreen available. The interface was user-friendly, although the screen required a firm touch. 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 included standard safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and semi-autonomous parking capabilities. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, although the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered standard driver-assist tech, including lane-keep assist and automatic emergency braking. Blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control were optional. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available for the Defender, which was not uncommon for luxury vehicles.