2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Land Rover Defender

The 2021 Toyota Sienna sought to redefine the aesthetics of minivans with a more SUV-like appearance. Designers at Toyota had engineered a wide grille and LED headlamp arrays to give the Sienna a sleek and expansive look. The side profile stood out with assertive lines and reworked sliding doors that tucked neatly into the frame, resulting in an elegant, sculpted body form. Alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches enhanced the vehicle’s dynamic stance. The rear view mirrored the front with a wide and low look, complemented by a sizeable rear window. All in all, the exterior fit and finish were superb — a hallmark of Toyota’s quality.

Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, successfully avoiding the boxy feel of traditional minivans. The seating position offered a pleasant ride, comfortably higher than a sedan’s but not as commanding as a full-size SUV. The dashboard, simple and uncluttered, organized all primary controls within easy reach beneath the infotainment screen. A smartly designed center console bridged between the dash and a storage compartment, featuring cup holders and additional storage spaces, making it practical for daily use. The steering wheel felt robust and provided a plush grip. Overall, the interior materials were high quality, ensuring a luxurious feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Defender retained its iconic boxy silhouette, with a tailgate-mounted spare tire and a flat hood — attributes tying it closely to its storied lineage. Rounded corners modernized the design, improving aerodynamics without sacrificing its rugged appeal. Recessed LED headlights added to its distinct personality, and the contrasting roof and steel wheels upped the retro factor.

Inside, the minimalist approach continued, emphasizing spaciousness with a comfortable, upright driving position. The Defender’s interior balanced rugged character with practicality, favoring durable materials over excessive luxury finishes. Exposed metal and screws added to its rugged charm, while leather upholstery and suede in the V8 models suggested durability. Generous headroom and legroom ensured comfort, making the Defender an appealing option for both traditionalists and modern-day adventurers.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota’s foray into hybrid minivans. Powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, the Sienna delivered 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard across all trim levels, with an all-wheel-drive option adding an electric motor for the rear wheels. This hybrid setup utilized a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), favoring fuel efficiency over spirited performance. The Sienna achieved significant fuel economy figures, with FWD models boasting 36 mpg across the board and AWD versions slightly lower at 35/36/35 mpg. Enhanced handling was achieved through the TNGA front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension, effectively minimizing body roll and ensuring a comfortable ride.

For the 2022 Land Rover Defender, several powertrain options were available. Base models featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. There was also a 3.0-liter turbocharged mild-hybrid inline-six producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. However, the star was the new 518-horsepower V8 engine, capable of spiriting the Defender 90 from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds. Paired with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard 4WD, the Defender excelled in both on-road comfort and off-road prowess. The V8-enhanced models also benefited from a sportier suspension setup, delivering engaging performance at the cost of some poise in cornering. Surprisingly refined for a dedicated off-roader, the Defender maintained composure over bumps and less susceptibility to crosswinds compared to rivals like the Jeep Wrangler.

Maximizing interior functionality defined the 2021 Toyota Sienna. The standard third-row bench easily folded into the floor, and the second row offered 25 inches of sliding ability, facilitating access and maximizing interior space configurations. The Sienna carried up to 16 cupholders and provided flexible storage solutions across all rows. The minivan delivered compelling cargo capacity: 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second, and 101.0 cubic feet behind the first row. It could even carry a four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Despite housing a hybrid battery, the cleverly designed 288-volt Nickel Metal Hydride battery pack did not impinge on cargo space, keeping the interior practical and spacious.

In the 2022 Land Rover Defender, cargo capacity depended on the model. The two-door Defender 90 offered limited access to the rear seats but impressed with usability. Rear seats in the three-door configuration received praise for comfort, although folding them expanded cargo space significantly. The Defender 110 model accommodated more passengers with options for two-row or three-row layouts. Its cargo space measured 11.4 cubic feet with all seats up, growing to 35.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 70.4 cubic feet with the second-row seats down. Two-row variants provided 18.1 cubic feet and 51.7 cubic feet, respectively. Boasting smart interior design, the Defender balanced rugged, outdoor functionality with modern convenience, evident in the extensive storage solutions and optional refrigeration-equipped center console.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna offered substantial tech features starting with its standard nine-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Various connectivity and audio options improved with trim levels, peaking with a 12-speaker Premium Audio + JBL system. The addition of a 10-inch color Head-Up Display (HUD) and a digital rearview mirror in higher trims highlighted its technological edge. A rear-seat entertainment system, USB ports, and available WiFi connectivity ensured that all passengers remained entertained and connected.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender featured a standard Pivi Pro infotainment system with a 10-inch touchscreen and wireless smartphone connectivity. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster was standard on all trims except the base. The newly available 11.4-inch touchscreen added to the central display options. The Defender's user interface received praise for its graphics and layout, although responsiveness required firm touches. Optional tech enhancements included a 14-speaker Meridian audio system, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system ideal for off-roading.

Safety in the 2021 Toyota Sienna was bolstered by the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, featuring full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and more. The Star Safety System added further stability and braking technologies, complemented by 10 airbags and LATCH connectors. Despite the anticipated ratings, the Sienna’s previous generation scored well in various IIHS and NHTSA tests.

In the 2022 Land Rover Defender, standard driver-assist technologies included lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and traffic-sign recognition. Optional safety features extended to blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. Despite lacking published safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, Land Rover’s reputation for ruggedness likely assured many consumers of its safety credibility.