2022 Land Rover Defender vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Land Rover Defender retained its iconic design, reminiscent of the original with its boxy profile, tailgate-mounted spare tire, and flat hood. Despite these nostalgic elements, it was a thoroughly modern vehicle with rounded corners for better aerodynamics and recessed LED headlights that gave it a unique personality. The interior was spacious, offering more headroom and legroom than its predecessors, and featured a rugged yet stylish design with a mix of leather and suede upholstery, exposed metal, and screws.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia continued its long-standing design without major updates since 2008. It maintained a classic look with modest grilles and elegant wheel arches, giving it a substantial presence. Inside, the Sequoia felt dated compared to modern SUVs, with a smaller 7-inch touchscreen and a traditional dashboard. However, it boasted high-quality materials and a durable build, making it suitable for families. The Nightshade Special Edition added a contemporary touch with darkened chrome and black-painted finishes.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered three powertrains, including a new V8 engine producing 518 horsepower and 461 lb-ft of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The Defender's off-road capabilities were impressive, with features like a 4WD system, good ground clearance, and the Terrain Response 2 system. It also had a towing capacity of 8,201 pounds, making it versatile for various terrains and tasks.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia featured a single 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine with 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It had a towing capacity of 7,400 pounds and a payload capacity of around 1,300 pounds. Despite its weight, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with a robust body-on-frame construction and ample ground clearance for off-road adventures. However, its fuel economy was less competitive, with ratings of 13 mpg city and 17 mpg highway.

The Defender's interior was designed for functionality, with 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats and various cargo configurations. The Defender 110 model offered up to 70.4 cubic feet of cargo space with seats folded. The interior featured practical storage solutions, including a large center-console bin and optional roof racks for additional cargo.

The Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort with spacious seating across three rows and features like three-zone climate control and a power moonroof. It offered 18.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 120.1 cubic feet with seats folded. The interior included ample storage options, such as a large center console and door pockets, catering to family needs.

The Defender came equipped with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, featuring a 10-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Optional upgrades included a 14-speaker Meridian audio system and a surround-view camera system, enhancing its tech appeal.

The Sequoia's technology felt outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.5-inch driver information screen. However, it included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, WiFi connectivity, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Limited trim added navigation and a 12-speaker audio system, with an optional premium audio package for enhanced sound quality.

The Defender offered standard driver-assist features like lane-keep assist and automatic emergency braking, with optional blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.

The Sequoia included the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, featuring pre-collision systems, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. It also had a comprehensive STAR safety system and a full complement of airbags, providing robust safety features despite lacking official crash-test ratings.