2022 Land Rover Defender vs 2022 Toyota Venza

The 2022 Land Rover Defender retained its distinctive exterior styling, reminiscent of the original model with its boxy profile, tailgate-mounted spare tire, and flat hood. Despite these retro elements, the design was thoroughly modern, featuring rounded corners for improved aerodynamics and recessed LED headlights that gave it a unique personality. The modern Defender was significantly larger than its predecessor, offering more interior space and better ergonomics. The interior design emphasized the Defender's rugged character, with a mix of leather and suede upholstery, bare metal, and exposed screws, creating a look that was both practical and stylish.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Venza reemerged with a modern exterior design that could easily fit into the Lexus lineup. Its proportions were excellent, with a deeply scalloped body side and a prominent tailgate featuring LED lighting. The Venza's design was more suited for urban environments than off-road adventures. Inside, the Venza offered an elegant layout with high-quality materials, supportive front seats, and ample space for rear passengers. The interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with features like a power-adjustable driver's seat and a spacious glove compartment.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered a range of powertrains, including a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 296 horsepower and a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six mild-hybrid powertrain producing 395 horsepower. The standout option was the new V8 engine, delivering 518 horsepower and 461 lb-ft of torque, propelling the Defender 90 from zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. All models featured a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The Defender excelled in off-road capabilities, with features like a 4WD system with low range and an optional Terrain Response 2 system. It also boasted an impressive 8,201-pound towing capacity.

The 2022 Toyota Venza, on the other hand, featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine and three electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower. The Venza offered a smooth and efficient driving experience, with the ability to switch between electric-only and hybrid modes. Regenerative braking helped recharge the battery, and the Predicted Efficient Drive program optimized battery charging based on driving habits. The Venza's performance was agile and suitable for everyday driving, with a focus on efficiency rather than aggressive cornering.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered versatile interior configurations, with the two-door Defender 90 featuring 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats. The four-door Defender 110 provided more options, including two-row and three-row configurations. Cargo space varied depending on the model, with the Defender 110 offering up to 70.4 cubic feet with the second row folded. The interior design emphasized functionality, with easy-to-reach controls and ample storage space, including a large center-console storage bin.

The 2022 Toyota Venza seated five in two rows, with comfortable bucket seats in the front and a 60/40-split folding second-row bench seat. The cabin felt roomy, especially with the available Star Gaze panoramic glass roof. The Venza offered numerous convenience features, such as an electric parking brake, sliding sun visors, and multiple cupholders and bottle holders. The lithium-ion battery pack was positioned beneath the second-row seats, minimizing its impact on cargo capacity. The Venza provided up to 55.1 cubic feet of cargo space with the second row folded.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender came equipped 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 most trims, with an optional 11.4-inch touchscreen available. The system offered a user-friendly interface with distinctive graphics. Optional features included a 14-speaker Meridian audio system, head-up display, and a surround-view camera system for enhanced off-road visibility.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a hybrid powertrain that required no special attention from drivers. The infotainment system included an eight-inch touchscreen on LE and XLE models, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen on the Limited trim. The system supported Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa, with additional features like Bluetooth connectivity and multiple USB ports. The Limited trim offered a nine-speaker JBL audio system and an Advanced Technology Package with a head-up display and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender included standard driver-assist features like lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and traffic-sign recognition. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. However, the Defender had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2022 Toyota Venza boasted a comprehensive safety suite, including the Toyota Star Safety System and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0. Standard features included stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and multiple airbags. The Venza also offered adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and road-sign assist. It received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.