2022 Land Rover Defender vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Land Rover Defender didn’t undergo any major exterior styling changes from previous years, but it remained a visually distinctive vehicle. The boxy profile, tailgate-mounted spare tire, and flat hood were reminiscent of the original Defender and the classic Series Land Rovers before it. Adventurous customers could even opt for a white contrasting roof and steel wheels to amplify its retro appeal.

Despite these nostalgic touches, the 2022 Defender was a thoroughly modern SUV. Rounded corners catered to aerodynamics, and recessed LED headlights gave the vehicle a unique personality. The contemporary Defender was significantly larger than its predecessors, which translated into better interior space and ergonomics.

While the original Defender was praised for its simplicity, it also had a cramped interior and an upright driving position akin to a tractor. The modern iteration was more generous with headroom and legroom, and it provided a more comfortable driving position that preserved excellent outward visibility.

The interior design of the Defender emphasized ruggedness without veering into cliché territory. Unlike other luxury automakers that swathed every surface in leather and plastic, Land Rover chose to leave some bare metal and exposed screws, creating a rugged yet elegant look. Our high-end Defender 90 V8 test car featured a mix of leather upholstery and suede, which seemed more practical for handling mud and dirt compared to traditional all-leather interiors. While one might hesitate to take a Range Rover off-road, the Defender's interior seemed built for the challenge.

For the 2023 Toyota 4Runner, particularly the 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE), the throwback vibes were strong. This special edition, based on the SR5 Premium trim level, cost an extra $4,505, with $1,875 of that going towards its standard four-wheel-drive (4WD) system. The remaining $2,630 covered retro body stripes, a heritage grille design, bronze 17-inch wheels, bronze badges, and unique interior touches including seat stitching and a numbered plaque.

The 40 ASE could be ordered in black, white, or red paint with a black artificial leather interior. It exuded a strong Southern California vibe with yellow, orange, and red stripes that were evocative of the '70s. Even a teenager commented that the vehicle looked like it was built for surfing.

The 4Runner’s overall aesthetic was a nod to its truck-based SUV origins, giving it timeless appeal. The interior was purpose-built, featuring plenty of plastic but it was solid and of high quality. The straightforward controls were large and easy to use, even with gloves on.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender came with three engine options, including a new V8 for that year. The base model featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. A mid-level option was a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six mild-hybrid powertrain generating 395 hp and 406 lb-ft. The highlight was the new V8 engine, producing 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, allowing the Defender 90 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 149 mph.

All Defender models came with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case. While the four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines were generally refined and adequate in performance, the V8 stood out for its exhilarating power and impressive acceleration. However, the V8 model felt less poised compared to the six-cylinder version, particularly in corners.

On-road comfort was remarkably good for a dedicated off-road vehicle. The suspension absorbed bumps efficiently, and noise from the 22-inch tires was well-muted. The Defender’s boxy shape seemed less susceptible to crosswinds than competitors like the Jeep Wrangler. With 11.5 inches of ground clearance (with optional air suspension at its off-road height), a comprehensive 4WD system, and advanced off-road driving aids like Terrain Response 2, the Defender was capable both on and off the pavement. Its 8,201-pound towing capacity was also impressive for its class.

For the 2023 Toyota 4Runner, performance was centered around a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. Power was sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed automatic transmission, unless you upgraded to a 4WD system. The 4Runner offered a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.

Two 4WD systems were available: a part-time system most commonly used and a full-time system available on the Limited trim. Despite its off-road credentials, the 4Runner had a relatively low EPA fuel economy rating of 17 mpg combined. Our 40 ASE model averaged 16.9 mpg.

The 4Runner stood out with its off-road technology, including Hill-Start Assist Control and, when equipped with 4WD, Downhill Assist Control and Active Traction Control. Specialized trims like the TRD Sport, Limited, and TRD Off-Road offered tailored suspension systems for varied terrain, from enhanced on-road performance to improved wheel articulation and high-speed off-road capabilities.

During severe weather testing, the 4Runner performed admirably both in thick mud and standing water. However, it revealed some limitations in city use, such as slow acceleration, inconsistent brake response, and heavy, slow steering. The 4Runner felt invincible in tough conditions but required careful handling on slick, rainy streets to avoid traction loss.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender was available in multiple configurations, including the two-door Defender 90 and the four-door Defender 110. The Defender 90 offered surprising rear seat comfort for a two-door SUV, although accessing the rear seats required some effort and left limited cargo space. The four-door Defender 110 came in two-row, five-seat, and three-row, seven-seat configurations. Three-row versions offered 11.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats up, expanding to 70.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down. Two-row models provided 18.1 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 51.7 cubic feet with them folded, which exceeded the cargo space of a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.

Land Rover’s focus on functionality was evident in the interior design. The shifter and climate-control knobs were mounted on a dashboard shelf, freeing up space for a large storage compartment below. The center-console storage bin was one of the largest outside a full-size pickup truck and could even be equipped with refrigeration. The available jump seat added versatility, allowing for additional passenger or cargo space.

For the 2023 Toyota 4Runner, one of its most loved features was the power-down rear window in the tailgate. When combined with the sunroof and automatic windows, it created an immersive open-air experience. However, shorter drivers might find it challenging to climb in and out due to the high ground clearance.

Inside, the 4Runner provided comfortable seating, with available SofTex artificial leather and heated front cushions in our 40 ASE test model. The second row offered ample legroom and headroom, along with AC vents and USB ports. Though a third-row seat was available, it was cramped and reduced cargo space significantly when in use. The 4Runner provided multiple storage compartments, although many lacked rubber liners, leading to potential rattling and sliding of items.

In terms of cargo capacity, the 4Runner surpassed competitors like the Mazda Miata when configured with the third row, offering just 9 cubic feet of storage. Without the third row, it provided 46.3 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 89.7 cubic feet with the second row folded, making it highly functional for a midsize SUV.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender came with a standard Pivi Pro infotainment system featuring a 10-inch central touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster was standard on all trims except the base model. For 2022, an 11.4-inch touchscreen was newly available, providing a larger interface without drastically changing the experience. The system was praised for its intuitive graphics and layout, although the touchscreen required a firm touch to operate effectively. Optional technology included a 14-speaker Meridian audio system, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system, which was particularly useful for off-road driving.

In stark contrast, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner had minimal modern technology. Its cabin featured traditional analog gauges with a narrow digital driver information display, and the largest available infotainment screen was an 8-inch touchscreen. Despite this, the system was user-friendly, with substantial physical knobs and buttons for easier operation, even with gloves.

The 4Runner’s infotainment capabilities were comprehensive, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Its system could also be upgraded with navigation and a JBL premium sound system. Despite a smaller display and dated graphics, the home screen was efficient, displaying multiple functions simultaneously. The voice recognition worked well, although it had limitations with specific commands and climate control adjustments.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender featured standard driver-assist technologies such as lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and traffic sign recognition with speed limit adaptation. Blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control were optional. Although some non-luxury brands offered these features as standard, it wasn’t unusual for luxury brands like Land Rover to make them optional. The Defender had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, offering essential safety features including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and a rear-seat reminder system. For 2023, Toyota added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard on all trims.

In testing, the adaptive cruise control functioned smoothly, although it was slow to return to speed after lane changes. The lane-departure warning system was audible and frequent, sometimes becoming irritating. The 2023 4Runner received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with three-star ratings for front passenger protection and rollover resistance. The IIHS had not conducted a full set of tests on the 4Runner, but it did receive a Marginal rating for driver protection in the small overlap frontal impact test.