2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2023 Land Rover Defender

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from the Tacoma pickup, featuring a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia that gave it a rugged look. However, its side profile introduced a softer character line, reminiscent of the Toyota Supra and Sienna, which added unnecessary visual weight. The rear echoed the front's trapezoidal theme, but the overall design felt disjointed compared to more cohesive competitors like the Kia Telluride and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid's asymmetrical dash was interrupted by a metallic element, creating a storage tray and breaking monotony. The Bronze Edition's light grey fabric seats with a triangle motif seemed impractical for families, while the Softex synthetic leather felt more like vinyl. The rear seating area had more hard plastics, typical for durability, but the third row's plastic armrest was uncomfortable.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Defender stood out with its boxy design, reminiscent of the old LR4, which appealed to customers over the Discovery. The Defender's design was consistent, with square-jawed features and steep angles, nodding to the original 1980s model. It offered tasteful accents like dome and faux-metal step plates, skylights, and a full-size spare tire on the hatch. The Defender came in three body styles: 90, 110, and 130, each offering unique configurations. Inside, the Defender prioritized function and durability, with rubbers and plastics dominating the interior. Despite its high price, the interior felt basic, though build quality was excellent. The V8 model's price seemed excessive, but its popularity indicated a strong market appeal.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine producing 243 horsepower, paired with a CVT and standard FWD. AWD was available via an electric motor for the rear axle. It reached 60 mph in just over 8 seconds, slightly slower than gasoline-only SUVs. The hybrid powertrain provided a quick but tepid initial response, with the gasoline engine supplying more power. The CVT's lack of gear shifts resulted in an uninspired drone, especially on hills. Braking was smooth, with regenerative braking seamlessly transitioning to physical brakes. The ride was soft, with the suspension effectively smoothing bumps, and the cabin remained quiet on highways.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled off-road, with impressive grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. Its Terrain Response 2 system adapted the powertrain and chassis to various surfaces. On-road, the Defender's performance was less refined, with friction in the drivetrain, body roll, and slow steering. The V8 engine delivered 518 horsepower and 461 lb-ft of torque, providing thrilling acceleration. The six-cylinder engine, part of a mild hybrid system, offered 395 hp and 406 lb-ft, with seamless engine restarts. The four-cylinder engine, with 296 hp, was less impressive for highway speeds. Fuel economy varied, with the V8 returning 14/19/16 mpg.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered well-cushioned front seats with ample adjustments, though the driver's door armrest was awkwardly positioned. Storage was plentiful, with trays, a center armrest bin, and large door pockets. The second-row seats were spacious, with sliding and reclining options, and a bench seat increased capacity to eight. The third row was less accommodating, suitable for children or short trips. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with seats folded, and 84.3 cubic feet at maximum capacity.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender provided unmatched seating configurations, with the Defender 90 offering a jump seat for six passengers. The 110 and 130 models offered optional third rows, with the 130 seating up to eight. Large glass areas and moonroofs enhanced visibility. Cargo space varied, with the 130 offering 77 cubic feet with seats folded. The Defender featured off-road and all-season tires, a metal roof rack, and various accessories like a console refrigerator and winch.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid included an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option for top trims. The system was responsive, with logical menus and physical shortcut buttons. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa were standard, with wireless charging on XLE trims and above. Navigation and a JBL audio system were available on higher trims.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender featured Pivi Pro software on a 10-inch or optional 11.4-inch touchscreen. The system was quick and easy to use, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice assistant, and navigation. Heated front seats, a proximity key, and power-folding mirrors were standard. Higher trims offered features like a Meridian stereo, adaptive cruise control, and a head-up display.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid received a five-star NHTSA rating and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The systems generally worked well but needed fine-tuning.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender had a five-star Euro NCAP rating. It included six airbags, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included a digital instrument panel, head-up display, and 360-degree camera system.