2023 Land Rover Defender vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

Minivans occupied an unusual niche in the automotive marketplace. Logic and reason seemed to dictate that every growing family should drive a minivan, yet the rise of the SUV gradually crushed the class. Neither Ford nor General Motors had built a minivan for the United States market in a decade. Mazda, Nissan, and Volkswagen dropped their minivans years ago, and Kia renamed its minivan a “Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)" to avoid the “minivan” label.

However, Toyota never shied away from the minivan segment. Toyota’s original Van lasted from 1984 to 1989 and was replaced in 1990 by the innovative mid-engined Previa. The Sienna debuted in 1998, sharing a front-wheel-drive (FWD) platform with the Camry, and it marked Toyota's entry into the competitive minivan market. A second-generation Sienna was introduced in 2004, followed by a third generation in 2011, which lasted until Toyota launched the fourth-generation Sienna in the 2021 model year.

The latest Sienna aimed to present an SUV-inspired design while retaining its minivan practicality. Despite featuring sliding side doors that unmistakably classified it as a minivan, it sported a robust front end. Toyota re-engineered the door hinges and slides, burying the slider channel below the rear side window frame and neatly tucking the door into the body. The rear doors featured styling details integrated into the rear fender well, and the vehicle boasted an assertive profile with a great stance. Base models came with 17-inch wheels, while upper trim levels offered 18-inch and even 20-inch wheels.

The Sienna's interior was designed to avoid the typical minivan/school bus feel. The front cabin featured an uncluttered design and was packed with clever storage solutions. The second and third rows offered roomy and comfortable seating options, such as second-row captain’s chairs with ottomans and a spacious three-across bench in the third row. The third row, a 60/40-split bench, quickly stored away into the floor, and the second-row seats could slide up to 25 inches, allowing easy access to the third row.

Conversely, the Defender outsold the Land Rover Discovery by more than four to one, despite both SUVs being similar in size and price. Customers preferred the boxy design reminiscent of the old LR4 over the previous-generation Discovery's look. Ever since the Defender debuted in 2020, customers largely ignored the Discovery.

The Defender showcased consistent industrial design from corner to corner, featuring a square-jawed face, a rectangular hood and doors, and an abruptly chopped tail, all giving it a classic truck look. Accents such as the dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood, skylights along the sides of the roof, and body-color squares separating the side glass nodded to the original 1980s Defender. The base model came with white steel wheels, further enhancing its retro appeal.

Four accessory packages allowed for extensive customization, including ladders, roof racks, a storage box mounted on the rear window, snorkel, mud flaps, and skid plates. The X trim offered a two-tone hood and front fascia, larger wheels and tires, and a stealthy all-black V8 model riding on 22-inch wheels. The Defender also came in three body styles: 90 (short two-door), 110 (medium-length four-door), and 130 (extended-length four-door), providing unmatched versatility.

Inside, the Defender retained its functional and durable mission with materials like rubber and plastic designed to resist stains and wick moisture, even when optional Windsor leather was used. Exposed screws, a plain-looking steering wheel, and basic elements preserved the Defender’s hardcore character. Despite its loftier price, the interior featured solid build quality but lacked the opulence expected at that price range. Nonetheless, its hardcore character remained intact, distinct from the plusher Range Rover models.

For 2022, the Sienna exclusively offered a hybrid powertrain, a significant feature that debuted the previous year, cementing Toyota’s position as a leader in hybrid technology. Utilizing a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, the Sienna produced a combined 243 horsepower. FWD was standard, while AWD was available across all trim levels, integrating a separate electric motor for the rear wheels with 54 hp and 89 pound-feet of torque.

The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which delivered smooth and efficient power output, maximizing fuel efficiency. Drivers could select from four drive modes (Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport) via a center console toggle. Thanks to the Toyota Next Generation Architecture (TNGA) platform, the Sienna offered better-than-expected handling for a minivan, with minimal body roll, making highway cruising comfortable and efficient.

Sienna’s fuel economy was impressive, with EPA estimates of 36 mpg city/36 mpg highway/36 mpg combined for FWD models, and a slight dip to 35 mpg city/35 mpg highway/35 mpg combined for AWD models. The 288-volt nickel metal-hydride battery pack was tucked efficiently under the front seats, backed by a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled in off-road scenarios, displaying uncanny grip, incredible wheel articulation, and ample clearance when put to the test. Yet, most owners predominantly used it as an everyday vehicle, benefiting from its permanent 4WD and occasionally engaging the Terrain Response 2 system. The Defender's drivetrain friction and body drag, however, compromised its road performance, resulting in noticeable speed loss downhill, excessive body roll, slow steering, and wind noise. Such trade-offs, although redeemed by its off-road prowess, made the on-road driving experience less satisfying.

The Defender’s powertrain lineup included turbocharged inline-six and supercharged V8 engines, with the latter delivering 518 hp and 461 pound-feet of torque, propelling the Defender with remarkable speed. However, the top-heavy and soft suspension setup made for a slightly unsettling fast drive. The six-cylinder engine, part of a 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain, produced 395 hp and 406 pound-feet of torque, seamlessly integrating an electric supercharger for quick low-speed responses.

Fuel economy varied greatly with the Defender’s engine choices. The base four-cylinder achieved 17 mpg city/20 mpg highway/18 mpg combined, while the mild-hybrid six-cylinder barely offered a slight improvement and the V8 trailed significantly with 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway/16 mpg combined.

The Sienna’s design emphasized practicality, boasting the flexibility to convey a full 4x8 sheet of plywood inside with the tailgate closed. The sliding second row added to its versatility, allowing luggage and freight loading either through the tailgate or side doors. With the second row in its default position, cargo space measured 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and a whopping 101 cubic feet behind the first row. Additionally, the Sienna offered a 3,500-pound maximum towing capacity.

Both the third-row bench and second-row seats contributed to easy and convenient storage. The standard 60/40-split third-row bench quickly stored away into the floor, while the power-operated side sliding doors and rear tailgate, activated by foot-motion triggers, significantly enhanced the convenience for family-oriented users.

In contrast, the Defender excelled in seating configurations and capacity. The two-door Defender 90 optioned with a jump seat allowed for a six-seat configuration, reminiscent of old pickup trucks. The larger Defender 110 offered optional third-row seating, expanding capacity to seven. With the Defender 130, an even wider third row came standard, accommodating up to eight passengers. The third-row passengers enjoyed additional comforts like a separate moonroof, climate zone, cupholders, USB ports, and armrests.

Cargo space varied across Defender models: the 130 offered 14 cubic feet with all seats up and 77 cubic feet with second- and third-row seats folded. The 110 four-door provided 34 cubic feet behind the second row and 79 cubic feet with the seats folded, while its three-row version offered 11 cubic feet behind the third row and 69 cubic feet total. The two-door 90 model had between 16 and 58 cubic feet of cargo space, depending on seat configuration. These diverse configurations highlighted the Defender's practicality for various user needs.

The Sienna boasted an array of standard and available technology features. A 9-inch touchscreen, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM with a three-month trial, came standard, complemented by one USB media port and six USB charging ports spread throughout the cabin. However, the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto highlighted a notable omission.

Further tech features included a one-year trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect telematics on XLE and above models, a 10-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect with up to 2 gigabytes of data. Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming were standard, escalating to a 12-speaker JBL system and an 11.6-inch rear-seat entertainment system on higher trims. Limited and Platinum models could upgrade to a digital rearview mirror for enhanced visibility.

The Defender came equipped with Pivi Pro, Land Rover’s latest software, on either a standard 10-inch or optional 11.4-inch touchscreen display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a voice assistant, connected apps, and navigation were standard, as were heated front seats, proximity key, and power-folding mirrors.

Base models featured manual fabric seats and a basic stereo. Upgrading to the Defender S introduced heated 12-way power seats with leather upholstery and a Meridian stereo. Higher trims like X-Dynamic SE and X added off-road features, adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, and more advanced touchscreens, as well as comfort and convenience features such as a cabin air purifier and configurable ambient lighting.