2024 Land Rover Defender vs 2023 Honda HR-V

The 2023 Honda HR-V underwent a significant styling transformation, shedding some of its previous quirky charm for a more sophisticated and modern appearance. The lowered beltline and simplified detailing contributed to a sleeker look, with cleaner lines and fewer interruptions. The windshield wipers were discreetly tucked under the hood's lip, and the black molding strips on the roof were removed. The test model was showcased in a unique Nordic Forest Pearl color, enhancing its contemporary appeal. The HR-V's interior was equally refined, with the EX-L trim offering perforated leather seats, dual-zone climate control, and a power moonroof, creating a cabin that felt upscale for its price range.

In contrast, the 2024 Land Rover Defender combined a classic, boxy profile with modern features like angular headlights, aligning it visually with other Land Rover models. The interior, however, was more rugged and adventure-ready, reminiscent of a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, but with added soft-touch materials. The Defender was available in three body styles: the two-door 90, the four-door 110, and the extended-wheelbase four-door 130, each offering various trims. The Defender 110 S, which was tested, featured the County visual package with vintage graphics and white wheels, emphasizing its throwback appeal. The interior was a blend of luxury and practicality, with rubberized floors and numerous cargo compartments.

The 2023 Honda HR-V was powered by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque, an improvement over the previous model. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) included a Step-Shift function to mimic traditional automatic transmission sounds. The HR-V offered Normal, Snow, ECON, and Sport drive modes, with each mode adjusting various vehicle settings for optimal performance. Despite being quieter than its predecessor, the HR-V was still noticeably noisy at higher speeds. The SUV was available in front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, with improved suspension and widened tracks enhancing its driving dynamics.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender offered multiple powertrains, starting with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the P300, delivering 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The P400 test model featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, producing 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Two supercharged 5.0-liter V8 options, the P500 and P525, offered 493 hp and 518 hp, respectively. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time active four-wheel drive. The Defender excelled in off-road capabilities, with features like adaptive air suspension and Terrain Response 2 system. The P400 model provided ample power for highway driving, though it exhibited some lurching at low speeds.

The 2023 Honda HR-V, a subcompact SUV, offered a well-thought-out interior with a center console featuring a shelf for drive mode controls and USB ports. The fastback design slightly reduced rear-seat headroom, but the HR-V still provided ample cargo space, with 24.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 55.1 cubic feet with them folded. The 60/40 split rear seats created a nearly flat floor when folded, and the passenger volume varied slightly between trims. Front-row legroom improved to 41.9 inches, enhancing comfort for passengers.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender balanced luxury and functionality, with soft-touch materials, grip handles, and rubberized floors. Seating capacity ranged from five to eight passengers, depending on the configuration. The Defender 110 offered an optional third row, while the Defender 130 provided more space but was still limited for adults. Cargo capacity varied by model, with the Defender 130 offering up to 76.1 cubic feet with seats folded. The Defender 110 provided 78.8 cubic feet in the two-row version, while the two-door Defender 90 offered up to 58.3 cubic feet. The cargo area featured practical hard plastic surfaces for easy cleaning.

The 2023 Honda HR-V featured a tablet-style touchscreen for its infotainment system, with physical knobs for power and volume. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all trims, with wireless versions available on the EX-L. The EX-L also included a 9-inch infotainment display, a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad, and an eight-speaker audio system. All HR-Vs came with a 7-inch digital gauge cluster and a 7-inch color touchscreen display, with additional features like Smart Entry and remote start on higher trims.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender was equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an 11.4-inch touchscreen, offering navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Defender also included Bluetooth, satellite radio, HD radio, and a 10-speaker Meridian stereo system. The straightforward setup provided a blend of refinement and utility, with home buttons for easy navigation of features.

The 2023 Honda HR-V came standard with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. New features for 2023 included traffic-sign recognition and traffic jam assist. The HR-V had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the 2022 model received favorable ratings.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Defender also included traffic sign recognition, automatic high beams, and a 360-degree parking camera system. The lane-departure and lane-keeping assist features were noted to be overly sensitive. The Defender had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.