2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 Land Rover Defender

The 2023 Land Rover Defender outsold the Discovery significantly, despite their similar size and price. Customers favored the Defender's classic, boxy design reminiscent of the old LR4, leading to the Discovery being largely overlooked since the Defender's 2020 release. The Defender's design was characterized by its square-jawed face, rectangular hood, and doors, with steeply angled features like the windshield. Accents such as the dome, faux-metal step plates, and skylights paid homage to the original 1980s model. The Defender offered three body styles: 90, 110, and 130, each with unique seating configurations, making it a versatile choice.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform with the Tundra, featuring hexagonal grilles and muscular stances. The Capstone model, with its chrome accents and Celestial Silver color, appeared somewhat dated, but a change in color could transform its look dramatically. Inside, the Sequoia mirrored the Tundra's blocky design, with a focus on functionality. The Capstone trim boasted semi-aniline leather, while other trims offered various upholstery options. The Sequoia's interior was spacious, with power-adjustable seats and a standard power moonroof, enhancing its appeal.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled off-road, with impressive grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. Its turbocharged inline-six and supercharged V8 engines provided robust performance, with the V8 delivering 518 horsepower and 461 lb-ft of torque. The six-cylinder engine, part of a mild hybrid system, offered 395 hp and 406 lb-ft. Fuel economy varied, with the V8 rated at 14/19/16 mpg. Despite its off-road prowess, the Defender's on-road performance was less refined, with noticeable body roll and wind noise.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia, exclusively a hybrid, featured the iForce MAX powertrain, combining a twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor for 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque. This setup improved fuel economy to 20 mpg combined with 4WD. The Sequoia's TRD Pro model was equipped for off-road adventures, while other trims offered 4WD as an option. The 10-speed automatic transmission provided smooth operation, and the Sequoia's towing capacity increased to 9,520 pounds. The TRD Off-Road package added features like all-terrain tires and an electronic locking rear differential.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered unmatched seating configurations, with the ability to seat up to eight passengers. The Defender 90 featured a jump seat, while the 110 and 130 models provided additional seating options. Cargo space varied, with the 130 offering 77 cubic feet with seats folded. The Defender's large glass areas and optional features like a metal roof rack and console refrigerator added to its practicality.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia provided up to 86.9 cubic feet of cargo space with seats folded. The second-row seats were easy to move for access to the third row, though the hybrid powertrain's battery pack affected the load floor and headroom. Legroom was competitive, though not class-leading. The Sequoia's second-row captain’s chairs were wide but lacked bolstering, and the automatic power-deploying running boards were a convenient feature.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender featured two touchscreen infotainment systems with Pivi Pro software. The standard 10-inch screen and optional 11.4-inch screen offered quick operation. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, and power-folding mirrors. Higher trims added features like air suspension and adaptive cruise control.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system included a standard 8-inch touchscreen on the SR5 and a 14-inch screen on other trims. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system prioritized functionality, and the driver-information display was a 12.3-inch full-color screen. The Sequoia offered a 10-inch head-up display and a 14-speaker JBL audio system on higher trims.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender received a five-star rating from Euro NCAP but lacked U.S. ratings. It included six airbags and standard safety features like lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included a digital instrument panel and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, offering features like adaptive cruise control and lane-departure alert. The Tow Technology Package added a digital rearview mirror and trailer backup guide. While not yet rated by U.S. agencies, the similar Tundra earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.