2023 Land Rover Defender vs 2024 Toyota Sienna

The 2023 Land Rover Defender was a standout in the SUV market, outselling its sibling, the Land Rover Discovery, by a significant margin. Despite sharing similar size and price points, the Defender's boxy, classic truck design resonated more with customers who favored its rugged, old-school Land Rover aesthetic over the Discovery's more Ford-like appearance. The Defender's design was characterized by its square-jawed face, rectangular hood and doors, and sharply cut tail, all of which contributed to its classic truck appeal. Tasteful nods to the original 1980s Defender, such as the dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood, skylights along the roof, and the body-color square separating the side glass, added to its charm. The Defender was available in three body styles—90, 110, and 130—offering a range of options for different needs, from the short two-door to the extended-length four-door.

Inside, the Defender maintained a focus on function and durability, with an interior that was more utilitarian than luxurious. Despite its high price tag, the interior was dominated by rubbers and plastics designed to resist moisture and stains, with exposed screws and plain air vents adding to its rugged character. While the build quality and fit were excellent, the interior lacked the opulence of a Range Rover, making the high price of models like the Defender 110 V8 Carpathian Edition seem excessive to some. However, the Defender's unique character and off-road capabilities continued to attract a loyal customer base.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna, available in multiple trims including LE, XLE, XSE, Woodland Edition, Limited, and Platinum, offered a distinctive look that carried forward the "swagger wagon" vibe, even if the commercials had ceased. Competing with the Kia Carnival for style points, the Sienna featured sleek front and rear fascias and was available in vibrant colors like deep blue, red, and green. Standard LED lighting and Bi-LED projector headlamps on upper trims enhanced its modern appearance. The XSE trim, with its sporty black metallic mesh front grille, black heated side mirrors, and 20-inch dark wheels, added a touch of flair.

The Woodland Edition, with exclusive colors and off-road-ready features like roof rails, a tow hitch, and increased ground clearance, catered to those seeking a bit more adventure. Inside, the Sienna offered a spacious and practical interior with features like a lower storage pass-through, multiple cupholders, and a shelf above the glovebox. The second-row captain’s chairs provided ample legroom and comfort, though their non-removable design limited cargo space. The third row offered generous legroom and reclining seats, making it a comfortable option for passengers. With tri-zone climate control and a kick-activated rear liftgate, the Sienna was well-equipped for family life.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled in off-road performance, showcasing its impressive grip, wheel articulation, and clearance on challenging trails. Its air suspension allowed it to tackle almost any path, though most owners rarely utilized its full capabilities. On-road, the Defender's performance was less refined, with noticeable friction in the drivetrain, excessive body roll, and slow steering. The V8 engine, with 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque, provided thrilling acceleration, but the vehicle's top-heavy design made it feel unwieldy. The six-cylinder engine, part of a 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain, offered 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, delivering a balance of performance and efficiency. The four-cylinder engine, with 296 horsepower, was less impressive for highway driving. Fuel economy varied, with the V8 returning 14/19/16 mpg, while the six-cylinder achieved 18/23/20 mpg.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna, as a hybrid minivan, combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing a total of 245 horsepower. While not designed for high-performance driving, the Sienna offered a smooth, if somewhat sluggish, ride. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) contributed to a lack of excitement, particularly during highway merging or uphill driving. Around town, the Sienna provided a pleasant driving experience, with light and accurate steering and excellent visibility. The brakes, however, could be grabby, leading to occasional spills. The Sienna's hybrid system offered modes like Normal, Eco, and EV for different driving conditions, but those seeking more power might consider alternatives like the Honda Odyssey or Kia Carnival.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered unmatched seating configurations, with the ability to seat up to eight passengers in the 130 model. The Defender 90 featured a unique jump seat option, allowing three passengers in the front, while the 110 and 130 models offered optional third rows. The Defender's large glass areas, including alpine lights and panoramic moonroofs, provided excellent visibility. Cargo space varied by model, with the 130 offering 77 cubic feet with seats folded, while the 90 and 110 provided 58 and 79 cubic feet, respectively. The Defender's versatility extended to its off-road capabilities, with options like off-road tires, a metal roof rack, and various accessories enhancing its functionality.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and practicality, with features like a lower storage pass-through, multiple cupholders, and a shelf above the glovebox. The second-row captain’s chairs offered up to 40 inches of legroom, though their non-removable design limited cargo space. The third row provided ample legroom and reclining seats, making it comfortable for passengers. The Sienna's tri-zone climate control and kick-activated rear liftgate added convenience. Cargo space was generous, with 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 101 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender featured two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro software, with options for a 10-inch or 11.4-inch screen. Both screens offered quick and simple operation, with standard features like wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. The Defender S trim added heated power seats and a Meridian stereo, while higher trims offered additional features like air suspension, adaptive cruise control, and a head-up display. The Defender's technology package was comprehensive, though some features were only available on higher trims.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna, while equipped with older infotainment technology, offered a nine-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included physical buttons for common menus, though the backup camera's grainy view was a drawback. The Sienna featured a standard Wi-Fi hotspot, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an optional 12-speaker JBL stereo system. USB ports were plentiful, and a 1500-watt inverter with a 120-volt outlet was available. Optional features included a rear-seat entertainment system and a head-up display, though not all were available on our tester.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. safety organizations but received a five-star rating from Euro NCAP. It featured six airbags, though some felt this was insufficient. Standard safety features included lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features like a digital instrument panel, head-up display, and 360-degree camera system enhanced safety, though a self-steering highway assist was not available.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna came standard with Toyota Safety Sense, offering features like lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna received a four-star rating from NHTSA for frontal crash and rollover protection and a five-star rating for side crash protection. The IIHS rated it "Good" in crashworthiness, though front crash prevention was rated "Average." The Sienna's comprehensive airbag system and safety reminders added to its appeal.