2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2024 Land Rover Defender

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was available starting at $41,995, including the destination charge, for the base LE trim with front-wheel drive. Buyers could upgrade to higher trims like XLE, Bronze Edition, Limited, and Platinum, with all-wheel drive as an optional feature. The test vehicle was a top-tier Platinum trim with all-wheel drive, priced at $54,718. Changes for 2023 were minimal, with a new Cypress Green paint option and standard power-folding mirrors on Limited and Platinum trims. The Highlander Hybrid's design was criticized for being overly styled, with exaggerated features that some found visually overwhelming. Inside, the cabin continued this theme with large elements and mismatched textures, which detracted from the overall quality feel. Despite these design critiques, the Highlander Hybrid was noted for its quiet ride, thanks to acoustic front window glass in higher trims.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender combined a classic boxy profile with modern features like angular headlights, aligning it visually with other Land Rover models. However, its interior leaned more towards durability and adventure-readiness, akin to a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, but with more 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 with various trims. The test vehicle was a Defender 110 S with a County visual package, featuring white wheels and vintage graphics. Standard features on the S trim included 19-inch alloy wheels, power-adjustable heated front seats, partial leather upholstery, and a panoramic glass roof. The Defender's interior was praised for its blend of refinement and utility, with practical features like grip handles and rubberized floors, making it suitable for both urban and rugged environments.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motor-generators, producing a combined 243 horsepower. The AWD version included a third electric motor for the rear wheels. Despite its powertrain, the Highlander Hybrid struggled with high-speed passing due to the gas engine's limited torque of 175 pound-feet. It could tow up to 3,500 pounds, but this was not recommended due to power limitations. The SUV offered Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with an additional Trail mode for light off-road use. The Highlander Hybrid prioritized fuel economy, but the test vehicle returned only 28.7 mpg compared to the EPA's 35 mpg estimate. The driving experience was described as uninspiring, with soft suspension and a CVT that detracted from engagement.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender offered multiple powertrains, starting with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 296 horsepower. The test model, a P400, featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The Defender also offered two supercharged V8 options, with the most powerful producing 518 horsepower. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD. The Defender excelled in off-road capabilities, with features like adaptive air suspension and Terrain Response 2 system. The P400 test model provided ample power for highway driving, though it exhibited some lurching at low speeds. Overall, the Defender delivered a pleasant on-road ride with impressive off-road prowess.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was designed to accommodate seven or eight passengers, depending on the configuration. Most models featured second-row captain's chairs, making the third row suitable only for occasional use. Standard equipment included three-zone automatic climate control, with heated and ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats in the test vehicle. The interior offered practical features like a dashboard shelf and rubber-lined cupholders, but storage areas were unlined, leading to potential noise issues. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with all seats folded. However, the optional all-weather cargo mat was criticized for its appearance and utility.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender offered seating for five to eight passengers, depending on the body style. The Defender 110 had an optional third row, while the Defender 130 provided three seats in the third row. 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. The Defender's interior featured practical elements like hard plastic surfaces in the cargo area, making it easy to clean. The multifunctional climate control dials were a minor drawback, but the overall interior design balanced luxury and functionality.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology for 2023, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display on upper trims. The infotainment system featured an 8.0-inch or 12.3-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim, with over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and various connected services. The test vehicle included a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system. While the infotainment platform was user-friendly, the graphics could have been bolder for better visibility.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an 11.4-inch touchscreen. The infotainment system included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker Meridian stereo. The Defender's interior was praised for its simplicity and utility, with home buttons for easy navigation of features. The touchscreen size was considered adequate, providing essential functions without overwhelming users.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Hybrids also featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Platinum trim added a surround-view camera. The ADAS performed well, though it occasionally struggled with lane markings. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional features included traffic sign recognition, automatic high beams, and a 360-degree parking camera system. The lane-departure and lane-keeping assist were noted for being overly sensitive. As of this writing, the Defender had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA.