2023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 Land Rover Defender

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia presented a bold and commanding presence, drawing inspiration from the Toyota Tundra pickup truck. Its redesigned exterior featured a traditional grille and front bumper, distinguishing it from the Tundra's more unconventional look. Inside, the Sequoia shared many elements with the Tundra, offering an industrial theme with luxurious touches in the Capstone trim, such as leather, wood, and metallic finishes. The 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system dominated the dashboard, while the interior's cream white-over-black color scheme added a touch of elegance. However, some materials reminded occupants of the SUV's pickup truck origins. The Sequoia lineup included various trims, with prices starting at $59,895 for the base SR5 and reaching $79,895 for the Capstone with 4WD. Off-road enthusiasts could opt for the TRD Pro trim or the TRD Off-Road Package for enhanced capability.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender captivated with its classic, boxy design reminiscent of the old LR4. Its square-jawed face, rectangular hood, and doors, along with the chopped tail, defined its rugged appearance. The Defender paid homage to its 1980s predecessor with tasteful accents like the dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood. Available in three body styles—90, 110, and 130—the Defender offered versatility in seating and cargo configurations. The interior focused on function and durability, with rubber and plastic materials designed to resist moisture and stains. Despite its utilitarian approach, the Defender maintained excellent build quality. The V8 engine provided impressive power, while the mild-hybrid inline-six offered a balance of performance and efficiency. However, the Defender's high price tag, especially for the V8 Carpathian Edition, raised questions about its value compared to more opulent Range Rover models.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, a 36-kilowatt electric motor/generator, and a 1.87 kilowatt-hour nickel-metal hydride battery pack. This hybrid powertrain delivered 437 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 583 pound-feet of torque at 2,400 rpm. While it lacked the V8's rumble, the new V6 offered improved towing and payload capacities, with a maximum tow rating of 9,520 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,730 pounds. The Sequoia's fuel efficiency also improved, with EPA ratings of 20 mpg with 4WD and 22 mpg with RWD. The adaptive rear air suspension and various driving modes allowed for customization, but the ride quality could be busy and jittery on uneven surfaces. The steering was slow, and the regenerative braking system felt unresponsive, affecting urban driving.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled off-road, showcasing its grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. The Terrain Response 2 system adapted the powertrain and chassis to different surfaces, while the permanent 4WD provided confidence. On-road, the Defender's performance was less refined, with excessive body roll, slow steering, and noticeable wind noise. The V8 engine, producing 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque, offered exhilarating acceleration, while the mild-hybrid inline-six delivered 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The Defender's fuel economy varied, with the V8 returning 14/19/16 mpg and the six-cylinder achieving 18/23/20 mpg. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, was less suitable for highway driving.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on open roads, offering a comfortable cabin with soft leather upholstery, a JBL premium sound system, and a triple-zone climate control system. The power-deploying running boards aided entry and exit, while the panoramic sunroof added a touch of luxury. However, the third-row seat's high floor and low roof compromised comfort, and the cargo space was limited due to the hybrid powertrain. With the third-row seat in its rearmost position, the Sequoia offered just 11.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 22.3 cubic feet by sliding the seat forward. The adjustable cargo shelf provided some flexibility, but the overall cargo capacity was smaller than its rivals.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered unmatched seating configurations, with the Defender 90 accommodating six passengers with a jump seat. The 110 and 130 models provided additional seating options, with the 130 offering a standard third row for up to eight passengers. The Defender's large glass areas and panoramic moonroof enhanced visibility, while the cargo space varied by model. The Defender 130 offered 77 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row folded, while the 110 provided 79 cubic feet. The Defender's versatility extended to off-road capabilities, with options for off-road or all-season tires, a metal roof rack, and various accessories.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen on the base SR5 trim and a 14-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, user accounts, and an Intelligent Assistant for directions. However, glare on the display and occasional system bugs were noted. The Capstone trim included a 10-inch head-up display and a surround-view camera system, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro software. The standard 10-inch screen and optional 11.4-inch screen provided quick and simple operation. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a voice assistant, and navigation. The Defender's technology extended to heated seats, a proximity key, and power-folding mirrors. Higher trims added features like a Meridian stereo, adaptive cruise control, and a head-up display.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors with automatic braking. While crash test ratings were not available, the Sequoia's platform shared with the Tundra, which received high ratings from the IIHS.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. safety organizations, but it received a five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash testing. The Defender included six airbags, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included a digital instrument panel, head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system.