2024 Toyota RAV4 vs 2025 Land Rover Defender

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 was designed to project a rugged appearance, with its aggressive front fascia and angular body cladding. Despite its tough exterior, the RAV4's performance did not match its looks, as the dual exhaust outlets suggested more power than the vehicle actually delivered. The TRD Off-Road model, which we tested, came with a base price of $38,295, plus a $1,350 destination charge. It featured Army Green paint, a digital rearview mirror, and additional option packages, bringing the total MSRP to $41,925. The RAV4's interior was practical, with utility-focused features like a full-width dashboard shelf and easy-clean surfaces. Higher trim levels offered more upscale interiors, with contrast-color choices available in the XLE Premium or Limited trims.

In contrast, the 2025 Land Rover Defender presented a rugged and customizable design, with the Defender 110 four-door model striking a balance between the stubby Defender 90 and the visually heavy Defender 130. Base prices ranged from $58,525 for a Defender 90 to $120,525 for a Defender 130 V8, with the new Defender OCTA priced at $153,625. Our test vehicle, a Defender 130 X, was priced at $106,092 with destination, featuring the Extended Black Exterior Pack and upgraded interior materials. The Defender's interior boasted premium Windsor hides and Kvadrat fabric, with an industrial theme that emphasized quality materials. Despite its rugged appearance, the Defender's cabin was more purposeful than luxurious, offering a unique blend of style and functionality.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain required high revs to access its full potential, and an eight-speed automatic transmission powered the front wheels, with an optional torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system available. The TRD Off-Road model came standard with AWD, off-road suspension tuning, an underbody skid plate, and all-terrain tires. Despite its off-road enhancements, the RAV4 offered the same ground clearance as other models and lacked improved approach or departure angles. The TRD Off-Road model's suspension excelled in absorbing road imperfections, but the engine was noisy and unrefined. The RAV4 TRD Off-Road achieved an EPA fuel economy rating of 28 mpg in combined driving, with our test averaging 26.6 mpg.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission with Sport and manual shift modes connected to a standard AWD system with a low-range setting. The Defender 130 X accelerated to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds and had a maximum tow rating of 8,200 pounds. The adaptive air suspension, hill descent control, and Terrain Response 2 driving modes enhanced its off-road capabilities. The Defender 130 provided 11.4 inches of ground clearance and a maximum wading depth of 35.4 inches. While the six-cylinder engine offered ample power, the Defender's 5,685-pound curb weight and slow steering limited its on-road agility. The Defender 130 achieved an observed fuel economy of 16.2 mpg, below the expected 19 mpg.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 prioritized practicality and utility, with storage shelves, trays, and oversized control knobs. The TRD Off-Road trim featured SofTex artificial leather upholstery and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. Optional features included heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and rain-sensing wipers. The RAV4 comfortably accommodated four adults, with a rear seat offering good legroom and footroom. The power liftgate revealed a 37.6 cubic-foot cargo area, expandable to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender 130 offered three rows of spacious seating, with 12-way power-adjustable front seats featuring heating and ventilation. The Defender's tall seating position provided excellent forward visibility, though the square side mirrors seemed undersized. The panoramic sunroof and large windows created an open and airy feel. The Defender 130's second-row captain's chairs were heated and ventilated, with a four-zone climate control system available. The third-row seat was heated and roomy, offering comfort for adults. The side-hinged cargo door was heavy and awkward, with a high load floor. The Defender 130 provided 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 89 cubic feet with all rear seats folded.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 featured the Toyota Audio Multimedia system with an 8-inch or 10.5-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Connected services included Service Connect and Safety Connect, with Remote Connect and Drive Connect available for one year. The infotainment system lacked a multi-panel Home screen and had a delicate font that was hard to read. The digital voice assistant performed well, though it was silent during most interactions. The RAV4 offered a JBL premium audio system and an optional digital rearview mirror.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender was equipped with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, featuring an 11.4-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The system's response to voice commands was slower than preferred, but its accuracy was impressive. The user experience was more intuitive, with fewer dead ends. The Defender's Meridian premium sound system was also noteworthy. Additional features included a head-up display, a ClearSight digital rearview mirror, and a surround-view camera system. The optional Towing Pack added a hands-free trailer reverse-steering system.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. However, the base LE trim lacked a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist systems performed adequately, though the latter struggled on curvy roads. The RAV4 lost its Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS due to a Marginal rating in the small overlap frontal-impact crash test and an Acceptable rating in the side-impact test.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender featured several driver aids, including automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality. The lane-keep assist decisively corrected potential lane departures, though it occasionally attempted to steer the Defender into a turnout area. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist operated transparently, with minor issues in heavy traffic. Crash-test ratings for the Defender were unavailable at press time.