2020 Ford Explorer vs 2020 Land Rover Defender

The 2020 Ford Explorer presented a refined and athletic exterior, with widened headlights, an extra-large grille, and distinctive "Explorer" lettering on the hood. Its proportions were considered textbook perfect, with the ST version featuring black 21-inch rims and a striking Rapid Red paint. However, the interior was a letdown, with materials that felt subpar for its price range, which could exceed $60,000. The interior's hard plastics and faux carbon-fibre trim detracted from the overall experience, making it feel less luxurious compared to competitors like the Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander.

In contrast, the 2020 Land Rover Defender embraced a classic, utilitarian design reminiscent of its predecessors. Its squared-off edges, round headlights, and short overhangs gave it a rugged, purposeful look. The Defender's interior was basic and industrial, prioritizing durability over luxury. Cloth seats and exposed screws contributed to its minimalist aesthetic. While not luxurious, the Defender's design was functional and inspired a sense of adventure, making it a vehicle that encouraged exploration and off-road escapades.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered a range of engines, with the ST trim featuring a 3.0-litre EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivered smooth and addictive power. The Explorer's rear-wheel-drive chassis provided balanced weight distribution, enhancing its nimble handling and cornering capabilities. The Explorer also offered a 2.3-litre turbo inline-four engine with 300 hp and a hybrid option with a net 318 hp. Towing capacity varied, with the V6 capable of towing up to 2,540 kilograms.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender featured a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six engine with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. This mild hybrid system eliminated turbo lag and provided consistent power. The Defender's off-road prowess was enhanced by its Terrain Response 2 system and adjustable-height suspension, allowing it to tackle challenging terrains with ease. The standard engine was a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four with 296 hp. The Defender's towing capacity was impressive at 3,719 kilograms, making it a versatile choice for both on-road and off-road adventures.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered ample interior space, with generous headroom and legroom for passengers. The second row featured air vents, USB ports, and a panoramic moonroof, creating a comfortable environment. The third row accommodated six-foot-tall adults for short journeys, though the bench was flat for long-distance comfort. Cargo space was substantial, with 509 litres behind the third row, 1,359 litres behind the second row, and 2,491 litres with all seats folded. The Explorer's intuitive controls and physical knobs made driving stress-free, though thick D-pillars and fuzzy cameras created blind spots.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender prioritized durability and functionality, with a minimalist interior design. The Defender 90 offered a unique jump seat configuration, accommodating up to six passengers. The four-door 110 model had an optional third row, providing seating for seven. Cargo space varied, with the two-door 90 offering 297 litres and 1,263 litres with seats folded, while the four-door 110 provided 786 litres behind the second row and 1,875 litres with seats folded. The Defender's ladder and roof access added to its adventurous appeal, and its towing capacity was a notable 3,719 litres.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen featuring Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot. The Premium Technology Package added a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. While the interface was well-organized, it lacked innovation, and system updates required an external Wi-Fi connection. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ system offered semi-automated driving features, though it was not as refined as competitors' systems.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender introduced the Pivi Pro infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous JLR systems. It featured two SIM cards for streaming data and over-the-air software updates. The interface was user-friendly, though some icons were small and difficult to read. The Defender's off-road capabilities were enhanced by front cameras, a rearview mirror screen, and various off-road readings. The 12-inch digital instrument panel offered full-screen maps and sharp displays. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with Ford Co-Pilot 360, which included forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, auto high beams, and lane-keep assist. It also featured adaptive cruise control with steering assist and reverse braking. The Explorer received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. crash testing agencies. It featured six airbags and standard safety technologies such as forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 360-degree cameras. However, it lacked knee airbags and rear side airbags.