2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2020 Land Rover Defender

The 2020 Land Rover Defender was a nostalgic nod to the classic Land Rover design, reminiscent of the beloved LR4. Its squared-off edges, elevated rear roof, and round headlights evoked a sense of familiarity and ruggedness. The Defender's design was a stark contrast to the smoother contours of the Land Rover Discovery, which had not resonated as well with customers. The Defender's exterior was adorned with functional yet quirky features like step plates and a ladder, though these were more for show than utility. The vehicle's taillights and external spare tire added to its classic appeal, while various design themes allowed owners to customize it for urban or rural adventures. Inside, the Defender's interior was basic and industrial, with cloth seats and exposed screws, offering a utilitarian feel rather than luxury. Despite its high price, the Defender's interior was more akin to a Jeep Wrangler, focusing on durability and functionality over opulence.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner maintained a design that had aged well over its 12-year run. Its two-box body with flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches provided a timeless and utilitarian look. The 4Runner's design was likened to a reliable tool, requiring no frequent redesigns. The interior was characterized by hard plastic materials, big knobs, and buttons, reflecting its mission of durability and ease of cleaning. The 4Runner's simplicity and durability endeared it to its owners, offering a straightforward and reliable driving experience. While it lacked the latest infotainment and safety technologies, the 4Runner's charm lay in its authenticity as a true SUV with body-on-frame construction, providing a rugged and dependable ride.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender offered a compelling driving experience, justifying its price with its quiet and plush ride. It featured a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, with a mild hybrid system to eliminate turbo lag. The Defender's off-road capabilities were enhanced by Terrain Response 2 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 horsepower, suitable for the smaller two-door 90 model. The Defender excelled in off-road scenarios, providing a smooth and controlled ride even in the toughest conditions.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, was a capable off-roader. Its A-Trac system and optional TRD Off-Road packages enhanced its off-road performance, allowing it to navigate mud, hills, and ruts with ease. However, on pavement, the 4Runner felt slow and clunky, with heavy steering and brakes. Its truck-like driving characteristics were part of its charm, but it required frequent stops at the gas station, averaging 14.0 L/100 km during testing. The 4Runner's authentic SUV design provided a rugged and dependable ride, but its on-road performance was less refined compared to the Defender.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender prioritized durability and functionality, with a minimalist interior design. It offered various seating configurations, with the two-door 90 model accommodating up to six people and the four-door 110 model offering an optional third row for seven seats. The Defender's cabin layout was versatile, with generous headroom and legroom, and a panoramic moonroof on the 110 model. Cargo space varied depending on the model, with the two-door 90 offering 297 litres and the four-door 110 providing up to 1,875 litres with seats folded. The Defender's towing capacity was impressive at 3,719 kilograms, showcasing its robust build.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner provided a comfortable interior with supportive front and rear seats, ample legroom, and good visibility. It offered a third-row seat option, though the test vehicle did not include it. Cargo space was generous, with up to 1,337 litres behind the back seat and 2,540 litres with the rear seat folded. The 4Runner's high ground clearance and available running boards made it accessible, while its back bumper served as a convenient seating area. The 4Runner's interior storage was decent, and its big roof rack provided additional space for adventures.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender featured the Pivi Pro infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous JLR systems. It included two SIM cards for streaming data and over-the-air updates, affecting up to 16 computer modules. The system's interface was more user-friendly, though some issues remained, such as small zoom icons on the map. The Defender offered advanced off-road capabilities with front cameras and a rearview mirror that doubled as a screen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, LED headlights, and a 360-degree camera system. Higher trims added luxury features like a 14-speaker Meridian sound system and adaptive cruise control.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's entry-level Trail grade offered basic technology, including an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system was user-friendly, with physical shortcut buttons and knobs for easy operation. Several packages upgraded the audio system and added dynamic navigation. The 4Runner's infotainment system included off-road trail maps, enhancing its utility for adventurous drivers. While not as sophisticated as the Defender's system, the 4Runner's technology was functional and reliable.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. crash testing agencies, and it lacked knee and rear side airbags, with six airbags in total. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 360-degree cameras.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The 4Runner received a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a "Good" roof crush strength rating from the IIHS. Its protection in small overlap frontal-impact collisions was rated as Marginal by the IIHS, reflecting its older design.