2020 Land Rover Defender vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

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 both functional and stylish, with features like step plates and a ladder for roof access, although some elements were more for show than practical use. The interior was basic and industrial, with a focus on durability over luxury. Despite its high price, the Defender's interior lacked the opulence expected in its price range, feeling more like a well-built Jeep than a luxury SUV.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander stood out with its bold design, featuring wide headlights, a long hood, and a trapezoidal grille. The Highlander managed to look sleek and modern, with design cues borrowed from the Supra sports car and Lexus models. The introduction of the XSE trim added a sporty flair, with aggressive styling and suspension tuning. Inside, the Highlander excelled in comfort and luxury, especially in the Limited trim, with high-quality materials and a well-finished interior. The Highlander prioritized comfort and convenience, making it an ideal choice for families seeking a reliable and stylish vehicle.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender offered a choice between a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine with 296 horsepower and a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six engine producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The latter was a mild hybrid, providing smooth power delivery and impressive off-road capabilities. The Defender excelled in off-road performance, with features like Terrain Response 2 and adjustable-height suspension, allowing it to tackle challenging terrains with ease. Despite its off-road prowess, the Defender's on-road handling was reminiscent of older SUVs, with slow steering and noticeable body lean.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While not a performance powerhouse, the Highlander offered smooth and predictable operation, making it a reliable choice for everyday driving. The XSE trim added sportier suspension tuning, enhancing driving excitement without compromising comfort. The Highlander's powertrain was competitive within its segment, providing adequate power for highway merging and daily commutes.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender was designed for versatility and durability, with a focus on off-road capability. Its interior was practical, with options for a jump seat and third-row seating, accommodating up to seven passengers. The Defender offered generous cargo space, with up to 1,875 litres available in the four-door 110 model. The vehicle's rugged design extended to its towing capacity, capable of hauling up to 3,719 kilograms. The Defender's minimalist interior design prioritized functionality, with simple controls and a user-friendly infotainment system.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander excelled in interior space and comfort, with a well-thought-out cabin layout. The second-row seats offered ample legroom and could be adjusted to provide more space for third-row passengers. The Highlander provided 453 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,245 litres with the second and third rows folded. The interior featured convenient storage solutions, including shelves for personal items and a wireless charging pad. The Highlander's focus on passenger comfort and practicality made it an excellent choice for families.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender featured the Pivi Pro infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous JLR systems. It offered dual SIM cards for streaming data and over-the-air updates, enhancing functionality and user experience. The system included a 10-inch touchscreen, with options for a 12-inch digital instrument panel and head-up display. The Defender's technology suite supported off-road adventures, with features like front cameras for ground visibility and a rearview mirror that doubled as a screen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander offered an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch display available on the Platinum trim. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Highlander's navigation system was effective for specific addresses but struggled with points of interest. The JBL audio system provided good sound quality, and the 12.3-inch screen was bright and responsive. The Highlander's technology package catered to modern connectivity needs, ensuring a pleasant driving experience.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender came equipped with essential safety features, including forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. However, it lacked ratings from U.S. crash testing agencies and did not include knee or rear side airbags. The Defender's safety suite provided basic driver assistance technologies, but its limited volume and price meant it was unlikely to receive official safety ratings.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander boasted an impressive safety suite with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and intersection support. The Highlander also featured adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams. Blind spot monitoring was standard, and the Highlander received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. The Highlander's comprehensive safety features made it a top choice for safety-conscious buyers.