2021 Toyota Venza vs 2020 Land Rover Defender

The 2020 Land Rover Defender was a nostalgic nod to its predecessors, bringing back the boxy, rugged design that enthusiasts had missed since the 2016 LR4. Its squared-off edges, elevated rear roof, and round headlights were reminiscent of classic Land Rovers, while its short overhangs and skid plates highlighted its off-road capabilities. Despite the modern touches, such as plastic step plates and a three-piece ladder, the Defender retained its adventurous spirit. The interior was industrial and basic, with cloth seats and exposed screws, emphasizing durability over luxury. While it lacked the opulence expected at its price point, the Defender's charm lay in its utilitarian design, akin to a Jeep with superior materials.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Venza presented a more refined and elegant appearance, often compared to a Lexus. Its sleek design, from the grille to the elongated profile, blurred the lines between the two brands. The Venza was available in three trims—LE, XLE, and Limited—each offering a range of standard features like LED lights, dual-zone climate control, and a Smart Key. The interior was uniquely styled, with premium appointments and a focus on comfort. The Venza's cabin was spacious, accommodating five passengers comfortably, and offered a luxurious feel, especially in the Limited trim. While it didn't boast the ruggedness of the Defender, the Venza excelled in providing a sophisticated and comfortable driving experience.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender offered a choice between two engines: a standard 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four producing 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six with 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. The latter was a mild hybrid, featuring an electric motor-powered turbocharger to eliminate lag and provide consistent power. The Defender excelled off-road, with features like Terrain Response 2 and adjustable-height suspension, allowing it to tackle steep angles and deep water with ease. Despite its off-road prowess, the Defender's on-road performance was less refined, with slow steering and a need for frequent corrections.

The 2021 Toyota Venza, powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a lithium-ion battery, delivered a combined 219 horsepower. While not as powerful as some competitors, the Venza's hybrid system provided smooth acceleration and impressive fuel efficiency, achieving 5.9 L/100 km in the city and 6.4 L/100 km on the highway. The Venza's handling was confident and predictable, offering a comfortable ride typical of Toyota vehicles. Its all-wheel-drive system ensured stability, while the eco-conscious tires contributed to road noise. Despite the noise during acceleration, the Venza's performance was well-suited for everyday driving, prioritizing efficiency and comfort over raw power.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender was designed for versatility and durability, with a minimalist interior focused on practicality. The two-door Defender 90 could seat up to six with an optional jump seat, while the four-door 110 offered seating for up to seven. Cargo space varied, with the 90 providing 297 litres with seats up and 1,263 litres folded, and the 110 offering 786 litres behind the second row and 1,875 litres with seats down. The Defender's towing capacity was impressive at 3,719 kg, and its rugged build was tested to withstand significant impacts.

The 2021 Toyota Venza prioritized comfort and style, with a cabin that felt more luxurious than its Toyota badge suggested. The interior featured premium materials and a well-organized centre console with modern technology. The Venza offered ample space for five passengers, with comfortable seating and a spacious feel. Cargo capacity was 816 litres, sufficient for daily needs but less than some competitors. The Venza's design focused on elegance and practicality, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a refined driving experience without sacrificing functionality.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender featured the Pivi Pro infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous JLR systems. It included dual SIM cards for streaming data and over-the-air updates, enhancing functionality. The system's interface was more user-friendly, though some elements like map zoom icons were small. Off-road capabilities were supported by cameras and displays showing vehicle metrics. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 360-degree camera system, with higher trims offering additional luxuries like a Meridian sound system.

The 2021 Toyota Venza came with the Entune infotainment system, available in 8-inch or 12.3-inch screens. While the system was functional, it required multiple menu interactions for some tasks. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims featured a nine-speaker JBL audio system and additional connected services like Safety Connect and Remote Connect. The Venza's technology suite was comprehensive, offering a range of features to enhance convenience and connectivity.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender included standard safety features like forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. However, it lacked knee and rear side airbags, and had not been rated by U.S. crash testing agencies due to its limited volume and price.

The 2021 Toyota Venza boasted a robust safety suite with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including pre-collision warning, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. It featured eight airbags and additional options like blind-spot monitoring with automatic braking. The Venza received high safety ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.