2020 Land Rover Defender vs 2020 Toyota Highlander

The 2020 Toyota Highlander presented a design that was subtly refined from its predecessor, with a few more degrees of slant in the tailgate glass and more pronounced creases on the body panels. The trapezoidal theme was evident in various elements, including the tailgate's license plate cutout, the rear bumper, and the slimmer headlights. The higher trims, Limited and Platinum, featured prettier LED running lamps and new 20-inch alloy wheels. Despite these updates, the Highlander's exterior was often described as more functional than exciting. Inside, Toyota focused on quality fit and finish, with silver-painted accents and a multi-layered dash that housed an 8-inch touchscreen. The interior colour palettes were pleasing, with the Limited trim offering a three-tone interior. The Highlander's cabin was noted for its padded surfaces and rich textures, setting a high standard in its class.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender brought back the classic boxy design reminiscent of the 2016 LR4, with squared-off edges, a rising roofline, and roundish headlights. It was a familiar and nostalgic design that many had missed. The Defender's detailing included step plates on the front fenders and a ladder on the back hatch, though these were more for show than function. The vehicle's taillights were rounded rectangles, and an external spare tire was prominently displayed. The Defender offered various customization options, from black fender flares to vinyl graphics, making it a fun vehicle to configure. Inside, the Defender's interior was described as industrial, with a focus on durability over luxury. The cabin featured cloth seats, an exposed aluminum bar, and a simple yet functional layout. Despite its rugged design, the Defender was not considered luxurious, especially compared to other high-end off-road vehicles.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. This engine delivered 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, providing brisk acceleration without the need for turbochargers. The eight-speed automatic transmission made full use of the engine's power, though it required a heavy foot for a kickdown. The Highlander's steering was loose, and the suspension was soft, leading to a ride that was more about comfort than precision. Despite its size and weight, the Highlander offered a smooth and isolating driving experience, especially on long road trips. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with the FWD model rated at 11.9 L/100 km in the city and 8.3 on the highway. The AWD version had slightly different figures, and the hybrid model offered even better fuel economy.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender offered a choice between a standard 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine and an optional 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six with mild hybrid technology. The latter produced 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, providing a smooth and powerful driving experience. The Defender's air springs effectively cushioned the ride, and the mild hybrid system eliminated turbo lag. Off-road performance was a highlight, with the Terrain Response 2 and adjustable-height suspension allowing the Defender to tackle challenging terrains with ease. The vehicle's off-road capabilities were demonstrated at Land Rover's driving school, where it navigated rock trails and steep inclines with confidence. Despite its off-road prowess, the Defender's on-road handling was reminiscent of older SUVs, with slow steering and a suspension that leaned generously.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander offered seating for eight, or seven with the second-row captain's chairs on the Platinum trim. The second-row seats were versatile, with generous adjustments and easy access to the third row. The Highlander's ergonomics were praised, with wide-opening rear doors and a comfortable seating height. Cargo space was ample, with 453 litres behind the third row and up to 2,378 litres with the seats folded. The interior featured practical storage solutions, including eight cupholders and two shelves integrated into the dash. The controls were simple and legible, though the wireless charging pad's placement was a minor inconvenience.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender prioritized durability and functionality, with a minimalist interior design. The two-door Defender 90 offered an optional jump seat, while the four-door 110 had an optional third row. The cabin layout was flexible, accommodating up to seven passengers in the 110 model. Headroom and legroom were generous, and the panoramic moonroof added to the sense of space. Cargo capacity varied depending on the configuration, with the 110 offering up to 1,875 litres with the seats folded. The Defender's towing capacity was impressive, and its rugged design was tested by driving into a curb repeatedly to simulate extreme forces.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander's infotainment system was considered outdated, with low-resolution screens and a lack of onboard apps. The 12.3-inch touchscreen on the Platinum trim was not fully utilized, as climate and efficiency information were always displayed. However, the Highlander offered a 10-inch head-up display and a 7-inch display in the instrument cluster, both of which were praised for their clarity. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, and a JBL audio system on higher trims. The Safety Connect system provided additional peace of mind with features like a stolen vehicle locator.

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 updates. The interface was simpler, though some user interface issues remained. The Defender's off-road capabilities were enhanced by the front cameras and a rearview mirror that doubled as a screen. The digital instrument panel offered full-screen maps and new gauge renderings. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, LED headlights, and a 360-degree camera system. Higher trims offered additional luxury features, such as a 14-speaker Meridian sound system.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Highlander received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was awarded a 2020 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 like forward emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. The Defender's lane-keep assist provided gentle steering nudges, and the 360-degree cameras enhanced visibility.