2022 Land Rover Defender vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was a standout in the midsize SUV segment, with a design that was anything but mundane. Its wide headlights, long hood, and assertive trapezoidal grille gave it a distinctive presence. The character line along the side, reminiscent of the Supra sports car, and Lexus-like taillights added to its unique appeal. The Highlander managed to appear longer and lower than its predecessor without compromising on size. The introduction of the XSE trim level brought a sportier look with a restyled front end, 20-inch alloy wheels, and a more aggressive appearance package. Inside, the Limited trim offered a luxurious experience with near-flawless fit and finish, tan leather seats, and elegant wood details, making it a comfortable choice for families prioritizing comfort and convenience.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender retained its iconic boxy profile, tailgate-mounted spare wheel, and flat hood, paying homage to its predecessors while embracing modern design elements. Rounded corners and recessed LED headlights gave it a distinct personality, and its larger size improved interior space and ergonomics. The Defender's interior combined rugged character with modern luxury, featuring a mix of leather and suede upholstery, exposed metal, and screws for a unique look. The Defender 90 V8 test car showcased a blend of comfort and off-road capability, with a driving position that offered good visibility. The Defender's design emphasized functionality, with practical storage solutions and optional exterior cargo-carrying options, making it a versatile choice for adventure seekers.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered smooth and predictable operation, suitable for family use, though not designed for high-performance driving. The Highlander compared well with competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride in terms of power, while the XSE trim added sportier suspension tuning for those seeking a bit more excitement. Despite its size, the Highlander provided a comfortable ride, with the XSE trim offering enhanced handling through higher-rated springs, retuned shock absorbers, and a rear stabilizer bar.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered a range of powertrains, including a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 296 horsepower, a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six mild-hybrid powertrain with 395 horsepower, and a new 518-horsepower V8 engine. The V8 delivered exhilarating performance, propelling the Defender 90 from zero to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds. The Defender's off-road capabilities were complemented by a 4WD system with a two-speed transfer case, impressive ground clearance, and the optional Terrain Response 2 system. The Defender excelled in both on-road comfort and off-road prowess, making it a versatile choice for those seeking adventure.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander offered a spacious interior with three rows of seating. The front featured convenient shelves for storage, while second-row passengers enjoyed ample legroom with available captain's chairs. The third row was suitable for adults with some compromise on space. Cargo capacity was 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,150 litres with the third row folded, and 2,245 litres with both rows down, providing ample space for various needs. However, the placement of rear-seat climate control vents on the ceiling was a minor inconvenience.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender provided flexible seating options with 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats. The Defender 90's two-door design limited rear access but offered impressive comfort. The four-door Defender 110 model provided more cargo space, with up to 1,875 litres available in two-row configurations. The interior emphasized functionality, with a large storage space below the dashboard and a spacious centre-console storage bin. Optional exterior cargo solutions, such as a roof rack and side-mounted cargo boxes, enhanced its practicality for outdoor adventures.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen available on the Platinum trim. Both systems were user-friendly, with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The 12.3-inch screen offered a bright and crisp display, though some apps were limited in size. A JBL audio system was available from the Limited grade, providing good sound quality.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender came with a standard Pivi Pro infotainment system featuring a 10-inch central touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster was standard on most trims, with an optional 11.4-inch touchscreen. The interface was user-friendly, though the screen required a firm touch. A surround-view camera system was standard, with optional features like a 14-speaker Meridian audio system and head-up display, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, intersection support, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. It received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered standard driver-assist features like lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, traffic-sign recognition, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was optional. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available for the Defender, which is common for luxury vehicles.