2022 Land Rover Defender vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Land Rover Defender retained its distinctive design, echoing its heritage with a boxy profile, tailgate-mounted spare wheel, and flat hood reminiscent of the original version and classic Series Land Rovers. Despite these nostalgic elements, the Defender showcased a modern design with rounded corners for improved aerodynamics and recessed LED headlights that added a unique personality. The larger size of the modern Defender compared to its predecessor resulted in more interior space and better ergonomics, offering generous headroom and legroom with a comfortable driving position. The interior design emphasized the Defender’s rugged character, featuring a mix of leather and suede upholstery, bare metal, and exposed screws, which contributed to its off-road-ready appeal.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Explorer offered a range of models with prices starting from $47,799 to $66,759, excluding destination charges. The Explorer's design was based on a rear-drive platform, allowing for a long and tall hood, short front overhang, and a rakish roofline, giving it a taut, athletic appearance. The blacked-out roof pillars created a "floating roof" effect, popular in previous generations. The interior of higher-trim Explorers displayed a mix of quality and questionable materials, with some elements reminiscent of the base trim. Despite this, the Explorer generally felt worthy of its price point, offering a robust sensation from behind the wheel and a more traditional SUV feel.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered three powertrains, starting with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The mid-level option was a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six mild-hybrid powertrain rated at 395 hp and 406 lb-ft. The highlight was the new-for-2022 V8 engine, delivering 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, propelling the Defender 90 from zero to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, with a top speed of 240 km/h. All models featured a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case. The Defender excelled in off-road capabilities, offering a 3,500-kilogram towing capacity and advanced off-road systems like Terrain Response 2.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided three powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine generating 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. The hybrid option, available on the Limited trim, combined a 3.3-litre V6 engine for a total of 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, offering a towing capacity of 2,268 kg. The top-tier option was a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,540 kg. The Explorer delivered a robust driving experience, with the Timberline model offering enhanced off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered versatile seating configurations, with the two-door Defender 90 featuring 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats, albeit with limited cargo space. The four-door Defender 110 provided more options, including two-row, five-seat, and three-row, seven-seat configurations. Cargo space varied from 160 litres with all seats in place to 1,875 litres with seats folded, surpassing competitors like the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. The interior emphasized functionality, with strategically placed controls and ample storage options, including a large centre-console storage bin that could be equipped with refrigeration.

The 2022 Ford Explorer catered to families, offering comfort for four and the option to carry five with a second-row bench seat. The third-row seat was best suited for children due to limited space. Higher trims featured amenities like triple-zone climate control, heated and ventilated seats, and a power-adjustable heated steering wheel. Cargo space ranged from 528 litres behind the third row to 2,132 litres with all seats folded. However, the Explorer's interior lacked practical storage solutions, with limited pockets and cubbies, though it did offer thoughtful features like built-in cupholders and a hands-free power liftgate.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender came equipped with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, featuring a 10-inch central touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster was standard on all but the base model, with an optional 11.4-inch touchscreen available. The system boasted user-friendly graphics and menu layouts, though the touchscreen required a firm touch. Additional tech options included a 14-speaker Meridian audio system, head-up display, and a surround-view camera system, enhancing the Defender's off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The larger screen appeared as an afterthought, lacking integration with the dashboard design. The system included FordPass Connect services, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a navigation system. Higher trims featured wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera system, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. However, the outdated Sync 3 system struggled with voice recognition, highlighting the need for an upgrade to Sync 4 technology.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender included standard driver-assist features like lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, traffic-sign recognition, and blind-spot monitoring, with optional adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, a common occurrence for luxury vehicles.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with standard Ford Co-Pilot360 features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist. The Explorer also featured a post-collision braking system and MyKey programmable functions, enhancing safety for families.