2023 Land Rover Defender vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner retained its rugged, adventure-ready design, reminiscent of its 1980s SUV roots. Unlike many modern SUVs that have shifted to car-based platforms, the 4Runner maintained its connection to the Toyota Tacoma pickup, offering a high ride height, boxy proportions, and a sharply angled front bumper designed for off-road obstacles. Inside, the 4Runner's design was functional, though it showed its age with a dash layout reminiscent of the late 2000s. In Canada, the 4Runner was available in Trail and SR5 models, with various TRD and Limited package configurations. Standard features included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Toyota Safety Sense P driver assistance features.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender, on the other hand, was celebrated for its classic, boxy design that harkened back to the original 1980s Defender. Its industrial design was consistent, with square-jawed features and steeply angled fittings. The Defender offered a range of accessory packages and was available in three body styles: 90, 110, and 130, each providing unique seating configurations. The interior was functional and durable, with rubber and plastic coatings designed to resist moisture and stains. Despite its high price, the Defender's build quality was excellent, though it lacked the opulence of a Range Rover. The Defender's popularity in Canada was evident, as it outsold the Land Rover Discovery by a significant margin.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a single 4.0-litre V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. While reliable, this engine felt dated and underwhelming in most driving situations, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD with low range. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome on paved roads, with noticeable body roll and jostling over bumps. However, off-road, the 4Runner excelled, with its suspension absorbing rocks and bumps effortlessly. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models featured Crawl Control and a locking differential, enhancing their off-road capabilities. The 4Runner had a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds).

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered a range of engines, including a turbocharged inline-six and a supercharged V8. The V8 delivered 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque, providing impressive acceleration, while the six-cylinder engine, part of a 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain, offered 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The Defender's off-road performance was exceptional, with features like the Terrain Response 2 system and permanent 4WD. However, on-road, the Defender's performance was less refined, with excessive body roll, slow steering, and noticeable wind noise. The V8 model's fuel economy was poor, but the mild-hybrid inline-six offered better efficiency.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner provided a maximum cargo capacity of 2,540 litres in the two-row version, with 1,337 litres of space behind the second row. The three-row model offered slightly less space, with a maximum of 2,514 litres. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-open/close rear window for easy access. While not the most spacious SUV, the 4Runner offered ample storage for gear, though it could have been more efficient in its cabin packaging.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled in interior space and flexibility, offering seating configurations for up to eight passengers. The Defender 90 could seat six with a jump seat, while the 110 and 130 models offered optional third rows. The Defender 130 provided 2,180 litres of cargo space with the third row and second row folded. The Defender's large glass areas and optional panoramic moonroof enhanced visibility, while features like a console refrigerator, heated windshield, and power-deployable side steps added to its versatility.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, surrounded by hard buttons and dials for easy operation. While not the most advanced system, it covered the tech basics and was user-friendly, especially for those who appreciated tactile controls. The 4Runner also offered Bluetooth connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and multiple USB ports, with an optional 15-speaker JBL premium audio system.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro software. The standard 10-inch screen was wide and integrated into the dashboard, while the optional 11.4-inch screen was larger and more legible. Both screens were quick and easy to operate, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Defender also featured heated front seats, keyless entry, and heated power-folding mirrors. Higher trims offered additional features like a head-up display, surround sound, and configurable ambient lighting.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, including forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. It earned four out of five stars in frontal and side-impact testing from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with three stars for rollover testing. The 4Runner was backed by a five-year/100,000-kilometre powertrain warranty.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender scored five out of five stars in Euro NCAP crash testing, praised for its solid structure. It came with six airbags, though it lacked front knee airbags and rear side thorax airbags. The Defender offered advanced safety features like a digital instrument panel with full-screen maps, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system. Standard features included lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking.