2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2023 Land Rover Defender

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from Toyota's Tacoma pickup, featuring a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia that gave it a rugged appearance. However, the side profile introduced a swooping character line over the rear wheel arch, reminiscent of the Toyota Supra and Sienna, which added unnecessary visual weight. The rear design echoed the front grille, but the overall look felt disjointed compared to more cohesive designs like the Kia Telluride or Jeep Grand Cherokee. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid's asymmetrical dash was interrupted by a metallic styling element, creating a helpful storage tray. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned high on the dash, reducing driver distraction. The Bronze Edition featured unique 18-inch bronze alloy wheels and light grey fabric upholstery, which, while visually interesting, attracted dirt and stains easily.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Defender was a nod to classic design with its boxy, square-jawed face and rectangular hood and doors. The design was consistent, with steep angles on fittings like the windshield and bumper. The Defender paid homage to the original 1980s model with tasteful accents such as faux-metal step plates and skylights along the roof. It offered various accessory packages and body styles, including the short two-door 90, medium-length four-door 110, and extended-length four-door 130. The interior focused on function and durability, with rubbers and plastics designed to resist stains. Despite its high price, the Defender's interior was basic, with exposed screws and plain air vents, maintaining its hardcore character. However, the Defender's price tag was steep, especially for the V8 Carpathian Edition, which some found excessive.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, producing 243 horsepower. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive, with an electric motor powering the rear axle for additional traction. The Highlander Hybrid could reach 100 km/h in just over eight seconds, slightly slower than gasoline-only SUVs in its class. The hybrid powertrain provided a quick but tepid response from a standstill, with the gasoline engine supplying more power as speed increased. The CVT's lack of gear shifts resulted in an uninspired drone during acceleration, particularly when climbing hills. The braking system was traditional, with a soft pedal feel and seamless transition from regenerative to physical brakes. The ride quality was soft, with the suspension effectively smoothing over road bumps, and the cabin remained quiet on highways.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled off-road, with impressive grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. Its Terrain Response 2 system adapted the powertrain and chassis to various surfaces, while permanent four-wheel drive ensured traction. However, on-road performance was less refined, with excessive body roll, slow steering, and noticeable wind noise. The Defender's turbocharged inline-six and supercharged V8 engines provided ample power, with the V8 delivering 518 horsepower and 461 lb-ft of torque. The six-cylinder engine, part of a 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain, offered 395 hp and 406 lb-ft, with seamless engine restarts. The Defender's fuel economy varied, with the V8 returning poor ratings, while the mild-hybrid inline-six was more efficient.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered well-cushioned front seats with ample adjustments, though the driver's door armrest was awkwardly positioned. Storage was plentiful, with trays, a centre armrest bin, and large door pockets. The second-row seats were spacious, with sliding and reclining captain's chairs or an optional bench for increased passenger capacity. The third row was less accommodating, suitable for children or short trips. Cargo space was 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,370 litres with the seats folded, and 2,387 litres with the second row stowed.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled in seating configurations, with the Defender 90 offering a jump seat for three across the front. The 110 had an optional third row, while the 130 featured a standard third row for up to eight seats. Rear passengers enjoyed a separate moonroof, climate zone, and USB ports. Cargo space varied by model, with the Defender 130 offering 2,180 litres with seats folded. The Defender's versatility extended to off-road and all-season tires, a metal roof rack, and various accessories like a console refrigerator and power-deployable side steps.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option on top trims. The system was responsive, with logical menus and physical shortcut buttons. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless charging on Limited and Platinum trims. Navigation and an 11-speaker JBL audio system were also available on higher trims.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered two touchscreen infotainment systems with Pivi Pro software. The standard 10-inch screen was wide and integrated, while the optional 11.4-inch screen was larger and more legible. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a voice assistant, and connected apps were standard. The Defender 110 S featured heated power seats and a Meridian sound system, while higher trims added features like air suspension, a head-up display, and configurable ambient lighting.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a blind-spot monitor. The systems generally worked well but could be improved for smoother operation.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender scored five stars in Euro NCAP crash testing. It came with six airbags, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included a digital instrument panel, head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system.