2023 Land Rover Defender vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Toyota Sienna stood out in a market where minivans were becoming increasingly rare, as many manufacturers shifted focus to SUVs. Despite this trend, Toyota remained committed to the minivan segment, evolving the Sienna over the years. The fourth-generation Sienna, launched in 2021, embraced a design that blended SUV-like aesthetics with traditional minivan functionality. Its exterior featured a bold front end and cleverly concealed sliding door channels, giving it a more assertive stance. Inside, the Sienna offered a spacious and practical cabin, with ample storage solutions and seating configurations that catered to families. The interior design was uncluttered, providing a comfortable and functional environment for both drivers and passengers.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Defender captured the essence of rugged off-road capability with its boxy, industrial design. The Defender's exterior was characterized by its square-jawed face, rectangular hood, and distinctive chopped tail, reminiscent of classic trucks. It paid homage to the original 1980s Defender with tasteful accents like skylights and faux-metal step plates. The Defender was available in three body styles, offering versatility in seating and cargo configurations. Inside, the Defender prioritized function and durability, with materials designed to withstand the elements. Despite its utilitarian approach, the Defender maintained a unique character, setting it apart from more luxurious models in the Land Rover lineup.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to deliver 243 horsepower. This setup provided a smooth and efficient driving experience, aided by an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Sienna offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available on most trims. Its handling was surprisingly agile for a minivan, thanks to the Toyota Next Generation Architecture (TNGA) platform. Fuel efficiency was a highlight, with Natural Resources Canada rating the FWD Sienna at 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres combined, while the AWD version achieved 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender, on the other hand, excelled in off-road performance. It featured a range of powerful engines, including a turbocharged inline-six and a supercharged V8. The V8 engine produced an impressive 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque, delivering exhilarating acceleration. The Defender's off-road prowess was unmatched, with features like air suspension, Terrain Response 2 system, and permanent four-wheel drive. However, its on-road performance was less refined, with noticeable body roll and wind noise. Fuel economy varied across engine options, with the V8 being the least efficient at 14.7 litres per 100 kilometres combined.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed to be a versatile family vehicle, offering ample cargo space and flexible seating arrangements. It could accommodate a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, and its sliding second row added convenience for loading luggage. Cargo capacity ranged from 949 litres behind the third row to 2,860 litres with the second and third rows folded. The Sienna also boasted a 1,585-kilogram towing capacity. Power-operated sliding doors and liftgate, along with numerous storage compartments and cupholders, enhanced its practicality.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered exceptional versatility in seating configurations, with options to seat up to eight passengers. The Defender 90 featured a unique jump seat, allowing three across in the front, while the 110 and 130 models offered additional seating options. Cargo space varied by model, with the Defender 130 providing up to 2,180 litres with the third row folded. The Defender's interior featured large windows for excellent visibility and a range of available features, including a console refrigerator and power-deployable side steps. Its off-road capabilities were complemented by practical features like a metal roof rack and a pressurized water rinse system.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. While it lacked wireless connectivity for these features, it included a range of telematics services and Bluetooth capabilities. Higher trims offered a 12-speaker JBL audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The Sienna also featured a digital rearview mirror and a Smart Key System on select trims.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender featured two touchscreen infotainment options running Pivi Pro software. The standard 10-inch screen was complemented by an optional 11.4-inch display. Both screens offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a voice assistant and connected apps. The Defender's technology package included heated front seats, keyless entry, and a range of advanced features on higher trims, such as a head-up display and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system, enhancing its family-friendly safety credentials.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. safety organizations but received a five-star rating from Euro NCAP. It offered standard safety features like lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Defender's safety package included a 360-degree camera system and optional features like a head-up display and trailer assist.