2023 Land Rover Defender vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

In Canada, the 2023 Land Rover Defender significantly outsold the Land Rover Discovery, with a preference for its boxy, classic truck design reminiscent of the old LR4. The Defender's aesthetic was defined by its square-jawed face, rectangular hood, and doors, with steep angles on the windshield and bumper. It featured tasteful nods to the original 1980s Defender, such as dome and faux-metal step plates, skylights, and a full-size wheel mounted on the hatch. Available in three body styles—90, 110, and 130—the Defender offered unmatched versatility and a rugged, functional interior with durable materials, despite its high price tag.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner, particularly the 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE), embraced retro styling with body stripes and bronze accents. It maintained the look of traditional truck-based SUVs, appealing to those who appreciated a solid, purposeful design. The interior, while featuring plenty of plastic, was functional and easy to use, even with gloves. The 4Runner's design was both nostalgic and practical, offering a unique charm that resonated with fans of classic SUVs.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled off-road, with impressive grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. Its turbocharged inline-six and supercharged V8 engines provided robust performance, with the V8 delivering 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. Despite its off-road prowess, the Defender's on-road performance was less refined, with noticeable body roll and wind noise. The mild-hybrid inline-six offered a balance of power and efficiency, while the four-cylinder engine was less impressive for highway driving.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4.0-litre V6 engine with 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. It offered two 4WD systems and a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The 4Runner's off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like Active Traction Control and Multi-Terrain Select. While it performed well off-road, its on-road dynamics were less polished, with leisurely acceleration and heavy steering. The 4Runner was more suited to rugged terrains than urban environments.

The Defender offered exceptional versatility with seating configurations for up to eight passengers. The Defender 90 could seat six with a jump seat, while the 130 provided a standard third row. It boasted ample cargo space, with the 130 offering up to 2,180 litres with seats folded. Features like a panoramic moonroof, console refrigerator, and off-road accessories added to its appeal.

The 4Runner's standout feature was its power rear window, enhancing ventilation. It provided comfortable seating with dual-zone climate control and ample storage, though some lacked liners. The second row was spacious, but the optional third row was cramped and reduced cargo space. Without the third row, it offered 1,337 litres of cargo space, making it practical for families and adventurers alike.

The Defender featured two touchscreen infotainment systems with Pivi Pro software, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard features included heated seats and keyless entry, with options for a larger touchscreen, head-up display, and advanced Terrain Response 2 system.

The 4Runner's technology was more traditional, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM, with options for navigation and a JBL sound system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the graphics were dated. Voice recognition performed well, handling most commands effectively.

The Defender earned a five-star Euro NCAP rating, with standard safety features like lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking. However, it lacked some airbags, which was a concern.

The 4Runner included Toyota Safety Sense, with features like forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. It received a four-star NHTSA rating, with lower scores for frontal-impact and rollover resistance, reflecting its older design.