2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2023 Land Rover Defender

In Canada, the 2023 Land Rover Defender was a popular choice, significantly outselling the Land Rover Discovery. Despite being similar in size and price, the Defender's boxy design reminiscent of the old LR4 appealed more to customers than the Discovery's Ford-like appearance. The Defender's design was characterized by its square-jawed face, rectangular hood and doors, and abruptly chopped tail, all contributing to its classic truck aesthetic. Tasteful accents like the dome, faux-metal step plates, and skylights paid homage to the original 1980s Defender. The vehicle was available in three body styles: 90, 110, and 130, offering a range of choices unmatched by other SUVs.

Inside, the Defender focused on function and durability, with most surfaces covered in moisture-wicking rubbers and plastics. Despite its high price, the interior was basic, featuring exposed screws and plain air vents, which maintained the Defender's hardcore character. While the build quality was excellent, the Defender's price tag, especially for the 110 V8 Carpathian Edition, seemed excessive compared to the more opulent Range Rover. However, its strong sales in Canada indicated that many buyers appreciated its unique appeal.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 offered a range of trim levels in Canada, from the RAV4 LE to the more luxurious RAV4 Limited. The design remained consistent with the 2019 model, with the Trail trim featuring a distinctive two-part face and blacked-out wheels. While the Trail trim added rugged styling elements like a faux skid plate and beefier cladding, it was more about appearance than off-road capability. Inside, the Trail trim featured orange accents and a relatively basic centre console, with a frameless rearview mirror adding a touch of premium feel.

The RAV4 provided a practical interior with convenient storage options, including a shelf running the length of the glove compartment and generous door pockets. The vehicle offered competitive headroom and legroom, although the back seat was narrower than some competitors. Cargo space was ample, with 1,059 litres behind the second row and 1,977 litres with the seats folded, placing it ahead of some rivals but behind the Honda CR-V in terms of storage capacity.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled off-road, with impressive grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. Its air suspension allowed it to tackle challenging trails, although most owners likely didn't use its full capabilities. On-road, the Defender's performance was less refined, with noticeable body roll, slow steering, and wind noise. The turbocharged inline-six and supercharged V8 engines provided strong performance, with the V8 delivering 518 horsepower and 461 lb-ft of torque. The six-cylinder engine, part of a mild hybrid powertrain, offered 395 hp and 406 lb-ft, balancing performance and fuel efficiency. The four-cylinder engine, with 296 hp and 295 lb-ft, was less impressive for highway driving.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While not particularly exciting, the engine provided adequate performance for everyday driving. The RAV4 Trail trim included 19-inch wheels and a suspension setup similar to other RAV4 models, offering a comfortable ride. The RAV4's AWD system, now standard across all trims, included a Snow drive mode for added traction in slippery conditions.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered unmatched seating configurations, with the Defender 90 seating six with a jump seat and the 130 accommodating up to eight passengers. The interior featured large glass areas for excellent visibility, and the 130 model included a panoramic moonroof. Cargo space varied by model, with the 130 offering 2,180 litres with seats folded, while the 90 and 110 provided ample storage for their sizes. The Defender also offered a range of practical features, including a console refrigerator, heated windshield, and power-deployable side steps.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 seated five and provided competitive headroom and legroom, although the back seat was narrower than some rivals. The interior featured practical storage options, including a shelf and generous door pockets. Cargo space was ample, with 1,059 litres behind the second row and 1,977 litres with the seats folded, placing it ahead of some competitors but behind the Honda CR-V in terms of storage capacity.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender featured two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro software, with a standard 10-inch screen and an optional 11.4-inch screen. Both screens offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with a voice assistant and connected apps. The Defender also included heated front seats, keyless entry, and heated power-folding mirrors. Higher trims added features like air suspension, a head-up display, and a rearview mirror with a camera display.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, upgraded to a 10.5-inch screen in the Limited trim. The system supported over-the-air updates and included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The RAV4 Trail and Limited trims featured a wireless charging pad, while the Limited trim also included an 11-speaker JBL Premium audio system.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender received a five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash testing, praised for its solid structure. It included 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.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The RAV4 was equipped with the TSS 2.5 suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, including Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The RAV4 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, reflecting its strong safety performance.