2023 Land Rover Defender vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

In Canada, the 2023 Land Rover Defender was a popular choice, outselling the Land Rover Discovery by a significant margin. 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 of which contributed to its classic truck aesthetic. Tasteful accents like the dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood, skylights along the roof, and the full-size wheel and tire mounted to the hatch paid homage to the original 1980s Defender. The Defender was available in three body styles: the short two-door 90, the medium-length four-door 110, and the extended-length four-door 130, offering a unique choice among SUVs.

Inside, the Defender focused on function and durability, with most of the interior coated in rubbers and plastics designed to resist moisture and stains. Despite its high price, the interior was basic and barren, with exposed screws and plain-looking air vents, maintaining the Defender's hardcore character. While the build quality and fit were excellent, the Defender's interior lacked the opulence of a Range Rover. The Defender 110 V8 Carpathian Edition, priced at around $140,000, felt excessive, yet it continued to sell well in Canada, indicating that not everyone shared this sentiment.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to shed its minivan image with a design that resembled a Japanese bullet train, featuring larger wheels on the XSE trim. The Sienna offered a range of trims, from the base LE to the sporty XSE and upper-class Limited, with a new 25th Anniversary Special Edition trim for 2023. Value-conscious Canadian shoppers could opt for the XLE trim, which included standard power-sliding doors and a power liftgate with kick sensors, making it a practical choice for families.

Inside, the Sienna impressed with its high-quality brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents on the centre console. It offered seating for seven or eight passengers, with the option for three-across car seats in the middle row. The Sienna's interior was designed for comfort and functionality, with features like extending ottomans for extra thigh support and sliding middle-row seats for easy access to the third row. The Sienna's design and features made it a smart choice for families seeking a stylish and practical minivan.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled off-road, with its impressive grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. Its air suspension allowed it to tackle almost any path, although most owners likely didn't use its full capabilities. On-road, the Defender's performance was less impressive, with excessive body roll, slow steering, and noticeable wind noise. The turbocharged inline-six and supercharged V8 engines provided ample power, with the V8 delivering 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. The six-cylinder engine, part of a 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain, offered 395 hp and 406 lb-ft, providing a balance of performance and fuel efficiency. The Defender's fuel economy varied, with the V8 returning 16.4/12.7/14.7 L/100 km, while the six-cylinder achieved 12.9/10.4/11.8 L/100 km.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and electric motors, producing 245 net system horsepower. While its power output was less impressive than some competitors, the Sienna's chassis and steering made it surprisingly nimble and fun to drive. The Sienna offered several drive modes, but the normal mode was recommended for the best balance of performance and efficiency. Despite its size, the Sienna was easy to drive around town and cruised comfortably on the highway.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered unmatched seating configurations, with the ability to seat up to eight passengers. The Defender 90 featured a jump seat for three across in the front, while the 110 and 130 models offered optional third rows. The Defender's large glass and panoramic moonroof provided excellent visibility, and its cargo space varied depending on the model. The Defender 130 offered 2,180 litres of cargo space with the third row folded, while the 110 provided 2,237 litres. The Defender's off-road capabilities were complemented by features like a metal roof rack, console refrigerator, and power-deployable side steps.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior storage solutions, with plenty of space for bags and personal items. The Sienna's three-zone climate control and optional four-zone system ensured comfort for all passengers. With a length of 5,175 millimetres and a wheelbase of 3,061 millimetres, the Sienna made excellent use of space, offering 949 litres of cargo space behind the third row and 2,860 litres in total. While the middle row couldn't be fully removed, the Sienna's captain's chairs and sliding seats provided flexibility and comfort for passengers.

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

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, however, used an older infotainment interface with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, requiring a wired connection. The Sienna's 9-inch touchscreen was complemented by physical buttons, providing a functional and reliable system. The Sienna's technology package included a 12-speaker JBL premium audio system, standard on Limited and available on XSE AWD.

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

The 2023 Toyota Sienna impressed with its standard safety technology, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. While it lacked some of the more gimmicky features found in competitors, the Sienna's safety package was comprehensive and reliable.