2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2024 Land Rover Defender

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was priced at just over $50,000 for the base Hybrid LE, with the Limited trim reaching $61,800 in Canada. It featured a bold design with exaggerated forms, including scowling headlights and flared rear fenders. The interior was equally oversized, with large air vents and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. However, the cabin's mismatched textures and tones, along with reflections from the display, made it visually overwhelming. The quality of materials was questionable, with controls feeling inexpensive and storage areas unlined, leading to potential noise issues. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander Hybrid was notably quiet on the road.

In contrast, the 2024 Land Rover Defender combined a classic boxy profile with modern features like angular headlights. Its interior was rugged and adventure-ready, with soft-touch materials and practical elements reminiscent of a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco. The Defender was available in three body styles: the two-door 90, the four-door 110, and the extended-wheelbase four-door 130, each offering various trims. The Defender 110 S, the most popular configuration, came with features like 19-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, and a panoramic glass roof. The interior was a blend of luxury and functionality, with grip handles, rubberized floors, and numerous cargo compartments.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motor-generators, producing a combined 243 horsepower. It offered standard all-wheel drive and could tow up to 1,588 kilograms, though high-speed passing power was limited. The Highlander Hybrid prioritized fuel economy, with a Predictive Efficient Drive system aiming for 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, though it returned 8.2 L/100 km during testing. The driving experience was described as uninspiring, with soft suspension tuning and a continuously variable transmission contributing to a lack of engagement.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender offered several powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a mild-hybrid turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six, producing 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. The Defender's most powerful V8 engine could accelerate from zero to 96 km/h in 5.1 seconds. It excelled in off-road capabilities, with features like adaptive air suspension and Terrain Response 2 system. The P400 test model provided ample power for highway speeds, though there was a slight lurch during acceleration and deceleration. Overall, the Defender offered a pleasant on-road ride with minimal body roll.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid accommodated seven or eight passengers, though the third row was best suited for occasional use. Standard features included three-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats, with additional options like a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats. The interior offered practical elements like a dashboard shelf and rubber-lined cupholders, though storage areas were unlined. Cargo space was generous, with up to 2,387 litres available with the second-row seats folded.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender provided seating for five to eight passengers, depending on the configuration. The Defender 110 offered an optional third row, while the Defender 130 had three seats in the third row. Cargo capacity varied by model, with the Defender 130 offering up to 2,155 litres with all rear seats folded. The Defender 110 provided 962 litres behind the second row in the two-row version. The interior featured hard plastic surfaces for practicality and easy cleaning.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment systems. The Limited trim featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an 11-speaker JBL sound system. The Drive Connect service plan offered additional features like a cloud-based navigation system and Intelligent Assistant voice recognition.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an 11.4-inch touchscreen, offering navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker Meridian stereo system. The straightforward setup provided a balance of refinement and utility, with home buttons for easy navigation.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with additional features like parking sensors and a surround-view camera on higher trims. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender offered a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. It also included traffic sign recognition, automatic high beams, and a 360-degree parking camera system. However, the lane-departure and lane-keeping assist systems were noted to be overly sensitive. As of this writing, the Defender had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA.