2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2025 Land Rover Defender

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform with the Tundra pickup, and this was evident in its design cues, such as hexagonal grilles, wheel arches, and strong fender creases. The exterior colour significantly influenced its appearance, with the Celestial Silver on the Capstone model giving it a somewhat dated look reminiscent of a "cop car." Inside, the Sequoia mirrored the Tundra's blocky, geometric dashboard layout, featuring physical dials and buttons for volume and climate control. The Capstone trim boasted semi-aniline leather upholstery, while other trims offered SofTex leatherette or standard leather. The Sequoia provided power-adjustable front seats across all trims and included a power-tilt and -slide moonroof, with a panoramic version available on higher trims.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender had a rugged appeal, with the Defender 110 four-door model striking a balance in design. The Defender offered extensive customization options, with base prices in Canada ranging from $79,050 to $198,460, depending on the model and options. The Defender 130 X trim featured black exterior elements, upgraded interior materials, and comprehensive off-roading technology. Our test vehicle, dressed in Gondwana Stone paint, lacked the new matte paint protection film, and its colour clashed with the orange brake calipers. Inside, the Defender X upgraded to premium Windsor hides with Kvadrat fabric, offering a purposeful and industrial-themed cabin. Despite its luxury materials, the Defender maintained a focus on functionality rather than opulence.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia was exclusively available in a hybrid format, utilizing Toyota's iForce MAX hybrid powertrain. This system combined a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor, producing 427 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. This marked a significant increase over its predecessor, with improved fuel economy rated at 11.7 L/100 km combined with 4WD. The Sequoia featured a standard 4WD system with a selector for 4Hi, 4Lo, and 2WD, and TRD Pro models included a skid plate. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and the Sequoia's on-road handling was adequate for its class. The SR5 TRD Off-Road model offered adventure-readiness with unique tires, off-road suspension, and driver-assist features like Crawl Control and hill-descent control. The Sequoia's maximum towing capacity was 4,137 kilograms, with towing-related upgrades available.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender's test vehicle featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine paired with a mild-hybrid system, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission connected to a standard AWD system with a low-range setting for off-roading. The Defender 130 X accelerated to 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds and had a maximum tow rating of 3,720 kilograms. The adaptive air suspension, hill descent control, and Terrain Response 2 driving modes enhanced its off-road capabilities. The Defender excelled in off-road environments, with impressive ground clearance and approach angles. However, on-road performance was less spirited, with the vehicle's weight and steering limiting its agility. The Defender's fuel economy was observed at 14.5 L/100 km, slightly above the expected 13.0 L/100 km.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone featured automatic power-deploying running boards, aiding entry for shorter individuals. Inside, it offered a maximum of 2,460 litres of cargo space with both second- and third-row seats folded. The second-row seats were easy to move for third-row access, but the third-row seats did not create a flat load floor due to the hybrid powertrain's battery pack. Headroom was slightly reduced, and legroom varied across rows. Second-row captain's chairs were available on higher trims, providing comfort but lacking bolstering.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender 130 required effort for entry unless the air suspension was lowered. It offered three rows of spacious seating, with 12-way power-adjustable front seats featuring heating and ventilation. The Defender provided excellent forward visibility, though the square side mirrors seemed undersized. A panoramic sunroof and fixed glass panel enhanced the open feel. The second-row captain's chairs were heated and ventilated, with adjustable armrests. The Defender 130 excelled in third-row accessibility and comfort. The side-hinged cargo door was heavy and awkward, but the load floor could be lowered for easier access. Cargo space behind the third row was 433 litres, expanding to 2,520 litres with all rear seats folded.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone trim was equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, accessible through a 14-inch touchscreen on most trims. The Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system prioritized functionality over flashiness. A full-colour 12.3-inch driver information display was standard across all trims. The Panoramic View monitor and 10-inch colour head-up display were standard on higher trims. The 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system was available on the Limited trim and standard on Platinum and Capstone.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender featured the Pivi Pro infotainment system with an 11.4-inch touchscreen. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and connected services. Pivi Pro's performance had improved, with accurate voice command responses and a more intuitive user experience. The Defender's Meridian premium sound system impressed, and additional features included a head-up display, ClearSight digital rearview mirror, and surround-view camera system. The Towing Pack added a hands-free trailer reverse-steering system.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.5 suite, including a pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring were also standard. The only optional driver aid was a trailer backup guide with Straight-Path Assist. The Sequoia had not been rated by IIHS or NHTSA, but the similar Tundra earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender was equipped with driver aids such as automatic high beam headlights, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality. A Driver Assistance Mode menu allowed customization of assistance levels. The lane keep assist was decisive, though it occasionally attempted to steer the vehicle into a turnout area. The adaptive cruise and lane centring assist operated transparently, with minor issues in heavy traffic. Crash-test ratings were unavailable for the Defender.