Land Rover Defender vs Toyota bZ

The 2026 Toyota bZ was available in XLE and Limited trims, offering both single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) and dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, with two battery sizes to choose from. The larger battery, while more expensive, provided enhanced power, performance, and range. Canadian pricing ranged from $47,920 to $63,620, inclusive of a $1,930 destination charge. Notably, the XLE FWD and XLE AWD models qualified for a $5,000 federal EV rebate. The U.S.-specification XLE test vehicle featured FWD and the larger battery, a combination unavailable in Canada. The 2026 bZ's restyled exterior, particularly with body-colour trim, was an improvement over its predecessor, the bZ4X. Inside, the redesigned dashboard and centre console offered a cleaner look and higher quality feel, with a 14-inch centre touchscreen integrating climate controls. However, the digital instrument cluster's placement and size remained a concern, as it was difficult to read and could be obstructed by the steering wheel.

The 2026 Land Rover Defender retained its rugged charm while incorporating modern design elements. Its boxy shape and minimalist lighting paid homage to its predecessors, with subtle updates like a new headlight design and revised bumpers. Available in two-door 90 and four-door 110 versions, as well as the stretched 130 body style, the Defender offered versatility. The high-performance Octa model featured massive fender flares and optional carbon fibre trim. Traditionalists could opt for a white contrasting roof and retro-style wheels. Inside, the Defender combined rugged style with upscale quality, featuring a distinctive dashboard and exposed hardware. While not as luxurious as a Range Rover, it offered practicality and minimal distractions. The interior boasted Windsor leather or textile upholstery, a massive glass roof, and excellent fit and finish, justifying its premium pricing compared to competitors like the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler.

The 2026 Toyota bZ offered a choice between a single electric motor with a 57.7-kWh battery pack, delivering 168 horsepower and 198 lb-ft of torque, and dual-motor models with a 74.7-kWh battery producing 338 hp. The FWD model had a range of 380 km, while the AWD XLE offered 468 km. Recharging with a DC fast charger took about 30 minutes from 10% to 80%, and the bZ was compatible with Tesla Superchargers. The larger battery required seven hours to recharge using a Level 2 home charger. Efficiency tests showed favourable results, with the FWD bZ averaging 13.7 kWh/100 km in Eco mode. However, the bZ lacked one-pedal driving capability, and its front-wheel drive configuration struggled with traction in certain situations. On the highway, it was a comfortable cruiser, but its mid-range passing power was limited.

The 2026 Land Rover Defender offered several powertrain options, including a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-four with 296 hp and a supercharged 5.0-litre V8 with 518 hp. The most common choice was a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six producing 395 hp, paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. The Defender excelled off-road, with features like Terrain Response 2 and Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control. The high-performance Octa model boasted a twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 with 626 hp, achieving 0 to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds. Its advanced suspension system provided excellent handling on both rough terrain and regular roads. The Defender's refinement set it apart from other off-roaders, with a quiet interior and smooth ride, although the engine soundtrack felt artificial at higher rpm.

The 2026 Toyota bZ featured a skateboard-style EV platform with 21.1 cm of ground clearance for FWD and 20.6 cm for AWD. The interior offered comfortable seating with eight-way power adjustment for both front seats in XLE and Limited trims. Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated exterior mirrors were standard, with the Limited trim adding ventilated front seats. The bZ lacked a traditional glove compartment but compensated with ample storage options. Rear passengers enjoyed good legroom, though foot space was limited. The bZ provided 784 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,611 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2026 Land Rover Defender accommodated different seating configurations, with the 90 seating five, the 110 seating seven, and the 130 seating up to eight. The Defender 110 offered ample cargo space, with 963 litres behind the second row and 2,231 litres behind the first row in two-row models. The Defender 130, with its extended length, provided more cargo space but compromised departure angle. The interior featured practical storage solutions and analog controls, while certain models boasted a towing capacity of 3,720 kg.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came equipped with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a new 14-inch touchscreen infotainment display. While the infotainment system was generally user-friendly, it lacked a home screen for simultaneous data display and had readability issues in daytime mode. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with SiriusXM satellite radio. Four connected service plans were complimentary, with Drive Connect powering the native navigation system and voice assistant.

The 2026 Land Rover Defender featured a larger 13.1-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The touchscreen's stylish design and user-friendly interface were highlights, though it required deliberate inputs. The Defender offered multiple Meridian audio systems, with the "Body and Soul" front seats adding a unique touch. The array of available cameras, including a low-angle front view, enhanced practicality.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including features like high beam assist, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist added subtle braking and steering inputs for added safety. The bZ also featured blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors. However, the IIHS ratings were mixed, with the bZ's headlights receiving a Poor rating.

The 2026 Land Rover Defender offered standard driver-assistance features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and a surround-view camera system. A driver attention monitor was new for 2026. At the time of writing, safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable.