2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2022 Land Rover Defender

The 2022 Land Rover Defender retained its distinctive design, echoing its heritage with a boxy profile, tailgate-mounted spare tire, and flat hood. Despite these retro elements, it embraced modernity with rounded corners for better aerodynamics and recessed LED headlights that added a unique personality. The interior was spacious, offering improved headroom and legroom compared to its predecessors, and featured a rugged yet stylish design with a mix of leather and suede upholstery, exposed screws, and metal trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from the Tacoma, with a rugged trapezoidal grille and upright fascia. However, its side profile introduced a swooping character line that added unnecessary visual weight. The interior was unconventional, with an asymmetrical dash and metallic styling elements. The Bronze Edition featured light grey fabric upholstery with a triangle motif, which was prone to dirt and stains. The Softex synthetic leather was less convincing compared to genuine leather, which was only available in higher trims.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered three powertrains: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 296 hp, a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six mild-hybrid with 395 hp, and a new 5.0-liter V8 producing 518 hp. The V8 accelerated the Defender 90 from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. All models featured a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The Defender excelled in off-road capabilities with features like Terrain Response 2 and All-Terrain Progress Control, while maintaining comfort on paved roads.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine producing 243 hp, paired with a CVT and standard FWD. AWD was available via an electric motor on the rear axle. It reached 60 mph in just over 8 seconds. The hybrid powertrain provided a smooth ride, with regenerative braking seamlessly transitioning to physical brakes. The suspension offered a comfortable ride, and the cabin remained quiet, though the engine drone was noticeable under heavy acceleration.

The Defender's interior featured 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats, with the two-door model offering limited cargo space but impressive usability. The four-door Defender 110 provided more versatility with up to 70.4 cubic feet of cargo space. The interior emphasized functionality with a large center-console storage bin and optional roof rack and cargo boxes.

The Highlander Hybrid's front seats were comfortable with ample adjustments, though the driver's armrest was awkwardly positioned. The second row was spacious, with sliding and reclining captain's chairs or an optional bench. The third row was less accommodating, suitable for children or short trips. Cargo space ranged from 16 cubic feet behind the third row to 84.3 cubic feet with seats folded.

The Defender's Pivi Pro infotainment system included a 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. An 11.4-inch touchscreen was newly available, and optional features included a 14-speaker Meridian audio system and a surround-view camera.

The Highlander Hybrid featured an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option for higher trims. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Higher trims offered a wireless charging pad, navigation, and an 11-speaker JBL audio system.

The Defender included standard lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and traffic-sign recognition, with optional blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. It lacked safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.

The Highlander Hybrid received a five-star NHTSA rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick+. It included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Some systems required fine-tuning, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist.