2023 Land Rover Defender vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, a continuation of its second generation, showcased a mature design that had remained largely unchanged since 2008. Its exterior maintained a classic appeal with a modestly sized grille, elegant wheel arches, and straight lines, giving it a substantial presence. Despite its age, the Sequoia's interior was built with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity, though it appeared somewhat dated compared to modern SUVs. The Nightshade Special Edition attempted to modernize its look with darkened chrome and black-painted finishes, enhancing its visual appeal.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Defender embraced a boxy, classic truck design reminiscent of the old LR4, which resonated with customers. Its design was characterized by square-jawed features and steep angles, with tasteful nods to the original 1980s Defender. The Defender offered a variety of body styles and accessory packages, allowing for extensive customization. Inside, the Defender prioritized function and durability, with a mix of rubbers and plastics, exposed screws, and a basic yet unique interior that maintained its hardcore character. Despite its high price, the Defender's build quality was excellent, though it lacked the opulence of a Range Rover.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, offering a reliable and durable performance. The Sequoia had a payload capacity of around 1,300 pounds and a towing capacity of 7,400 pounds. However, its weight contributed to low fuel economy ratings of 13 mpg city/17 mpg highway/15 mpg combined for RWD models. Despite its heft, the Sequoia provided a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities enhanced by its body-on-frame construction and independent double-wishbone suspension.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled off-road, with impressive grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. It offered a range of engines, including a turbocharged inline-six and a supercharged V8, with the latter delivering 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. The Defender's eight-speed automatic transmission was flawless, though its on-road performance was less refined, with noticeable body roll and wind noise. The mild-hybrid inline-six provided a balance of performance and fuel efficiency, while the V8 offered exhilarating power but poor fuel economy at 14/19/16 mpg. The Defender's off-road prowess came at the cost of on-road comfort, making it less polished than some luxury competitors.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, offering spacious seating across all three rows and features like three-zone climate control and a power moonroof. Its cargo space was versatile, with up to 120.1 cubic feet available when both the second and third rows were folded. The Sequoia's interior storage options were ample, with a large center console, glove compartment, and door pockets.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender stood out with its flexible seating configurations, accommodating up to eight passengers in the 130 model. The Defender offered excellent visibility with large glass areas and optional panoramic and rear moonroofs. Cargo space varied by model, with the 130 providing 77 cubic feet with seats folded. The Defender's versatility extended to its available features, including off-road tires, a roof rack, and various convenience options like a console refrigerator and power-deployable side steps.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's technology was outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.5-inch driver information screen. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the system felt clunky compared to competitors. The Sequoia offered a premium audio package with JBL speakers and a subwoofer, but its powertrain technology lagged behind modern standards, lacking electrification options.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender featured two touchscreen infotainment systems with Pivi Pro software, offering a seamless user experience. The standard 10-inch screen and optional 11.4-inch screen provided excellent legibility and functionality. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a voice assistant, and navigation. Higher trims added luxury features like heated and cooled seats, a Meridian stereo, and advanced safety systems.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS but was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, including pre-collision systems, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. Additional safety features included a blind-spot monitor, stability control, and a full complement of airbags, ensuring comprehensive protection for occupants.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender received a five-star rating from Euro NCAP, praised for its solid structure. It came with six airbags and standard safety features like 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, enhancing safety and convenience.