2025 Land Rover Defender vs. 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review

Picture of the 2025 Land Rover Defender

2025 Land Rover
Defender

MSRP*: $56,900 to $118,900
See details & photos

Find Your Best Price Today!

Picture of the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

2024 Toyota
Highlander Hybrid

MSRP*: $40,970 to $53,375
See details & photos

Find Your Best Price Today!

MPG - City Info not available 35 - 36 MPG
MPG - Hwy Info not available 34 - 35 MPG
Seating Capacity 5 - 8 seats 7 - 8 seats
Cargo Space 44.6 - 76.1 ft3 84.3 ft3
Engine
  • 296-hp, 2.0-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 296-hp, 3.0-liter, Straight 6 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline/Mild Electric Hybrid)
  • 395-hp, 3.0-liter, Straight 6 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline/Mild Electric Hybrid)
  • 493-hp, 5.0-liter, 8 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 518-hp, 5.0-liter, 8 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 243-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gas/Electric Hybrid)
Transmission Automatic Continuously Variable
Drivetrain Four Wheel Drive All Wheel Drive, Front Wheel Drive
Horsepower 296 - 518 hp 243 hp
Towing Capacity 7,716 - 8,201 lbs 3,500 lbs
Exterior Length 180.5 - 211.7 in 194.9 in
Exterior Width 79.1 in 76.0 in
Leg Room Front 39.1 in
Rear 36.6 - 38.4 in
Front 42.0 in
Rear 38.7 in
Head Room Front 40.6 in
Rear 40.4 in
Front 38.4 - 41.2 in
Rear 37.1 - 39.4 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
The Land Rover Defender offers rear passengers about the same room to stretch out as the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, with comparable head- and legroom. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid will be a hit with tall drivers and their front seat passengers, since it has greater front head- and legroom than the Land Rover Defender.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The Land Rover Defender will definitely make more of a dent in your wallet than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which has a much lower MSRP.

Dimensions
Since the Land Rover Defender is much wider than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, finding a wide enough spot in a parking lot may be a bit more challenging. If you go with the Land Rover Defender, you may be circling the block looking for a space large enough to park more often than with the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

Handling
The Land Rover Defender has a significantly larger turning radius than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, making it much more difficult to maneuver in and out of tight spots.

Performance
When considering towing capacity, the Land Rover Defender is clearly the choice over the Toyota Highlander Hybrid for pulling heavy loads. When it comes to horsepower, the Land Rover Defender greatly out-muscles the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

Powertrain
Due to its much higher torque, the Land Rover Defender does a much better job of transmitting its engine's horsepower to its wheels than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

Utility
The Land Rover Defender offers greater seating capacity than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, making it a better choice for those who find themselves chauffeuring others around. The Land Rover Defender has less cargo space than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which is okay if you don't need to move a lot in one trip.