Toyota 4Runner is a mid-size SUV known for its bulletproof build-quality and reliability. Its mechanical dexterity and ruggedness makes it a capable off-roader. 4Runner is available in both 5 and 7-seating capabilities with the option of full-time or part-time 4WD drivetrain. On the other hand, Land Rover Defender is an SUV that is known for its stylish looks and eye-catching road presence. Like 4Runner, Defender also possesses exceptional off-roading capabilities. Therefore, comparing these cars makes sense. A detailed comparison of Land Rover Defender vs Toyota 4Runner on the basis of their dimensions, features, comfort, engine options, safety specifications, and pricing details are provided in this comparison blog.
Table of Contents
Land Rover Defender vs Toyota 4Runner: Dimensions
Dimensions decide the size, comfort, and road presence of a car. Therefore, comparing Land Rover Defender and Toyota 4Runner can help us disclose some useful details regarding the same.
| Dimensions | Land Rover Defender | Toyota 4Runner |
| Length | 5018 mm | 4950 mm |
| Width | 2105 mm | 1979 mm to 2030 mm (depending upon the variant) |
| Height | 1967 mm | 1844 mm to 1918 mm (depending upon the variant) |
| Wheelbase | 3022 mm | 2850 mm (depending upon the variant) |
| Bootspace | 520 litres | 343 litres (depending upon the variant) |
| Ground Clearance | 218 mm | 234 mm to 257 mm (depending upon the variant) |
Land Rover Defender is a bigger vehicle when it comes to sheer dimensions. The bootspace of Defender is also bigger than Toyota 4Runner when all the rear seats are folded. However, the ground clearance of 4Runner is much higher than Defender giving it a clear advantage in the off-roading terrains.
Summary: Defender is a bigger vehicle that translates to more space inside the cabin whereas 4Runner has a clear advantage as far as ground clearance is concerned.
Land Rover Defender vs Toyota 4Runner: Engine & Transmission Options
Evaluating the engine and transmission options is also equally important while comparing two cars. The detailed comparison table of Land Rover Defender vs Toyota 4Runner with respect to engine and transmission options is given below:
| Basis of Comparison | Land Rover Defender | Toyota 4Runner |
| Engine Options | 2.0-litre Turbo Petrol3.0-litre Turbo Diesel5.0-litre Supercharged V84.4-litre Twin-Turbo V8 | 2.4-litre Turbocharged 4-cylinder2.4-litre Turbocharged 4-cylinder + electric motor (hybrid variants) |
| Transmission | 8-Speed Torque Converter | 8-speed Automatic Transmission |
| Power | Ranges from 296 bhp to 626 bhp depending upon the variant | Up to 326 bhp (depending upon the variant) |
| Torque | Ranges from 400 Nm to 750 Nm | Regular petrol engine produces a torque up to 317 Nm whereas the electric motor generates a torque of up to 465 Nm |
| Mileage/Range | Up to 14 kmpl depending upon engine. Fuel-type, and variant | Up to 12.3 kmpl |
More and better engine options are offered with Defender whereas 4Runner relies on the traditional engine of Toyota which is both reliable and sturdy. The transmission options are almost similar but Defender offers slightly more mileage than 4Runner.
Summary: Defender proves to be a clear winner as far as power, engine options, and torque are concerned.
Land Rover Defender vs Toyota 4Runner: Comfort & Features
Comfort and features can be the deciding point while selecting cars for most car enthusiasts. So, let’s compare Toyota 4Runner and Land Rover Defender on the basis of their comfort and features now:
| Features | Land Rover Defender | Toyota 4Runner |
| Infotainment | 131-inch Pivi Pro touchscreen infotainment system | 8-inch multimedia touchscreen that can be upgraded to the 14-inch touchscreen |
| Music | Meridian Surround Sound System | 6-speaker sound system that can be upgraded to a 14-speaker JBL premium audio system |
| Climate Control | 3-zone automatic climate control (dual zone in some variants) | Dual-zone automatic climate control on higher trims |
| Ventilated Seats | Front seats are equipped with both heating and cooling function | Heated and ventilated seats are only available with higher trims |
| Adjustable Steering | Power-adjustable tilt and telescopic steering adjustment | 8-way power adjustable front seats with lumbar support and memory settings in higher variants |
| Drive Modes | Multiple drive modes including Sand, Mud, Rock Crawl, and Snow | Standard modes like Eco, Normal, and Sport are offered in most variants. The variants with Adaptive Variable Suspension come with Sport S and Sport+ modes for sharper handling |
| Instrument Cluster | 12.3-inch interactive driver’s display | Customisable digital instrument cluster |
| Sunroof | Panoramic sunroof | Power-tilt/slidable moonroof available as an upgrade |
| Adjustable Seats (Manual or Electric) | Electrically-adjustable front seats with memory function for the driver’s seat | Electrically-adjustable front seats with memory function |
| Rear AC Vents | Dedicated AC vents for both second and third-row passengers | Dedicated AC vents are provided for the rear passengers |
| 60:40 Rear Split Seats | 60:40 rear split seats | 60:40 split rear seats with flat design available for easy adjustment |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control is available as an upgrade | Adaptive Cruise Control |
Both Land Rover Defender andToyota 4Runner are feature-packed vehicles with plenty of comfort-related specifications dedicated to front and rear passengers. However, most of the advanced features of 4Runner are either available as an upgrade or provided in the higher trims only.
Summary: Land Rover Defender has a clear advantage over Toyota 4Runner when it comes to features, comfort, and tech-related specifications.
Land Rover Defender vs Toyota 4Runner: Safety Ratings & Features
Safety features and specifications must also be considered while comparing cars. The safety ratings along with other safety-related features of Land Rover Defender and Toyota 4Runner are provided below:
| Safety Features | Land Rover Defender | Toyota 4Runner |
| GNCAP Safety Rating | 5-star rating from Euro NCAP (ENCAP) | 4-star ratings from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of USA |
| Airbags | 6 airbags | 8 airbags is offered as a standard across the variants |
| ABS with EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| ESC | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rain-Sensing Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Hold Assist | ✓ | ✓ (Hill Start Assist Control) |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Sensors | Front and rear parking sensors | ✓ (Only Available on Higher Trims) |
| Rear Parking Camera | ✓ (can be upgraded to a 3D Surround Camera) | Available with front and rear parking sensors on higher trims |
| ISOFIX Child Seat Anchor Points | ✓ | ✓ |
| ADAS | Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking, and other advanced safety features are included in the ADAS package of Land Rover Defender | Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Pre-Collision with Pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, lane tracing assist, and other safety features are integrated as a standard in the ADAS package of 4Runner. |
Land Rover Defender has secured a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating whereas Toyota 4Runner is not tested by any global safety rating agency. It has more airbags than the Defender but having more airbags does not mean that the vehicle is more secure. It is so because 4Runner offers some advanced features only in the higher trims whereas Defender offers most of the essential and advanced safety features as standard across the variants.
Summary: When it comes to safety, Defender proves to be much better than Toyota 4Runner.
Land Rover Defender vs Toyota 4Runner: Pricing Details
Now, let’s compare Toyota 4Runner vs Land Rover Defender on the basis of their pricing details:
| Land Rover Defender | Ex-Showroom Price | Toyota 4Runner | Ex-Showroom Price |
| Base Variants: 2.0 Petrol 110 SE, 2.0 Petrol 90 HSE, and 3.0 Diesel 90 HSE | Rs. 1.03 crore to Rs. 1.26 crore | Base Variant: SR5 or TRD Off-Road | Up to Rs. 45 lakhs |
| Mid Variants: 3.0 Diesel 110 X-Dynamic HSE, 3.0 Diesel 130 X-Dynamic HSE, and 3.0 Petrol 130 X | Rs. 1.29 crore to Rs. 1.46 crore | Mid Variants: TRD Sport or Limited | Up to Rs. 55 lakhs |
| Top Variants: 5.0 V8 Petrol 110, and 4.4 V8 Petrol OCTA Edition One | Rs. 1.50 crore to Rs. 2.79 crore | Top Variants: TRD Pro, Platinum, or Trailhunter | Rs. 58 lakhs to Rs. 70 lakhs |
Toyota 4Runner is much cheaper than Land Rover Defender across the variants if we convert its cost from USD to INR. Sadly, as 4Runner is not available in India, you would have to import it. Moreover, as it is a primarily left hand drive car, the company would have to convert it into a right hand drive car which will increase its cost dramatically. Overall, you should expect the import price of Toyota 4Runner from Rs. 1 crore to Rs. 1.50 crores depending upon the variant.
Summary: Across the variants, Defender proves to be a much more expensive car than Toyota 4Runner.
Summary
If you are looking for a vehicle purely for off-roading, we recommend the Toyota 4Runner because it is rugged, has a higher ground clearance, and is cheaper than the Defender even after being an imported vehicle. However, if you want a vehicle that can also be used for city driving and occasional long trips, Defender proves to be a better choice.
FAQs
Q. Which is the better car for off-roading: Land Rover Defender vs Toyota 4Runner?
Both Defender and Toyota 4Runner are capable off-roaders. Yet, if you want a car purely for off-roading, Toyota 4Runner can prove to be a better choice.
Q. Which car offers more safety features: Land Rover Defender vs Toyota 4Runner?
Both Toyota 4Runner and Defender are safe vehicles but if we consider the safety ratings and overall safety features, Defender proves to be a clear winner.
Q. Land Rover Defender vs Toyota 4Runner: Which car is better comfort-wise?
The highly advanced air suspension, high-speed stability, and overall comfort makes Land Rover Defender a better option than Toyota 4Runner.
Q. Land Rover Defender or Toyota 4Runner: Which car should I buy for my family?
Defender is clearly the better car for your family because of its spacious interiors, advanced features, and comfortable seats.
Q. Is Toyota 4Runner available in Toyota showrooms across India?
No, Toyota 4Runner is not directly available across the Toyota showrooms in India. However, you can get it imported from the US after converting it as per the Indian right hand side rule which will increase its cost up to Rs. 1.50 crores for the top-spec trims.
