Defender vs Toyota Land Cruiser

The Defender and the Land Cruiser are shaped for performance—tall stances, flat hoods, and squared silhouettes that make tackling steep climbs and tight trails a breeze. But it’s the design details that distinguish them.

Each model offers an available contrast roof that adds an attention-grabbing feature that helps you stand out on the natural trails. The Land Cruiser’s contrast roof is limited to just two configurations in the same Grayscape finish.

The Defender, on the other hand, lets you get bolder with contrast options available in all colors and in both White and Black shades. That flexibility echoes throughout its design—from its quad exhaust pipes to its raised hood and sculpted grille—giving the Defender a bold edge in self-expression while still looking right at home deep in the wilderness.

Inside, the Defender and the Toyota Land Cruiser shield you from the wild with cabins built like upscale retreats. Mood-boosting amenities like standard or optional climate-controlled seats. But when it comes to crafting your ideal interior, the Defender stands out with five distinct upholstery choices, including:

• Vegan-leather Resist
• Upscale Windsor and Semi-Aniline leather
• Advanced Ultrafabrics™
• Stylish leather-Kvadrat™ textile blend

The Land Cruiser, by contrast, offers just two upholstery options.

Another advantage of the Defender is its available center console refrigerator, ideal for long treks where chilled drinks or fresh snacks feel like luxury in the wild. Whether it's a muddy trail or rocky summit, these cabins deliver comfort without compromise.

Nature doesn’t offer smooth roads or second chances. The Defender, with its all-terrain design, plows confidently through any obstacle. With superior roof load capacity, winching gear, and impressive ground clearance, the Defender is built for high-stakes adventures.

What makes the Defender even more intuitive off the beaten path than the Land Cruiser? The available Terrain Response® 2 system. This advanced multi-terrain mode has six intuitive features, each adjusting to various terrain conditions. While the Land Cruiser comes optionally with the Multi-Terrain Select system, it lacks the Grass, Gravel, and Snow function offered by the Defender.

The off-road prowess of the Defender has been proven in the harshest places on Earth. Tested across more than 2.4 million miles from desert dunes to Arctic extremes, the Defender proves it was forged in adventure.

Not all engines are created equal. This statement couldn’t be more true than when comparing the most potent configurations of the Defender and the Toyota Land Cruiser. Toyota keeps things simple with a single 2.4L turbocharged engine, offering up to 326 horsepower.

For those who crave more say in how they command the road, the Defender offers multiple engine configurations, including a thrilling 5.0L V8 configuration that churns out up to 518 horsepower. As impressive as that is, the Defender continues to raise the bar even higher: the 4.4L Turbocharged V8 in the Defender OCTA unleashes a beastly 626 horsepower!

The Defender continues to impress both on and off paved roads with its available Electronic Air Suspension. This system automatically adjusts the ride height to conquer uneven trails or cruise over potholes with grace. Sadly for Land Cruiser drivers, this SUV is only offered with a traditional suspension system.

With superior articulation and more dynamic driving modes, the Defender delivers a ride that’s exhilarating, responsive, and refined—no matter the destination.

Your adventures aren’t boxed in. Your SUV shouldn’t be either. That’s why the Defender is offered in four unique configurations:

• Defender 90: A nimble 2-door for pure off-roading thrills.
• Defender 110: A balanced 5- or 7-seat SUV ready for road trips and rugged escapes.
• Defender 130: Room for eight, with even more cargo and cabin space.
• Defender OCTA: Built for performance-driven luxury seekers.

Within each of these unique configurations, the Defender offers numerous trim levels, offering seemingly endless ways to tailor your SUV to match your lifestyle.

The Toyota Land Cruiser offers fewer options, most notably with its singular body style. This model keeps it streamlined with a 5-passenger capacity across both of its trim levels. So, if you’re looking for real choice—size, power, and seating— the Defender adapts to your lifestyle, not the other way around.

The Defender and the Toyota Land Cruiser offer optional accessories designed to provide you with everything you could possibly want or need while you’re out and about. The personalization trend continues in this arena, proving the Defender is unmatched in the personalization category. Which of the four curated accessory packs will you pick?

• Explorer Pack: Expedition roof rack, raised air intake, and more for those venturing off the grid.
• Adventure Pack: Portable rinse system, scuff plates, and an integrated air compressor for the weekend thrill-seeker.
• Country Pack: Mudflaps, loadspace partitions, and wheel arch protection for countryside drives.
• Urban Pack: Sleek upgrades to stand out in the cityscape.

Toyota offers a few practical bundles, like the Moab Package with a Pelican cargo case and awning, or the Rookie Tailgate Package designed for laid-back picnic outings. But if you want an SUV that becomes an extension of your lifestyle, the Defender makes it happen seamlessly.