2024 Land Rover Defender vs. 2024 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro Comparison

The 2024 Land Rover Defender and Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro take different approaches to solving the same problem: How do you engineer a vehicle that’s comfortable for everyday driving but has all-terrain capability for tackling the most grueling conditions?

Land Rover has many decades of experience creating SUVs that do exactly this. The latest Defender is equally luxurious and rugged, not to mention highly customizable. Toyota is also no stranger to building rough-and-tumble trucks and SUVs. The 4Runner is known for being tough, dependable, and tenacious during off-road journeys. 

Want to see how they compare? Let’s check out the highlights of the Defender and 4Runner. 

2024 Land Rover Defender

For the 2024 model year, the Land Rover Defender gains the Outbound trim on the 3-row Defender 130. A potent 493-horsepower supercharged 5.0-liter V8 can also now be had in the 2-row, 5-passenger Defender 110 and 130 models.

Pricing starts at $58,525 for the short-wheelbase 2-door Defender 90. This includes a $1,625 factory-to-dealer delivery fee. 

During many miles of testing various forms of the Defender, we’ve enjoyed its smooth suspension and overall poise. We’re partial to the available 6-cylinder and supercharged V8 engines, if only because they provide stronger acceleration and the type of rapid passing power expected of a luxury vehicle. 

Land Rover Defender Highlights

Multiple sizes and drivetrains:  Land Rover shoppers could spend all day building their ideal version of the Defender. There are three body styles/lengths – 90, 110, and 130 – and four available powertrains. A 296-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is standard in the 90 and 110. Next in line is a 395-hp turbo inline-6 – it’s standard in the 130. Lastly, there are 493- and 518-hp versions of a supercharged V8. Four-wheel drive is standard on every variant.

Outbound model: The Outbound model is new for the 2024 model year and available with the Land Rover Defender 130. Instead of a 3-row seating arrangement, the Outbound trades the rear perch for a cavernous cargo hold that measures in at 47.2 cubic feet. It could make for a prime overlanding vehicle.

Seating for eight: Should a Land Rover Defender buyer prefer to have more seating, it’s worth noting that the roomy 130 models have space for eight onboard. That’s three more than the 2-row 4Runner TRD Pro. 

Off Road Pack: Further boosting the Defender’s go-anywhere credentials, the Off Road Pack includes chunky all-terrain tires, a power socket, and an active electronic differential with torque vectoring by braking.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Defender models near you.

2024 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro

The Toyota 4Runner is available in seven trims: SR5, TRD Sport, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited, and TRD Pro. Pricing begins at $42,100, including a delivery charge of $1,395. Sitting at the top of the 4Runner lineup, the TRD Pro commands $56,565. There are no notable changes to the 4Runner this model year. All trims come with a 270-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission.

This generation of 4Runner dates back to 2010, though Toyota has made a steady stream of improvements since then. There’s big news on the horizon because an entirely new 4Runner is finally coming for the 2025 model year.

Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro Highlights

Reliability and resale:  These are major plus points with the entire 4Runner family. Toyota reliability and dependability coupled with excellent resale value make this a savvy pic for SUV shoppers who want a wallet-friendly, long-term relationship with their vehicle. 

TRD Pro all-terrain hardware: What separates the TRD Pro from the rest of the lineup?  To start, it comes with upgraded springs and shocks, stronger underbody skid plates, a multi-view off-road camera, Toyota’s Crawl Control system, a locking rear differential, and a TRD roof rack. Inside, you’ll find creature comforts like a moonroof, a 15-speaker JBL audio system, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control.

Cargo space: Having room for all sorts of adventure gear is another key attribute of the 4Runner. Behind the split-folding second row, there is a generous 47.2 cubic feet of volume. 

Powered tailgate window: This is great for those times when you either want extra fresh air or need a handy opening to quickly toss items into the cargo bay. It’s been a 4Runnner favorite feature for decades.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the 4Runner models near you.

Similarities

They’re suitable for city driving and capable of traversing extreme conditions. In terms of how they drive, the Land Rover Defender and Toyota 4Runner are a little more truck-like than many other SUVs. But they can also venture into places most rivals would never dare.

Conclusion

There is a lot to like about each of these adventure-seeking SUVs. The Land Rover Defender can be kept simple and stylish in short-wheelbase 90 format. Or it can be turned into an 8-passenger luxury limo that just happens to be capable of trekking through the Sahara. What’s less enamoring is its thirst for fuel and how the price shoots skyward when moving to higher trims.

The Toyota 4Runner is one of those timeless vehicles that proves rock-solid dependability and off-road ability aren’t mutually exclusive. The range-topping TRD Pro has the hardware needed to power through all sorts of driving conditions. Yet, it’s also feeling its age, especially in terms of interior design, ride comfort, and fuel economy. We’ll give the Land Rover Defender the edge, at least until we can pit it against the all-new 2025 4Runner.