VS
At a Glance
Power
518hp @ 6500
278hp @ 6000
Torque
461lb-ft @ 2500
317lb-ft @ 1700
Towing
8200lbs
6000lbs
Engine
5.0 L/305cc
2.4 L/146cc
Choosing between the Land Rover Defender and the Toyota 4runner is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Land Rover Defender delivers 518hp @ 6500 while the Toyota 4runner produces 278hp @ 6000. Pricing starts at $63,500 for the Defender and $56,270 for the 4runner. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
518hp @ 6500
278hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
461lb-ft @ 2500
317lb-ft @ 1700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
5.0 L/305cc
2.4 L/146cc
Cylinders
8
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Supercharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic w/OD
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
23.8gal
19gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
197.5in
194.9in
Width (in)
79.1in
77.9in
Height (in)
77.4in
73.6in
Wheelbase (in)
119in
112.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
5735lbs
4850lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
8200lbs
6000lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
4runner
Practicality
Defender
Pros & Cons
Land Rover Defender
Higher towing capacity (8200lbs)
Higher starting price
Toyota 4runner
Lower starting price ($56,270)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Defender or 4runner?
The Defender produces 518hp @ 6500 and 461lb-ft @ 2500 of torque while the 4runner delivers 278hp @ 6000 and 317lb-ft @ 1700 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Defender and 4runner?
The Defender starts from $63,500 and the 4runner from $56,270. The 4runner is cheaper by $7,230 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Defender or 4runner?
The Defender has a braked towing capacity of 8200lbs and the 4runner can tow 6000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Defender or the 4runner?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.