Tundra or Defender?

I’ve been looking at the new Tundra for a month or more now. Test drove a few. Really love the new TRD Pro black on black. Getting one at a good price seems to be the challenge. Yesterday I test drove a new LR Defender and it was awesome af. Adaptive air suspension and a beautiful interior to match. I’m trying to think why I wouldn’t just buy the defender. I need a daily driver here on my farm in Virginia but also a vehicle to take the family on fishing trips to tenn and out west. If I’m gonna pay $80k+ on a new Tundra why wouldn’t I just get a 2021 Defender with 20k miles or less for the same price or less? Go ahead. Roast me. Change my mind.

 

Because the new defender is a travesty to the legacy of the originals?

Because the new defender looks like a new Bronco (also a travesty to its own legacy)?

Because...

Hahaha sorry. You asked. I'm mostly joking. Buy the one that puts a smile on your face when you look at it, sit in it, drive it...

 

Buy the defender then? Those two vehicles don't remotely compete with each other in my mind, so it sounds like you just want a new vehicle and if the defender is what you want then get it. Only argument (as always) would be reliability, but that's not proven on the new tundra so a moot point. Nothing else is really comparable lol

 

Because I'd like for my vehicle to not break down.

Seriously. A cursory search of "Land Rover Defender" shows that their reliability is absolutely horrific.

 

Q: Why do Brits drink warm beer?
A: Because Lucas Electric makes refrigerators also

 

Says the guy with a recall on an instrument cluster and tonneau cover.

 

I felt the same way. Until I drove it. Wow. It really is a nice overland suv.

 

As you said I’m not sold on the new hv turbo engine not breaking down on the Tundra/Sequoia. The Defender has a similar setup. In-line 6. Turbo. If I’m gonna chance it on reliability I at least want an interior and off road capabilities worthy to the 80k price tag.

 

If I ever thought of buying a Land Rover, I would only consider the Range Rover, not the Defender. It just doesn't do it for me and I've had two friends that "wouldn't recommend" based on their poor experiences with the Defender. Ymmv.

 

Personally, if I was going that route, I'd spend $50k on a well-restored/upgraded RR County. Or 60 series land cruiser. That would be more Va farm appropriate.

(speaking as a born & raised gent from ye olde dominion)

 

Thsnks. Great input. I have a few old discoverys for the farm and used to have a series 2. I love the rr classic too. Had one that rusted out.

I have the cash for a new vehicle and want something the family will enjoy riding in. We like to fly fish. I’d maybe tow a teardrop.

 

I'm very confused on the comparison...one is a luxury SUV, one is an off road pick up truck...with a bed, with storage. Can you do everything you want in the Rover? Do you want a truck bed? If your just set on spending a ton of money on a new car without very good reliability for both at this point, then buy whatever you want...I just don't see how there is a remote comparison of the two in their intended uses...

Edit: Regardless both are sharp looking for the colors you are looking at!

 

Good question. So I like the tundra and sequoia and started my search with 20-21 models after I sold my 21 4runner. Looking for a daily driver here that I can use to move some crap around occasionally and take off road on camping and fishing trips. I loved driving the 23 tundra and thought I would get one w a topper. Then I saw the new defender 110 and took it for a test drive. Now I want a 21 lightly used defender I think. Back seats go down flat. Tons of room. Cherry interior. Lush and great electronics. Locking diffs. Air bag suspension. Etc.

 

not much for off-road though

 

Nice. Series 2's are beautiful. Wow. My father still kicks himself for trading/selling his '94 Defender 90. Especially after reading what they command now. Good grief.

I'd say get whichever one curls your toes. With regards to flyfishing, I'm always envious seeing folks pull up in their SUVs (4runners, Subarus, Rovers, Cruisers, Tahoes, etc.) and being able to stand under an open lift gate to put their waders on sheltered from the cold rain.

 

If you need a truck then get the Tundra. If you don't need a truck then get the Defender. I personally think they are ugly and overpriced for what you get but I also see the appeal. If I was going for a capable offroad SUV the Bronco Wildtrak with Lux package is what I would get. Is it as nice to drive as the Defender on highway trips, no but the Wildtrak still rides extremely well for what it is on the road and is way more capable off while probably being $15k+ less in price.

 

Well I guess if you're going to treat it like a farm vehicle, I would think truck, but that again depends on condition of farm and actual use...daily driver and occasional hauling/fishing trips, then Defender...

When I think farm vehicle and offroad I imagine getting in and out of the vehicle with muddy muck boots, not caring about what gets in it, on the seats, etc. Then I look at the two interiors you're talking about, and I start to genuinely question what you mean by farm truck. Seems like it would not be my description, and for that I would say whatever excited you to get into.

If you reaaaallly want to get people going though, throw in a lightly used 2020-21 TRD Pro or Platinum or 1794 into the equation.....I'm sure that would light this topic on fire lol

 

I...don't have a recall on an instrument cluster and I don't even own a tonneau cover? I'm so confused. (Which is not abnormal according to my wife. lol)

 

why would you have to pay 80K plus for a tundra?

they arent that expensive

 

With cash on hand, I'd be restoring something from decades ago. Just not a fan of anything automotive today. Lots of good stuff just collecting dust out there.

 

90% of Land Rovers at still on the road today.











The other 10% actually made it back...........

 

I had the same thought when looking for a new vehicle.

The Defender is good times, but gets too expensive with all the goodies I'd like to have.

To answer your question......

That LR better come with a 100k bumper to bumper service plan! With only a partial factory warranty left, I'd be hesitant to spend that kind of scratch on a vehicle that's know for their reliability issues.

 

TRD Pro. Have seen them for $90k

 

thats part of your problem right there, that model is overpriced for what you get

better off to buy a different trim and get a better suspension if your wanting better off-road capabilities.

 

That is super nice looking interior. Seeing those rear "skylight" windows + photos of the exterior reminds me of the old Disco's ('90s models). Those were great vehicles too. Minus the 93 octane.

 

To be clear, you are looking at the 130 Defender right?

I always liked the old Defenders, and wanted a new one until I talked to a British Motors repair shop here in NOVA. They said they love the newer Land Rover/Range Rovers as they keep the shop busy. Once out of warranty I would get rid of the Defender, but definitely a very cool vehicle to mod slightly to look way cool.

 

there is a reason why all new range/land rovers are leased