Toyota Land Cruiser 300 vs Land Rover Defender: SUV Comparison
The UAE’s love for rugged, luxurious SUVs is unmatched, with vehicles that seamlessly blend off-road capability with urban sophistication dominating its roads and deserts. In this epic showdown, the Toyota Land Cruiser 300, a legendary workhorse with a reputation for unbreakable reliability, faces off against the Land Rover Defender, a modern icon that combines cutting-edge technology with classic off-road prowess. The Land Cruiser 300 is built for endurance, tackling the UAE’s harshest terrains from the dunes of Al Wathba to the highways of Dubai, while the Defender offers a refined ride and advanced systems for both city streets and desert trails.
Whether you’re a family seeking space and reliability or an adventurer craving versatility, this detailed comparison of dimensions, design, performance, safety, and more will help you decide which SUV reigns supreme in 2025. We also explore the best Toyota tyres and Land Rover tyres to optimize their performance in the UAE’s diverse conditions.
Toyota Land Cruiser 300 vs Land Rover Defender: Dimensions Comparison
|
Dimensions |
Toyota Land Cruiser 300 |
Land Rover Defender |
|
Length |
5,115mm |
4,583mm |
|
Width |
1,980mm |
2,008mm |
|
Height |
1,920mm |
1,969mm |
|
Wheelbase |
2,890mm |
2,587mm |
|
Ground Clearance |
221mm |
291mm |
|
Boot Space |
1,004 Litres |
397 Litres |
|
Fuel Tank Capacity |
110 Litres |
90 Litres |
|
Towing Capacity |
3,500kg |
3,500kg |
The Toyota Land Cruiser 300 is longer (5,115mm vs 4,583mm) with a larger wheelbase (2,890mm vs 2,587mm), offering more interior space for its 7-seat configuration, ideal for UAE families. Its 1,004-litre boot space dwarfs the Defender’s 397 litres, perfect for gear-heavy desert trips. The Defender, wider (2,008mm vs 1,980mm) and with higher ground clearance (291mm vs 221mm), is more compact and agile for off-road maneuvers in the UAE’s dunes.
Toyota Land Cruiser 300 vs Land Rover Defender: Exterior Design Comparison
|
Features |
Toyota Land Cruiser 300 |
Land Rover Defender |
|
Lights |
LED |
LED |
|
Alloy Wheels |
20-inch |
20-inch |
|
Body Cladding |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Electric Tailgate |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Roof Rails |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Side Step |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Grille |
Chrome |
Black |
|
Rear Light Bar |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Dual-Tone Colours |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Moonroof |
Yes |
Yes |
The Land Cruiser 300 sports a bold, traditional design with a chrome grille, LED headlights, and 20-inch alloy wheels, emphasizing rugged reliability for the UAE’s deserts. The Defender’s modern, boxy aesthetic, with a black grille and 20-inch alloy wheels, blends retro charm with contemporary flair.
The Land Cruiser’s Toyota Land Cruiser tyres are designed for durability, while the Defender’s Land Rover Defender's tyres balance on-road refinement and off-road grip. Both feature electric tailgates, roof rails, and dual-tone colour options for style-conscious UAE drivers.
Toyota Land Cruiser 300 vs Land Rover Defender: Interior & Features Comparison
|
Features |
Toyota Land Cruiser 300 |
Land Rover Defender |
|
Instrument Cluster |
12.3-inch Display |
12.3-inch Display |
|
Infotainment |
12.3-inch Touchscreen |
11.4-inch Touchscreen |
|
Android Auto |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Apple CarPlay |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Wireless Charger |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Climate Control |
Tri-Zone |
Dual-Zone |
|
Powered Seats |
Front & Rear |
Front & Rear |
|
Ventilated Seats |
Front |
Front & Rear |
|
Moonroof |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Rear Seat Displays |
Optional |
Optional |
|
3rd Row Seats |
Yes (7 seats) |
No |
|
Head-Up Display |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Audio System |
14-speaker JBL |
15-speaker Meridian |
The Land Cruiser 300’s interior prioritizes functionality with a 7-seat layout, tri-zone climate control, and a 14-speaker JBL audio system, ideal for family comfort in the UAE’s heat. The Defender offers a modern, luxurious cabin with a 15-speaker Meridian audio system and ventilated rear seats, enhancing on-road refinement. Both feature large touchscreens, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and head-up displays, but the Land Cruiser’s third row gives it an edge for larger families.
Toyota Land Cruiser 300 vs Land Rover Defender: Engine & Performance Comparison
|
Engines |
3.3L Twin-Turbo V6 Diesel |
3.0L Turbo I6 (P400) |
|
Turbo |
Twin-Turbo |
Single Turbo |
|
Hybrid |
No |
Mild-Hybrid |
|
Electric Motors |
No |
No |
|
Max Power |
302hp |
395hp |
|
Peak Torque |
700Nm |
550Nm |
|
Electric Range |
No |
No |
|
Gearbox |
10-speed AT |
8-speed AT |
|
Adaptive Suspension |
Yes |
Yes (Air Suspension) |
|
Drivetrain |
4WD |
AWD |
The Land Cruiser 300’s 3.3L twin-turbo V6 diesel delivers 302hp and 700 N · m, paired with a 10-speed automatic for robust performance and towing (3,500kg). The Defender’s 3.0L turbo I6 mild-hybrid (395hp, 550Nm) with an 8-speed automatic offers smoother on-road dynamics and a top speed of 191km/h. Both SUVs are capable, but the Land Cruiser’s diesel torque suits heavy-duty tasks, while the Defender’s mild-hybrid efficiency appeals to urban UAE drivers.
Toyota Land Cruiser 300 vs Land Rover Defender: Off-Road Comparison
|
Stats |
Land Cruiser 300 |
Defender |
|
Approach Angle |
32 Degrees |
38 Degrees |
|
Departure Angle |
25 Degrees |
40 Degrees |
|
Breakover Angle |
21 Degrees |
28 Degrees |
|
Ground Clearance |
221mm |
291mm |
|
Water Wading Depth |
700mm |
900mm |
|
Weight |
3,120kg |
2,303kg |
|
Terrain Modes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Limited-Slip Diff |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Locking Diff |
Yes |
Yes |
The Defender excels off-road with a higher ground clearance (291mm vs 221mm), 900mm wading depth, and superior angles (38° approach, 40° departure), making it ideal for UAE’s dunes. Its air suspension and Terrain Response system enhance adaptability. The Land Cruiser 300, with locking differentials and eKDSS, is a proven off-roader, offering durability for extreme conditions. Both are desert-ready, but the Defender’s tech gives it an edge for technical trails.
Toyota Land Cruiser 300 vs Land Rover Defender: Safety Comparison
|
Safety Features |
Land Cruiser 300 |
Defender |
|
Airbags |
10 |
8 |
|
Traction Control |
Yes |
Yes |
|
ISOFIX Anchors |
Yes |
Yes |
|
360-degree Camera |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Off-road Monitor |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Level 2 ADAS |
Yes |
Yes |
Both SUVs offer robust safety suites. The Land Cruiser 300 includes 10 airbags, Level 2 ADAS (e.g., adaptive cruise control), and an off-road monitor, prioritizing family safety. The Defender matches with 8 airbags, Level 2 ADAS, and adds blind-spot detection for highway driving. Both feature 360-degree cameras and ISOFIX anchors, ensuring protection on UAE’s roads and trails.
Why Are Premium Tyres Essential for SUVs in UAE?
Premium tyres are crucial for maximizing the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 and Land Rover Defender’s performance in the UAE’s extreme conditions, from hot highways to sandy dunes. Toyota tyres and Land Rover tyres enhance grip, durability, and safety, ensuring these SUVs excel in urban and off-road environments. Below, we explore the best Toyota Land Cruiser tyres and Land Rover Defender tyres for UAE drivers.
Which Premium Tyres Are Best for Toyota Land Cruiser 300 in UAE?
Common tyre sizes include 265/65R18 and 275/55R20. For off-road adventures, the Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure (265/65R18) offers strong traction for desert trails. The Continental TerrainContact A/T (275/55R20) balances off-road grip and on-road comfort. These Toyota Land Cruiser tyres are ideal for the UAE’s rugged terrains. The Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure excels for all-terrain performance.
For highway efficiency, the Michelin Primacy SUV+ (265/65R18) provides low rolling resistance and durability for urban cruising. The Bridgestone Turanza T005 (275/55R20) ensures a smooth, quiet ride. The Michelin Primacy SUV+ leads for longevity and quietness.
Which Premium Tyres Are Best for Land Rover Defender in UAE?
Common tyre sizes include 255/60R20 and 275/45R22. For on-road performance, the Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season (255/60R20) delivers excellent grip and stability for UAE highways. The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV (275/45R22) offers responsive handling for dynamic driving. These Land Rover Defender tyres ensure agility in urban settings and rare wet conditions. The Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season stands out for high-performance grip.
For off-road capability, the Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac (255/60R20) provides rugged traction for dune bashing. The Bridgestone Dueler A/T 001 (255/60R20) balances off-road grip and on-road smoothness. The Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac excels for its off-road durability.
Which Premium Tyres Should UAE SUV Drivers Choose?
In the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 vs Land Rover Defender showdown, premium tyres elevate both SUVs. For the Land Cruiser, Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure or Michelin Primacy SUV+ ensure off-road capability and highway efficiency. For the Defender, Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season or Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac amplify on-road performance and off-road versatility. PitStopArabia offers these car tyres with doorstep installation across the UAE. Shop now at PitStopArabia.com to upgrade your SUV!
Why Choose PitStopArabia for Your SUV Tyres in UAE?
As the UAE’s leading online tyre store, PitStopArabia provides premium tyres for the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 and Land Rover Defender, including Michelin, Bridgestone, Goodyear, Continental, and Pirelli, designed for UAE’s roads. With free installation, competitive prices, and expert support, we ensure your SUV delivers top performance. Shop now at PitStopArabia.com and elevate your drive!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Toyota Land Cruiser a good car to buy?
Yes, the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 is an excellent choice for UAE drivers, offering unmatched reliability, strong off-road capability, and a spacious 7-seat interior for families and adventurers.
What is the difference between Toyota Land Cruiser and Land Rover Defender?
The Land Cruiser 300 offers superior reliability, a 7-seat layout, and 1,004L boot space, while the Defender provides better on-road refinement, higher ground clearance (291mm vs 221mm), and advanced off-road tech.
Why is the Land Rover Defender popular in the UAE?
The Land Rover Defender is popular in the UAE for its blend of modern luxury, advanced off-road systems like Terrain Response, and iconic design, appealing to both urban and desert drivers.
What cars are similar to the Toyota Land Cruiser?
Cars similar to the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 include the Land Rover Defender, Nissan Patrol, Toyota Prado, and Ford Expedition, offering comparable off-road capability and spacious interiors.
