Land Rover Defender Review
Now in its fifth year of production, the Land Rover Defender is marketed as an upscale SUV with impressive performance and a luxury package. While the Defender is undoubtedly capable, it occupies a somewhat unusual position within the wider Land Rover family.
The crux lies in Land Rover’s complex branding. The company has a robust lineup under the Land Rover Discovery name and the ultra-premium Range Rover brand. Then, there’s the Defender. Historically, the three sub-brands had distinct identities. The Defender harked back to the original Land Rovers with steel floors, removable tops, and a functional, no-frills ruggedness. The Discovery series was always more luxurious than the original Defenders. The Range Rover occupied the pinnacle of luxury within the Land Rover universe.
Perhaps it’s a personal preference for minimalist, rugged vehicles, but the Defender’s place has always been somewhat uncertain.
The 2024 Land Rover Defender starts at around $56,000 and can easily reach prices closer to $100,000 when fully optioned. This positions it against rivals like the Jeep Wrangler and Land Rover Discovery. The Defender’s core appeal is its blend of luxury and capability.
Design and Features
The Defender’s design is immediately recognizable, a modern interpretation of a classic form, and it provides a premium ambience inside. The interior boasts a high-quality fit-and-finish. While several configurations are available, the Defender is at its best as an off-road go-anywhere vehicle.
Buyers can select from three and five-door models. The smallest model is the two-door Defender 90, while the four-door Defender 110 offers more passenger space. Both are available with a variety of engines, including a four-cylinder, a six-cylinder, and a V8. The five-door Defender 130 is the largest, offering three-row seating.
The Defender boasts a full suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control.
Performance and Off-Road Capability
The Defender excels at off-road performance, thanks to its advanced Terrain Response system and a plethora of options. With options like locking differentials, a wading depth of up to 35.4 inches, and exceptional ground clearance, the Defender is well-equipped to tackle challenging terrain. On the road, the Defender provides a refined driving experience, thanks to its comfortable ride and responsive handling.
The Defender comes equipped with a capable all-wheel-drive system.
With the 2024 Land Rover Defender, buyers can select from the trim levels 90, 110, and 130 models. The 90 has the shortest wheelbase, while the 110 and 130 offer more space. The Defender 110 models can be purchased with a 3.0L inline-six with 395 horsepower. The Defender 90 two-door with a 5.0L V8 with 518 horsepower is also available. I still think the Defender echos the ruggedness of the earliest Land Rovers.
Overall, the Land Rover Defender is a compelling SUV. It has an exterior design, spacious cabin, and extensive range of customization options.
While the Defender provides some of the same utility as a Jeep and off-road capability, it maintains a distinctive presence with its premium interior detailing. If you want to take your vehicle off the road, the Defender offers impressive capabilities.
Trim Levels
- **2024 Defender 90** Starting at $55,100.00
- **2024 Defender 110** Starting at $56,800.00
- **2024 Defender 130** Starting at $69,900.00
In conclusion, the Defender is as capable as any Land Rover and is a good choice if you like the looks and the added ruggedness. If you buy it, you will have an easy-to-drive, good-looking SUV.”, “title_image
