Rooted in British engineering and designed to withstand tough terrains, what would become known as the Land Rover Defender was originally created with a utilitarian purpose in mind. The durable off-road vehicle was inspired by the rugged military and agricultural vehicles used during World War II. It was first built by the Rover Company in 1948.
The Defender nameplate was the successor to the older Series I, II and III models introduced by Land Rover between 1948 and 1982. The Land Rover Defender 90 and 110 were launched in 1983. The names are based on their respective wheelbase lengths (90 inches and 110 inches). While Defender remained true to its utilitarian design, its appeal grew beyond its rugged utility. It became a symbol of British motoring.
But after nearly 70 years of service, Land Rover announced the end of the Defender’s production in 2016. It cited stricter modern regulations, particularly in crash safety and emissions, that the Defender’s old design could not meet. The Defender’s departure marked the end of an era, as the model had a loyal following worldwide, especially among off-road enthusiasts and enthusiasts of British military vehicles.
Defender’s Well-Timed Re-Release
But four years later it was back! By 2020, there was a growing demand for adventure-oriented SUVs that combined off-road capability with modern features. Advanced driver-assistance systems, infotainment technology, and safety features had become standard in most vehicles, including those in the off-road category. And consumers had begun to show a willingness to invest in premium, off-road-ready vehicles.
And thus, the 2020 Land Rover Defender rose again. Indeed, it retained the core essence of its rugged design and off-road prowess as expected. But the new Defender returned with more fuel-efficient engines, including mild-hybrid and hybrid options. And the 2020 reintroduction of the Defender marked the first time that the model was fully positioned as a luxury SUV.
Even at the base level, it offers leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, premium sound system, and a focus on comfortable seating. It further proves ready to compete against the popular category contenders in terms of modern tech. All trims include a high-definition touchscreen and a nice package of advanced safety features. This includes adaptive cruise control. And a surround-view camera system is helpful both in maneuvering it both in parking lots and off-road.
All this, plus its cultural nostalgia made the reintroduction of the Defender a great comeback story.
The Modern Defender
Defender is available as a two-door two-row (Defender 90), a four-door two-row (Defender 110) and a long-wheelbase three-row (Defender 130). Its swing-out tailgate requires a little muscle due to the mounted spare tire on it. But it opens to plenty of cargo space. The height-adjusting air suspension, numerous grab handles and large doors make access easy. Inside, its massive second row, tall roof and large windows give the cabin a roomy feel.
We drove the 110 with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with mild-hybrid technology, rated at 20 MPG combined. It was good for 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft. Ours was the X-Dynamic SE, sitting right in the middle of the trim choices, adding unique silver and black exterior trim and two-tone synthetic leather upholstery.
As tested, our Defender’s starting price was $72,000
Extras included an Off-Road Pack ($1,500) adding all-terrain tires, an electronic active differential, and domestic plug sockets. An Air Suspension Pack ($1,500) included the electronic air suspension, adaptive dynamics, and automatic headlight leveling. And a Cold Climate Pack ($500) gave it a heated windscreen, heated washer jets, and headlight power wash features.
The ClearSight rear-view mirror ($570) was another nicety. It uses a rear-mounted camera to display a wide-angle camera view of what’s behind your vehicle right on your rear-view mirror. So even if you have tall people sitting in the back seat or your cargo area is piled high with camping equipment, furniture, or moving boxes, you’ll have no problems backing up.
Total MSRP was right at $82K including destination and delivery charges, after adding on a host of other touches. The list included special paint, a tow hitch, heated rear seats, a Meridian Surround Sound System, 20” 5-spoke Satin Gray wheels, three zone climate control, Cabin Air Purification Plus, an interior protection pack, emergency pack, and a handover pack.
THE BOTTOM LINE:
For those who need a versatile vehicle that can conquer tough terrain and provide comfort and technology on-road, the Defender is a standout choice.
Related Reading: The Defender’s evolution from utilitarian workhorse to the luxury vehicle segment is similar to the evolution of America’s light-duty pickups.
