For decades, the iconic Land Rover Defender has been the undisputed off-road champion in the British firm's range of 4x4s. Taking the baton from the Series 111 in 1983, the Land Rover 110 as it was called then, continued in the legacy of unmatched off-roading. Apart from the drivetrain and interior changes to meet government regulations, not much had changed regarding the exterior design.
As an update for the 2012 model year, a new engine was introduced, and the soft top body style was brought back to the civilian market. After a short hiatus, a new generation of the Defender was unveiled in September 2019 in Germany at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The new generation embodies the evolution of the Defender into a modern SUV in design, performance, and specifications. Continue reading for a list of things we love about the new Land Rover Defender and one way they have fallen short.
10 Better Handling
Switching from a body on frame chassis to a unibody chassis has given the new Defender qualities found in urban-focused SUVs. Although the tall body may lead you to believe otherwise, the new Defender has decent road manners.
While the SUV might not attack corners as smoothly as an Audi Q7, the steering is light and accurate. Unlike the old Defenders which are incredibly uncomfortable on the pavement, the current Defenders can serve credibly as a daily driver.
9 Plush Interior
The new Land Rover Defender’s cabin has seen many improvements in the quality and equipment it offers. For warmth, the adjustable seats are heated, and there is a dual-zone air conditioning system. Other luxury fittings are the tilt/telescoping steering column, rear power window, driver footrest, cruise control, and steering wheel control.
A notable change is the 10-inch infotainment display - a reminder that the new Land Rover Defender has finally joined the Range Rover and the Discovery in delivering better infotainment.
8 Air Suspension
In the old Defender, Land Rover achieved superior off-roading capacity, but on-road ride quality was bouncy. However, for the latest models, a balance has been achieved by using a unibody chassis and the latest technology.
Air suspension comes standard on the Defender 110, while it’s optional on the smaller Defender 90. The system adjusts the ride height to suit the terrain - the result being a comfortable ride on the pavement without losing the rugged off-road standards for which it is known.
7 Surround-View Camera
Vision has just gotten better in the new Defender with the 3D Surround Camera, allowing you to see all around your vehicle. The system uses software to blend video feeds from all the external cameras into a 3D external view of your Defender.
Also available is the ClearSight Ground View that displays on the touchscreen objects you ordinarily wouldn't have seen because of the hood. When your rearview is blocked, you can activate the ClearSight rearview mirror, which displays what's behind the vehicle on the rearview mirror.
6 Unibody Construction
Land Rover used a body-on-frame chassis design that offers high ground clearance and flexibility in building the old Defender. However, its heavier weight made it less fuel-efficient, and the high center of gravity posed a problem when trying to corner at high speeds.
The monocoque chassis used in building the new Defender, while lighter, is stiffer than a body on frame. Although it rides slightly lower than the old Defender, it still delivers top-class off-roading capabilities while giving the driver a connected feel to the car.
5 Upgraded Engine
Churning out a sturdy 265 lb-ft of torque under the hood of the old Defender is a 2.2-liter diesel engine with an output of 122 hp. Paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, it pushes the Defender to a top speed of 90 mph and gives it a towing capacity of 7716 pounds.
The new Defender’s base 296-hp 2-liter turbocharged engine makes 295 lb-ft of torque and a maximum speed of 119 mph. A 395 hp 3-liter turbocharged and supercharged 6-cylinder engine utilizing a mild hybrid system to produce 406 lb-ft is also available.
4 Advanced Safety Features
Understandably, the old Defender lacked edge-cutting driver-assist features. Auto Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Warning, Driver Attention Detection, and airbags were absent.
However, the Defender is now safer than ever with the vast collection of safety tech made available to help prevent crashes or lessen the impact if it occurs. Auto Emergency Braking and Lane Keep Assist help prevent crashes while the system of airbags protects occupants in case of a crash.
3 Pivi Pro Infotainment System
With the Pivi Pro Infotainment system, Land Rover offers an easy-to-use touchscreen user interface from which you can interact with your Defender. Once you download the Remote App, you have the Defender in your hands. You can check your vehicle's status and set trip parameters remotely. Perhaps this is the coolest feature of the new Defender.
Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, wireless device charging, and a 6-speaker sound system are all on offer. Buyers with deeper pockets can opt for a ten or 14-speaker Meridian stereo system and a head-up display to make every trip both entertaining and stress-free.
2 Keyless Entry
With your key fob on you, you can stand within three feet of the driver's door, and you can open the car without using a key. Once you are inside, the proximity key for the push button senses the presence of the key fob, you can start the car by pushing the start button.
Also, while exiting the vehicle, you can lock it and activate the alarm by pressing the keyless locking sensor on the driver's side door handle. The next time you want to open the driver's door or the tailgate, allow technology to save you the stress of digging through your pockets.
1 One Way It Failed: Configuration Styles
The old Defender was offered in three wheelbase lengths - the 110 (110"), the 90 (92.9"), and the 130 (127"). In addition to the standard body styles, there was a soft-top body, commercial vans, pick-up trucks that could all be ordered in any of the wheelbase lengths.
The 130 with a payload of 3307 pounds was also offered as a bare chassis for easy conversion for specialist uses. On the contrary, the new Defender is only available in two wheelbase lengths with either the standard body or a hardtop body.