Land Rover’s modern interpretation of the classic Defender, go-anywhere British SUV is charming, civilized and pretty quick, thanks to its smooth turbo six cylinder engine. But frustrating controls, unimpressive fuel economy, and a high step-in height count against it.
With the optional mild-hybrid six-cylinder engine (denoted by the P400 badge; the standard turbocharged four-cylinder is the P300), our four-door Defender 110 (there’s also a two-door, Defender 90 model and an extended 130 version) test vehicle has strong acceleration on demand, and the eight-speed automatic transmission is very smooth. But we were frustrated with the slow-responding engine stop/start feature, which makes for a longer-than-necessary delay when getting going again from a stop. Our tested fuel economy of 18 mpg overall on premium fuel is also disappointing.
The ride is steady and controlled, but it skews on the firm side, particularly noticeable when driving over highway expansion joints. Handling is relatively responsive, but there is no escaping the sensation that the tall Defender feels ponderous in corners. Despite the rather clumsy feel, it still remained safe when pushed to its limits.
The interior of our Defender feels ready for a safari expedition, with a tasteful, muted palette and rugged touches, such as intentionally exposed screws, grab handles, and painted accents that match the exterior color. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, there’s plenty of room for both front and rear passengers, and the cabin stays appropriately hushed for a luxury SUV. The 130 version is an extended length Defender that can seat eight.
We found that the Defender’s new infotainment system responds slowly to inputs and is distracting to use. Performing common audio and climate tasks can be confusing and require multiple steps. Its compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is welcomed, but a small consolation.
Thanks to a driver-controlled system called Terrain Response, the Defender can adapt to off-road conditions varying from boulder-climbing to mud-slogging by customizing its ride height, four-wheel-drive operation, and traction control. An array of cameras is helpful for negotiating both tight trails and city parking spaces. While off-roading is unquestionably a Defender strength, we didn’t find it any more capable than a Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, Lexus GX, or Toyota 4Runner on the rock hill at our test track.
Standard advanced driver assistance features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assistance. Adaptive cruise control is optional. In 2021, rear cross traffic warning becomes standard.