2021 Land Rover Defender

Pros: Excellent off-road capability; practical, nicely finished cabin; comfortable ride for an off-roader

Cons: Too many functions absorbed by infotainment touchscreen; thirsty; cramped third-row seat

CG Says: The 2021 Land Rover Defender adds a X-Dynamic trim that slots between Defender and Defender X models. Expected next year is an available 518-horsepower supercharged V8. Land Rover revived one of its most storied nameplates—Defender—on an all-new-for-2020 compact SUV. The previous-generation Defender was last sold in America in 1997, and stayed true to the original design concept of the first Land Rover in 1948. The Defender was completely redesigned; it replaced a traditional body-on-frame/solid axle layout with an aluminum unibody design and 4-wheel independent suspension, and added plenty of high-tech features. Like its predecessors, the new Defender is offered in a 2-door version that is dubbed “90” and a 4-door version that is badged “110”. The 2-door has a 101.9-inch wheelbase and seats six, thanks to a center jump seat that allows three-abreast seating in the front seat. The 4-door has a 118.9-inch wheelbase and offers an optional third-row seat for up to seven passengers. The front-seat center jump seat is optional on the 4-door, but it can’t be combined with the third row. The base engine is a 296-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder; a 395-hp turbocharged and supercharged 3.0-liter inline six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system is also available. Both engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic, and all-wheel drive is standard.

The Defender is Land Rover’s most off-road-oriented SUV, with available features such as a 2-speed transfer case, Configurable Terrain Response, low-speed cruise control, height-adjustable suspension, a Wade Sensing system that monitors water depth, and a power winch. The infotainment system has over-the-air software update capability and includes 4G and 5G wi-fi hotspot capability. Available safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot alert, lane-keep assist, rear camera mirror, adaptive cruise control, and drowsiness alert. The new Defender has big shoes to fill. It has to have the rugged, off-road persona of previous Land Rovers, but it also has to offer the comfort and convenience expected of a modern SUV. The Defender succeeds in its mission, although it isn’t cheap. Those who never leave pavement can find less expensive and more fuel-efficient vehicles. However, if your adventures regularly lead off the beaten path, the Defender is an accomplished off-roader that can also handle shopping trips in comfort.