Thanks: Global Motorsports
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Website: globalmotorsportsinc.com
2023/2022 Land Rover Defender
Starting at: $53,050
Highs Even more capable off-road than other Land Rovers, so-long truck-like ride, well-designed cabin.
Lows Even the most efficient engine isn’t that efficient, steeply-priced extras, mid-range six-cylinder lacks punch.
Verdict Land Rover has expertly blended modern conveniences and vintage styling to bring the Defender and its heritage into the 21st century.
Overview
For years, the Land Rover Defender was the United Kingdom’s answer to the rough-and-tumble Jeeps of America, but with the latest generation the luxury brand has engineered a higher-level of comfort to go along with the off-roader’s go-anywhere capability. Both two- and four-door body styles are on offer, with comfortable and practical cabins, modern infotainment and tech features, and a signature style that is pure Defender. A turbocharged four-cylinder is standard and more powerful inline-six and V-8 engines are available; all Defenders come standard with all-wheel drive. From there, buyers are offered a plethora of advanced off-roading equipment, including locking differentials, a height-adjustable air suspension, and a special mode for wading through deep water. But the biggest benefit to the new generation Defender’s setup is its superior on-road driving behavior, which gives it a level of refinement that rivals such as the Jeep Wrangler and Lexus GX can’t match.
What’s New for 2023?
The Defender carries over largely unchanged to 2023, except now its Pivi Pro infotainment system comes standard with Amazon Alexa integration.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Base: $53,050
S: $53,650
SE: $65,350
X-Dynamic SE: $68,250
X: $86,750
V8: $105,750
Carpathian: $112,750
As much as we like the look of the two-door 90 model, the four-door 110 is more practical for most buyers. The base P300 powertrain—a 296-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder—seems peppy enough for day-to-day driving, so we’d stick with that; those who plan to tackle serious off-road trails may find the optional six-cylinder or V-8 engines to be better choices. We’d suggest the SE trim level as it adds a number of desirable features to the Defender’s spec sheet, including 19-inch aluminum wheels, automatic high-beam headlamps, 12-way power-adjustable front seats, and a digital gauge display. Land Rover offers several accessory packages, each of which outfit the Defender with specifically themed features. There’s also a bevy of personalization options available, but we’ll leave the customization to you.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Defender is powered by a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Of course, every model features four-wheel drive and locking differentials for navigating treacherous terrain. The Defender is also available with a 3.0-liter inline-six which utilizes an electric supercharger and 48-volt hybrid system. Buyers looking for additional performance can opt for the 518-hp supercharged V-8, which we estimate will hustle the Defender to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds. Unlike its predecessor, the Defender has a unibody construction versus a body-on-frame setup, and it replaces the old solid axles with a fully independent suspension. The base suspension utilizes coil springs, but it can be upgraded with an air springs that enable adjustable ride height. The Defender has 11.5 inches of ground clearance and the ability to ford through 35 inches of water, which exceeds both the Jeep Wrangler’s maximum clearance and its wading ability.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA’s fuel economy ratings for the various Defender models are fairly similar regardless of what’s under the hood. The 90 model with the four-cylinder receives ratings of 18 mpg city and 21 highway. Step up to the six-cylinder engine and the 90’s city rating drops to 17 mpg but the highway rating goes up to 22. The 110 model with the six-cylinder engine has the same estimates as the six-cylinder 90. The V-8 variant is rated for 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, a Defender 110X with the optional six-cylinder powertrain delivered a disappointing 18 mpg. For more information about the Defender’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Read More https://www.caranddriver.com/land-rover/defender
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