A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.3/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
4.1
Comfort & Interior
4.4
Running Costs
3.6
Practicality
4.6
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for an SUV that can handle anything you throw at it? The Land Rover Defender might be exactly what you need. This legendary British off-roader has been completely redesigned for modern times, offering genuine go-anywhere capability wrapped in surprisingly comfortable and luxurious packaging. It’s the vehicle for people who want something truly different from the usual family SUV options.
From the moment you see it, the Defender makes a bold statement. Its boxy, purposeful design pays homage to the original while incorporating modern safety and technology features. Unlike typical premium SUVs such as the BMW X5 or Mercedes GLE, the Defender prioritises function over fashion. Yet somehow, this approach makes it even more desirable. The interior combines rugged practicality with genuine luxury, featuring high quality materials and cutting edge infotainment systems.
Driving the Defender is an experience unlike any other modern SUV. Whether you’re navigating city streets or tackling serious off road terrain, it feels supremely capable and confident. The ride quality is surprisingly refined for such a capable machine, making daily driving a pleasure rather than a chore. While it commands a premium price, you’re investing in a vehicle with unmatched versatility, proven reliability, and iconic status that few rivals can match. The Defender proves that sometimes, the best path forward involves staying true to your roots.
What's the Land Rover Defender Like to Drive?
The Land Rover Defender offers a comprehensive range of engines designed to suit different needs and budgets. The entry level diesel variants deliver strong torque and impressive fuel economy, perfect for those prioritising running costs. The petrol engines, including the powerful V8 option, provide exhilarating acceleration and a satisfying soundtrack. Even the base models feel sufficiently powerful for most driving situations, with enough grunt for confident overtaking and smooth motorway cruising.
Where the Defender truly excels is in its unmatched off road capability. The advanced Terrain Response system automatically adjusts the vehicle’s settings for different surfaces, from sand and rocks to mud and snow. On tarmac, the air suspension provides a surprisingly comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections with ease. The steering is precise and confidence inspiring, while the high driving position gives excellent visibility. This robust SUV handles both urban commuting and weekend adventures with equal competence, making it genuinely versatile.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
2.0L 4-cylinder / 3.0L 6-cylinder / 5.0L V8
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Power Output
200 - 525 bhp
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0-60 mph
9.8 - 5.2 seconds
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MPG Combined
25 - 35 mpg
- Boot Space
- 397 - 1,946 litres
- Safety Rating
- (Euro NCAP)
Inside the Land Rover Defender: Comfort & Features
Step inside the Defender and you’re greeted by a cabin that successfully blends rugged functionality with genuine luxury. The dashboard design is refreshingly simple and uncluttered, dominated by the large touchscreen infotainment system. Material quality is excellent throughout, with robust fabrics and durable plastics that feel built to last. The seats are supportive and comfortable, even on longer journeys, with plenty of adjustment to help you find the perfect driving position.
The interior is surprisingly quiet for such a utilitarian vehicle, with effective sound deadening keeping road and wind noise to a minimum. Standard equipment levels are generous, including smartphone integration, climate control, and a comprehensive suite of safety systems. The optional extras list is extensive, allowing you to specify everything from premium audio systems to refrigerated compartments. Higher specification models add luxurious touches like leather upholstery and heated seats, creating an interior that rivals traditional luxury SUVs.
The Land Rover Defender successfully modernises an automotive icon without losing its essential character. It offers unparalleled off road capability combined with surprising on road refinement and genuine luxury. The build quality is excellent, the technology is comprehensive, and the driving experience is uniquely satisfying. Yes, it’s expensive and not the most fuel efficient SUV available, but these compromises are easily justified by its exceptional versatility. The Defender appeals to buyers who want something genuinely different from the usual premium SUV offerings. It’s perfect for adventurous families, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates functional design and proven capability. If you can afford the premium pricing and don’t mind the higher running costs, the Defender is an easy recommendation. It proves that sometimes, the best modern vehicles are those that stay true to their original purpose while embracing contemporary expectations.
Land Rover Defender Running Costs
As a premium SUV with serious off road capability, the Defender comes with appropriately premium running costs. Fuel economy varies significantly depending on the engine and how you use the vehicle, with real world figures typically ranging from the mid twenties to low thirties MPG. The diesel engines are more economical for high mileage drivers, while the petrol variants offer better performance at the expense of fuel consumption.
Insurance costs are higher than average due to the vehicle’s high value and desirability, though they’re reasonable within the premium SUV class. The initial purchase price is substantial, starting from around £57,000 and rising considerably with options. However, the Defender’s strong residual values help offset this, and flexible car finance options make ownership more accessible. Maintenance costs are typical for a premium Land Rover, with the robust construction generally proving reliable when properly serviced.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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land-rover defender
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BMW X5
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Mercedes GLE
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £57,000 | £59,000 | £60,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 2.0L Diesel 200hp | 3.0L Diesel 265hp | 2.0L Diesel 272hp |
| Power | 200 bhp | 265 bhp | 272 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 9.8 seconds | 6.9 seconds | 7.4 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 35 mpg | 38 mpg | 36 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 397 litres | 650 litres | 630 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Unmatched off-road capability, Iconic design, Excellent build quality | Superior on-road dynamics, Refined interior, Strong performance | Luxurious cabin, Advanced tech, Smooth ride |
Is the Land Rover Defender Practical for Everyday Use?
The Defender is genuinely practical for such a capable off roader. The 397 litre boot is reasonable for daily use, easily accommodating a weekly shop or holiday luggage. The rear seats fold flat to create a massive 1,946 litres of cargo space, perfect for larger items or outdoor equipment. The wide rear opening and low load lip make loading heavy items straightforward, while the optional air suspension can lower the vehicle for easier access.
Inside, you’ll find numerous storage compartments and cubbies for everyday items. The high seating position provides excellent visibility in all directions, making parking and manoeuvring easier despite the vehicle’s size. For families or those who regularly carry passengers, the spacious interior offers good legroom and headroom throughout. Compared to other used Land Rover cars, the Defender strikes an excellent balance between capability and everyday usability, making it suitable for everything from school runs to serious expedition work.
“Absolutely love my Defender 110. It’s comfortable for daily driving but comes alive when you take it off road. The build quality feels rock solid and it always attracts admiring glances. Fuel economy could be better, but you don’t buy a Defender for economy.” by James Mitchell
The Land Rover Defender stands out in the crowded premium SUV market by offering something genuinely unique. It combines legendary off road capability with modern luxury and technology, creating a vehicle that’s equally at home in the city or the wilderness. While it may not be the cheapest or most economical option available, it delivers unmatched versatility and character that few competitors can rival.
You choose the Defender because you want a vehicle that can handle anything life throws at it. Its rugged construction, advanced technology, and iconic design make every journey feel like an adventure. Whether you’re navigating urban traffic or exploring remote countryside, the Defender provides the confidence and capability you need. For those seeking a premium SUV with genuine substance behind its style, especially considering how to find the cheapest car finance deals in the uk, the Defender should be at the top of your consideration list.