2020 Land Rover Defender Review: A Triumphant Return
After an extended hiatus, the Land Rover Defender marks its return to North American soil with an all-new model that has little in common with the last one to be sold here. For some brand loyalists, this is a problem, as the new Defender appears a lot softer than before. Its stylish retro-modern design conceals genuine off-roading chops, though, with Land Rover's Terrain Response and all-wheel-drive system ensuring supreme confidence when the tarmac turns to gravel and mud. And, unlike the beloved old Defender, this one isn't offensively unrefined when undertaking a trip to the mall. At the top of the range, a turbocharged inline-six with mild-hybrid tech produces nearly 400 horsepower, guaranteeing rapid performance. For customers considering a fully loaded Jeep Wrangler, the base Defender is a strong alternative with its more prestigious badge and legendary Land Rover ruggedness.
What's the Price of the 2020 Land Rover Defender?
The 2020 Land Rover Defender has a starting MSRP for the entry-level 110 of $49,900. Moving up to the S increases the price to $53,350, and this is followed by the SE at $62,250, the 90 First Edition at $65,100, 110 First Edition at $68,650, and the HSE at $68,350. Topping the range is the Defender X at $80,900 - when this model is fully loaded with options, its price exceeds $100,000. On the base trim, upgrading to the six-cylinder engine will add $12,350 to the price.
All these prices are for the 110, besides the First Edition price, which is for the smaller 90. More derivatives of the 90 are expected, but at the time of writing, Land Rover hadn't yet announced prices for these models. Furthermore, the S, HSE, and X trims will only arrive in summer 2020.
All prices exclude tax, licensing, registration, and a delivery charge of $1,025.
Best Deals on 2020 Land Rover Defender
2020 Defender Exterior
Dimensions
Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
197.6 in | 119.0 in | 77.4 in | 79.1 in | 67.1 in | 66.9 in |
Exterior Colors
2020 Defender Performance
Engine and Transmission
Handling and Driving Impressions
As standard, the Defender features an electronic air suspension with adaptive dynamics, a two-speed transfer case, and the brand's Terrain Response system. These technologies, along with the unibody construction, combine for an SUV that is both comfortable on-road and highly capable off-road. It delivers a smooth and refined ride, ironing out most bumps before they reach the cabin. The steering rack is light enough for easy maneuverability in town but has decent weighting at higher speeds, too.
Off-road, the Defender shines. The twin-speed transfer box helps the big SUV overcome steep inclines and declines. Across terrains like snow or sand, the intelligent all-wheel-drive system sends up to 100 percent engine torque to the relevant axle to increase traction. Land Rover's Terrain Response System adjusts transmission, engine, and chassis settings based on the mode chosen, such as Mud & Ruts and Rock Crawl. Additionally, an electronic active differential is optional and enhances traction by managing the slip between the left/right rear wheels.
2020 Defender Interior
Seating and Interior Space
2020 Defender Trunk and Cargo Space
2020 Defender Safety and Reliability
Warranty
Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
---|---|---|---|
4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 6 Years / Unlimited Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
Verdict: Is the 2020 Land Rover Defender A Good SUV?
Although today's Defender and the 1990s model last sold here share the same name, it doesn't make much sense to draw parallels between the two. Judged on its own merits as an off-road SUV for today's customer, the new Land Rover Defender gets a lot of things right. This is an exemplary off-roader that will go places where many other luxury SUVs would be left floundering. And yet, it's admirably capable on-road, cruising with smoothness and the assurance expected at this price. Both engine options are powerful and refined, and we like the choice between the more youthful 90 and the more practical 110. Overall, it feels more sophisticated than the Jeep Wrangler with which it will undoubtedly be compared, but then again, the Land Rover is pricier. Overall, the new Defender strikes a fine balance between the rugged, off-road appeal of a Jeep and the sophistication and luxury found in Germany's more road-biased competitors.
What Land Rover Defender Model Should I Buy?
At $49,900, the entry-level Defender 110 offers most of the off-roading kit of more expensive models, lots of space, and just enough features to keep everyone happy. It may not look as flashy as pricier trims, but the Defender is one of the few Land Rovers that works well in a more basic, utilitarian trim. Of course, the sporty Defender 90 is a fantastic off-roader for buyers who don't need quite as much space, and it looks great. At over $80,000, the Defender X is far more expensive, so it's just as well that Land Rover has made the electronic differential and other equipment on this model available lower down in the range, too. In summary, depending on your needs and budget, you could make a strong case for any of these trims. If you can stretch to the First Edition, it's a decent pick as it offers the bigger engine and a long features list.
2020 Land Rover Defender Comparisons
2020 Land Rover Defender vs Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep name instantly conjures up vivid images of dirt trails, scaling impossible boulders, and wading through deep water. It's not by chance that Jeep is so closely associated with adventurous treks into the unknown; it's that vehicles like the Wrangler are amazingly capable off-roaders. Jeep has also adhered closely to the stylistic traits that have made its SUVs so popular, and the Wrangler offers the unique option of removing the doors and roof. However, the Jeep is outgunned by the newer Defender in the power stakes - the Wrangler's 285-hp V6 engine is strong, but it can't compete with the Land Rover's 395-hp 3.0-liter six-pot. Not only is the Land Rover quicker, but it can tow a lot more too. The Defender is also a lot more refined on the road and is far better equipped, but it does start at close to double the price of the base Wrangler. So, if you're considering a fully-loaded Wrangler, you may want to look at the new Defender instead, which is the better overall SUV. But, when it comes to off-road chops, the Wrangler may still be king.
2020 Land Rover Defender vs Toyota Land Cruiser
While the Jeep Wrangler is a smaller and cheaper competitor, the Toyota Land Cruiser is a larger and more expensive alternative to the Defender. Although the Land Cruiser feels unstoppable and performs brilliantly off-road, it seems ungainly and looks its age alongside the newer Defender. With a massive V8 under the hood and plenty of weight to lug around, the Land Cruiser is slower and much heavier on fuel than the Defender, and it can only seat one extra passenger. The Defender's far more modern infotainment system also outshines the Land Cruiser's outdated system which doesn't have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. A significant aspect in the Toyota's favor is reliability, where Land Rover doesn't have the greatest reputation. This matters when you're spending days or even weeks in the great outdoors. But despite this, we'd rather have the Defender.