The Land Rover Defender comes in several different trims and body builds, but regardless of model chosen, this impressive off-road SUV is ready for adventures.
Land Rover is a heritage brand with a rich history of building some of the most impressive and useful off-road SUVs in the market. The Defender name is often thought of when discussing the Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco, and Mercedes-Benz G-Class. This SUV has short front-rear overhangs, three engine choices, and two and four-door versions. Let’s take a look at what this luxurious off-road SUV brings to the table for you to enjoy a fantastic drive.
Three engines for Land Rover power
The Defender has three power setups for each build of this impressive SUV. The base engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, which is used for the Standard and S models of this SUV. This engine delivers 296 horsepower, which is routed to the wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission used for all trim and power levels.
The middle P300 and P400 trims use a six-cylinder mild-hybrid powertrain, which provides 395 horsepower to the wheels. The Defender models using this middle powertrain deliver 18 city/23 hwy mpg in the 90 and 110 models while the larger 130 model is rated at 17 city/21 mpg.
The top engine is a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 that produces 518 horsepower, giving the Land Rover Defender Carpathian Edition models. This powerful Defender is the most capable and impressive of the group but might not be for everyone.
What does the base Defender offer?
The Defender 90 is a two-door model, and the 110 version has four doors for easier access. These two models can both be had in the base Standard trim, which gives you:
- 18-inch wheels
- Automatic LED headlights
- LED taillights
- Heated power-folding outboard mirrors
- Hill-start assist
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Keyless entry with push-button start
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Dual-zone automatic climate controls
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- 8-way semi-power-adjustable front seats
- Cruise control
- Heated seats
- 11.4-inch touchscreen
- 6-speaker audio system
- Wireless phone charging
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
- Full package of safety alert features
This base model can be had with several options packages, including the Air Suspension Pack and Climate Control Pack.
What does the Land Rover Defender S trim include?
Going above the Standard trim brings you to the S model, which can be had in the 90, 110, or 130 builds. The S model gives you:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- High-beam assist
- 12-way semi-power-adjustable front seats
- Leather-trimmed seats
- 15-speaker Meridian audio system
Moving to the SE trim gives you…
The next trim in the list is the SE model, which adds:
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Power panoramic roof
- Front fog lights
- Upgraded LED headlights with auto-leveling
- 14-way power-adjustable front seats with memory
- 15-speaker Meridian surround-sound system
The Land Rover Defender X-Dynamic SE is next
The X-Dynamic SE trim is mostly an appearance package that upgrades the SE model with two-tone leather seats and illuminated metal treadplates. The added appearance packaging might be worth it for some drivers.
30th Anniversary Edition
The most rugged model in the Land Rover lineup is the Defender, and it’s been around for 30 years. This means it’s time to celebrate this occasion with a 30th Anniversary Edition model. This version gives you:
- Fuji White exterior paint
- White-painted steel wheels
- The 4-cylinder powertrain
- Roof rack
- Deployable ladder
- Mud flaps
- Rubber floor mats
- Wheel-arch extensions
The First Edition model has lots to admire
The Land Rover Defender First Edition model uses the mild-hybrid 6-cylinder engine, and it includes several features, such as:
- Terrain response system
- Adaptive air suspension
- Three color combinations
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Power-sliding panoramic roof
- Body-colored roof
- LED headlights
- Heated power-fold outboard mirrors
- Auto-dimming driver-side outboard mirror
- Fog lights
- Quad-zone automatic climate controls
- Heated/ventilated 14-way power-adjustable front seats
- 11-speaker Meridian audio system
Defender X
The Defender X model is the most off-road capable version of this Land Rover SUV. This model loses all of the X-Dynamic SE appearance items but adds an adaptive suspension and:
- All-Terrain Progress Control
- Terrain Response 2
- X appearance elements
- Leather upholstery
- Metal pedals
What does the V8 model include?
The V8 model of the Defender loses the X appearance elements but adds the V8 engine. This model also includes:
- Dynamic Program for the Terrain Response 2 system
- Tow hitch receiver
- Illuminated metal treadplates
- Tri-zone automatic climate controls
- Climate Control Pack
- Suede-cloth heated steering wheel
- Refrigerated front console
- Activity key
Carpathian Edition
The top model of the Defender is the Carpathian Edition. This Land Rover builds on the V8 model with some special appearance items that set it apart from the rest of the lineup.
Did one of these Land Rover Defender models pique your interest as the Land Rover SUV you want to drive?
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