Land Rover’s Defender hasn’t been seen in the US since a brief appearance in the 1990’s, but that brief appearance nurtured a cult-like following.
In 2020, those folks got what they longed for with the arrival of the new 2020 Defender. But the new Defender is more tame and gentle than its forbearers.
Land Rover will admit there will be a slow roll-out. That will start with the 110. The first trim will be the SE and that will be the vehicle for my evaluation.
The new Defender is powered by the Mild-Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) 3.0-liter 6-cylinder gasoline engine. It delivers up to 395 horsepower and 406 lb.-ft. of torque escorted by an 8-speed automatic transmission, featuring AWD with twin-speed transfer box.
This powerful car has a rated fuel consumption of 22 mpg highway and 17 mpg city, for a combined 19 mpg.
There are two body styles: the two-door 90 and four-door 110. My Defender was a four-door that seats five in luxury and comfort. The Defender 110 can also be purchased with a two-person third row seat.
2020 Land Rover Defender 110 will be offered in six trims: base, S, SE, HSE, X, and First Edition. The mid-level HSE trim will be “Highly Customizable,” coming with numerous feature options. Yet, the spirit of the original Defender will still be present.
Power-adjustable leather/textile front seats with lumbar and memory introduce you to the front cabin.
40/20/40/-split rear seats, power adjustable leather steering wheel, two zone climate control, and ClearSight Interior Rear View Mirror add to the convenient interior ensemble.
The new Pivi Pro infotainment system lives behind a 10” touchscreen, but it can reach out through the InControl Remote App which puts some remote control and monitoring functions at your fingertip. This app is available on both Android and iOS.
The 10-speaker Meridian Sound System handles the final sound production of the infotainment system. Numerous sources and connectivities are included, such as HD Radio, Bluetooth, USB ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
Many of these technological offerings can be challenging as you try to move from one to another. It is not swift or easy. Sometimes too much of even a good thing is really not so desirable.
Outside, the Defender rides on 20-inch wheels. Adaptive Dynamics is Land Rover’s smart suspension management system which constantly monitors the current conditions and driving style in order to make fine optimizations.
Land Rover Defender feels as comfortable off-road as on-road. Standard travel companions like Terrain Response 2 with selectable driving modes, and Hill Descent Control work together to take you just about anywhere you choose to go, road or no road.
Driving around in the Defender will get lots of attention. LED headlights with signature Daytime Running Lights makes a visual statement while providing illumination. Accompanied by Auto High Beam Assist, Front Fog Lights, and Rain Sensing Front Wipers/Rear Wipers, visibility is assured. Heated door mirrors with memory and approach lights further add to both safety and convenience.
While driving the Defender you will notice three outstanding qualities. Strong off-road capabilities, a galaxy of custom options, and numerous high tech safety and off-roading features.
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price is $62,250 for the 110 SE model.
There are several optional packages available, such as the $4,800 Explorer Pack or the $1,700 Urban Pack.
Defender is the first luxury vehicle that does superb double duty when it comes to performance and comfort. Its performance is equally superb both on and off road.
Taking the Defender off-road will quicken your pulse. Whether you are driving along the Texas Coast or enjoying the first snow as you travel from Denver Colorado up to Boulder and on to Estes Park.
But my dream is Baja!
