2020 Land Rover Defender Review

Land Rover's extensive lineup of SUVs is growing with the arrival of the 2020 Land Rover Defender, what the company is calling its most capable vehicle yet. The larger Defender 110 variant goes on sale in the spring followed by the smaller Defender 90 in summer. Prices start at $50,925 for the 110 and $66,125 for the special First Edition 90, including destination charges. Base-level 90 trims arrive later in the fall and will start in the low $50,000s.

These Defender variants are named for the historic models that referenced the wheelbases in inches. Although these new models share the 90 and 110 names of their forebears, they are about 10 inches longer than the original Defender (now measuring 102 and 119 inches, respectively). Compared to the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, the Defender 110 is 0.2 inch taller, 2.6 inches wider and 7.9 inches longer if you have the rear-mounted spare tire.

The styling of the 2020 Land Rover Defender is more rounded and smoothed over and is missing some of the brawny no-nonsense utilitarian looks of its forebear. It does carry forward some recognizable traits of the old Defender models, we just wish there were more of them. At the very least the short overhangs are present, allowing for a 38-degree maximum approach angle and a 40-degree departure angle, with an impressive 11.5 inches of ground clearance. The maximum wading depth is 35.4 inches.

There are two engine choices. The Defender 110 comes with the base P300 engine: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (296 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque), which Land Rover estimates will get the vehicle to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds. Shoppers can opt for the P400 mild hybrid powertrain (395 hp, 406 lb-ft) made up of a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder paired with a 48-volt electrical system that is fed by lithium-ion battery packs, which also power an electric supercharger. It should hit 60 mph in only 5.8 seconds. The Defender 90 is only offered with the P400 engine.

Both powertrains are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, a two-speed transfer case, permanent four-wheel drive and Land Rover's Terrain Response system. Optional locking center and rear differentials are available, along with the latest configurable Terrain Response 2 system. Land Rover says maximum towing capacity will be 8,201 pounds.

There are six trim levels to choose from: Standard, S, SE, HSE, First Edition and the top-of-the-line X.

Feature highlights for the Standard trim include 18-inch wheels, a full-size spare tire mounted to the tailgate, an LED exterior lighting, an air suspension, dual-zone automatic climate control, cloth upholstery, a navigation system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, frontal collision mitigation, lane keeping assist, trailer stability assist, a blind-spot monitor, and a surround-view camera system.

The Defender S adds 19-inch wheels, automatic high beams, a virtual instrument panel, partial leather upholstery, additional front-seat adjustments, a center armrest for second-row seats, and second-row brackets and charging for tablets. The SE comes with the P400 engine, 20-inch wheels, upgraded headlights, a virtual rearview mirror, a 11-speaker Meridian sound system, and a system that warns exiting passengers of approaching vehicles.

The HSE gets enhanced with a panoramic sunroof, heated and cooled front seats, full premium-leather upholstery, and adaptive cruise control. The Defender X tops it all off with additional off-road features, unique exterior and interior styling elements, rough-cut interior wood accents, and a 15-speaker premium Meridian audio system.

Shoppers can also add one of four accessory packs. Most notable is the Adventure Pack that comes with a portable rinse system featuring a 1.7-gallon pressurized water reservoir (that you can use to wash off dirty gear, for instance), a trunk-mounted air compressor, a side-mounted cargo pod, and a removable backpack. Not planning on being so extreme? The Urban Pack adds scuff plates, a spare wheel cover, underbody protection, alloy pedals, and a cargo cover that can double as a picnic mat.

A fabric roof option allows second-row passengers to stand safari-style, poking their heads above the roof, when parked. That option will come to the Defender 110 the year after.

Other options include fixed tube steps or deployable running boards, deep rubber floor mats, a remote 10,000-pound winch, Land Rover's ClearSight Ground View system, a head-up display with off-road and articulation info, and an intake snorkel. Land Rover's Activity Key wristband is also here and now has a digital readout for added functionality.

The Defender 110 seats five passengers as standard. You can add a pair of third-row seats to increase capacity to seven. The Defender has an optional front center seat that allows three people to sit in the front row. Cargo capacity for the 110 behind its second row maxes out at 34 cubic feet, or 10.7 cubes behind the optional third row. Maximum cargo capacity is listed at 78.8 cubic feet.

Inside, the same theme continues, though with some touches such as beefy grab handles that give it some character. Sitting atop the center of the dash is Land Rover's new PIVI Pro infotainment system that promises quicker responses and fewer operational steps than the rage-inducing system in current Land Rovers. Unfortunately, all of this new tech means you can't just hose out the interior after a long dusty day like you could with the old model. The carpeting, however, is capable of quick removal for cleaning and drying.

Land Rover Defenders are automotive icons thanks to their unapologetically utilitarian looks and all-terrain capabilities. There was a brief moment in the 1990s when Land Rover officially sold them in the U.S., but crash-test standards quickly put an end to importation. Either despite — or because of — its rarity, the Defender has enjoyed cult-like status here.

The Defender has been cast as forbidden fruit for a lot of off-road enthusiasts. This redesign gives it far more reach, but will the faithful like this kindler, gentler Defender?