The Land Rover Defender Backs Up Its Looks With Genuine Substance

Both reviews agree this is a rare case of styling and capability actually matching each other — a genuinely tough off-roader that also drives with real composure on the road.

Illustration for editorial purposes

Not a Costume, an Actual Off-Roader

Plenty of SUVs borrow rugged styling cues without the hardware to back them up. Reviewers keep making a point of confirming this one isn't that car — the toughness is functional, not just visual.

Specs at a Glance

Body styles	Defender 90 (2-door), 110 (4-door), 130 (long-wheelbase, up to 8 seats)
Engines	2.0L turbo four (296bhp), 3.0L turbo six (395bhp), Octa V8 (626bhp)
Transmission	8-speed automatic, permanent four-wheel drive
0–62mph	Under 4 seconds (Octa) to more relaxed figures on entry versions
Towing capacity	Up to 8,201 lbs
Price range (new)	From around £57,135 (90) to £148,045+ (Octa)

Full Review Summary

RAC Drive

RAC Drive rated on-road handling as genuinely impressive for the size, with no trace of the usual harsh 4x4 ride, and specifically praised the height-adjustable air suspension for smoothing out even harsh potholes. They found the huge side-hinged rear door takes real getting used to, since it needs considerable clearance to open fully, and rated the 635bhp Octa flagship as a genuine, if very expensive, alternative to the Mercedes-AMG G-Class and Porsche Cayenne at the performance end of the range.

🎬 Watch: Land Rover Defender review

Watch on YouTube ↗

Edmunds

Edmunds praised refinement both on and off-road as a genuine strength versus rivals like the Lexus GX and pricier Mercedes G-Class, while finding real-world fuel economy consistently thirstier than official estimates suggested. They preferred manually engaging differentials and low-range gearing with physical controls over relying entirely on the car's automated systems, even while acknowledging the automated approach works seamlessly for most drivers. Exterior styling was rated a close match for the classic Defender's proportions, though some testers found decorative plastic trim styled to look like diamond-plated metal a slightly unconvincing touch.

🎬 Watch: Land Rover Defender review (same video, watch above ↗)

Trims & Engines at a Glance

The plug-in hybrid is exclusive to the 110 bodystyle — the 90 and 130 stick to diesel or V8 power. All Defenders get permanent four-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic.

Derivative	Engine	Power	Transmission	Body	0–62mph
Defender D250 S / X-Dynamic SE / X-Dynamic HSE	3.0L 6-cyl mild-hybrid diesel, AWD	246bhp	8-speed automatic	SUV (90, 110, 130)	8.0s
Defender D350 S / X-Dynamic SE / X-Dynamic HSE	3.0L 6-cyl mild-hybrid diesel, AWD	345bhp	8-speed automatic	SUV (90, 110, 130)	6.0s–6.3s
Defender P300e (110 only)	2.0L petrol + electric motor, AWD	296bhp	8-speed automatic	SUV (110 only)	6.7s
Defender Octa	4.4L twin-turbo V8 petrol, AWD	626bhp	8-speed automatic	SUV (110)	3.8s

Trim walk runs S → X-Dynamic SE → X-Dynamic HSE → X, with V8 and Octa sitting apart as their own flagship models. A broad exterior colour range is offered, with several premium and heritage-inspired finishes at extra cost. Check Land Rover's UK configurator for current pricing.

Strengths

Genuine off-road capability backed by real hardware
Surprisingly composed, refined on-road ride and handling
Broad range of body styles and seating configurations
Strong towing capacity across the range

Weak points

Real-world fuel economy trails official figures
Large rear door needs significant clearance to open
Expensive once options and higher trims are added
Some decorative trim details feel less convincing than the genuine hardware underneath

Who It Actually Suits

Buyers who want genuine off-road capability without sacrificing on-road comfort and refinement. The Octa suits those wanting maximum performance and presence, while the standard 90, 110 and 130 body styles cover a genuinely wide range of practical needs.