2023 Land Rover Defender 110

Test Drive Notes Library

Pros
You no longer have to suffer to drive over logs. Land Rover has taken what was its most honest, true backroad/outback/bush vehicle, the one that had a reputation as a true go-anywhere, never die truck, and made it a luxury truck for the US market. That doesn’t mean it can’t still perform off-road. But it means it’s now of interest to a vastly larger audience of car buyers. Lots of people want to look like they do rugged things with their SUV. Few actually want to suffer in one that rides like a horse. Land Rover recognizes this, and the result is the Defender 110.
Looks. Land Rover has updated, but retained the utilitarian essence of the classic Defender. Of course the new one is bigger. But its heritage is visible. It’s a cool looking truck. Jeep - “ish,” generally speaking, but way more upscale. It’s got presence. And while the design won’t win any fuel efficiency awards, it will certainly appeal to people looking to say “Curbstones? We don’t need no stinkin’ curbstones.” While the Range Rover says “the lads and I are going bird hunting,” the Defender suggest you’re looking for bigger game. Like Corollas.
Handling. This was, frankly, a surprise. For a tall SUV — generally the worst handling vehicles this side of a double-decker London bus — the handling is quite good. Land Rover has done great work with the suspension. Driving on curvy roads, at modest speeds, there was far less of the body lean we felt sure we’d experience. The Defender tracks well, and feels confident around corners.
Comfortable. We drove the short-wheelbase version of the Defender (the 90), and this 110 with its longer wheelbase and four doors is far more comfortable. We might even say damn comfortable. It’s not a luxury car. The ride is firm. But it’s not hardship duty, given the Defender’s off road abilities. Combined with the luxury interior, you can look like you’re heading to the African bush from the outside, and feel like you’re heading to Neiman Marcus from the inside. We’re guessing it’ll be a potent combination for Americans with dough.
Quick. Our test Defender came with the optional 5.0L supercharged V8 — an increasingly endangered species. If you want one more V8 before the world goes electric, you could do worse that this one. 518 horsepower attached to a smooth, 8-speed automatic transmission. We got a measly 15 mpg. There are two other powertrains available. There’s a 4-cylinder, 2L turbo, rated just shy of 300 HP and 18 mpg. That’ll save you tens of thousands of dollars off the sticker price of the 110 (which, ironically, is about $110K with the V8). There’s a mild hybrid 6-cylinder, with about 400 HP, rated at more respectable 20 mpg. Needless to say, even with 5,000 pounds to push around, the V8 is both way too much, and pretty damn nice.
Ergonomics. Land Rover has done some decent work in this area. There are hard controls for regularly used functions, and a clear, uncluttered instrument panel display. Unlike many other lux brands, they’ve stuck with a standard gear shifter that you don’t have to think about. Apple Car Play circumvents the infotainment screen.

Cons
Do you like to climb? The Defender is tall. The commanding seating position is commanding because it’s high off the road. That requires hauling yourself up and into the seat. There’s an optional running board to give you a half-way step. But if you have any movement restrictions, or have a fear of heights, avoid the Defender.
Side piece. The rear cargo door opens from the side, rather than lifting up like on most SUVs. It’s a heavy door. And the side opening can be an issue if you’ve parallel parked, and are within a few feet of a vehicle behind you, making it hard to fully open the rear door.
No wireless charging. Seems like a head-slapping oversight for a vehicle in this price range, that is targeting affluent customers. There’s a cooled compartment between the seats. So you can keep your organic coconut water chilled while you drive, but you still have to fumble for your lightning connecter to charge your iPhone.
Reliability questions. Land Rover does not have a stellar reputation for reliability. Whenever a new model comes out, there’s always the promise that quality issues of the past have been addressed. Unfortunately, we have only past performance as a guide, so potential buyers should go in with eyes open. Or a lease.