Latest news with #Defender110
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Viral Video: Indian farmer drives his tractor straight to Land Rover showroom, buys a brand new Defender
In a heartwarming and inspiring moment that has now gone viral, an Indian farmer was spotted arriving at a Land Rover dealership on his tractor to take delivery of his new Defender. According to Cartoq, the video has been shared by an Instagram user, Manju Som, and is now doing the rounds on social media. The incident is an excellent example of how car culture has grown in India over the years. On the other hand, farming is done by many in India, but only a few can make a difference. Out of the wealthy farming families, not all show off their wealth; however, things are changing slowly with time. With the advancement in technology, Indian farmers have upgraded themselves and have adapted to the new tech and methods in farming to earn money. Bengaluru farmer arrives at the Land Rover showroom in a tractor According to the report, the man is believed to be from the outskirts of Bengaluru, who arrived at a Land Rover dealership in a tractor to take delivery of his new Defender. The viral video has garnered over 13 thousand likes on the page, with never-ending comments in the comment section. The short reel starts with an aerial shot of a Bengaluru mansion surrounded by farmland, with a couple of vehicles parked inside the house. The car list seen in the video included: Fortuner A couple of Toyota Innova Crystas Mahindra Thar Later in the video, the farmer is seen walking out of the house, and he gets onto a tractor that was parked on his porch. Interestingly, he particularly chose the tractor instead of the SUVs and drove it, while his family members followed him in a Toyota Fortuner and other SUVs. Farmer's family was welcomed with a warm ceremony at the Delivery The man arrived at the Land Rover dealership in Bengaluru driving his tractor, accompanied by his family. Upon entering the showroom, they were welcomed and greeted by the staff present, and after completing all the important paperwork, the family proceeded to the delivery area, where their brand-new Defender was covered with a cloth. The family then unveiled the car, and the dealership staff honoured an elderly man, likely the farmer's father, with a traditional ceremony. Following this, the family took photographs and videos with the vehicle before the Defender was out of the showroom. Man in the viral video opted for a Defender 110 SUV The farmer chose the Defender 110 SUV. The Land Rover Defender has gained massive popularity not only in India but also outside the country. As well as well-known celebrities and businesspeople are among its buyers. A look at Defender 110 SUV specifications According to Car Wale, the Land Rover Defender 110 SUV is available with a range of engine options, including petrol and diesel, with varying power outputs and features. Some of the key specifications include: Engine Options: 2.0L Petrol: This engine offers 296 bhp and 400 Nm of torque. 3.0L Diesel: This engine provides 296 bhp and 650 Nm of torque. 5.0L V8 Petrol: This powerful engine delivers 518 bhp and 625 Nm of torque. Plug-in Hybrid: The P300e offers a 2.0L hybrid engine with 300 bhp. Key Dimensions & Capacities: Length: 5018 mm Width: 2105 mm Height: 1967 mm Wheelbase: 3022 mm Ground Clearance (unladen): 218 mm (may vary with air suspension) Seating Capacity: 5 or 7 passengers Boot Space: Ranges from 786 to 1875 litres depending on configuration. Notable features: Off-road capabilities: Features like adjustable ride height, approach, departure, and ramp angles for enhanced off-road performance. Advanced technology: Includes features including multiple driver-assistance systems, an 11.4-inch touchscreen, and a 12.3-inch instrument cluster. Towing Capacity: The Defender 110 can tow up to 3,500 kg. Wading Depth: 900 mm Note: Depending on the exact trim level and engine option selected, some characteristics may change. What is the price of the Defender 110 SUV in India? The price of a Land Rover Defender 110 in India starts from ₹79.94 Lakh (ex-showroom). It is also available in various trims and engine options, with a price range reaching up to Rs 1.71 crore for top-end variants in Delhi, as per CarWale. FAQs Q. What is the starting price of the Land Rover Defender 110 in India? The starting price of the Land Rover Defender 110 in India is Rs 79.94 lakh (ex-showroom). Q. What are the engine options available for the Defender 110? The Defender 110 is available with various engine options, including 2.0L petrol, 3.0L diesel, 5.0L V8 petrol, and plug-in hybrid variants. For the latest and more interesting auto news, keep reading Indiatimes Auto.
Hamilton Spectator
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Hamilton Spectator
For real off-roading or navigating potholed Canadian streets, this SUV brings it. It really can go anywhere
GATEWAY, COLO.—The ultrafine dust — it's so fine, it's caked our vehicle and made for a dangerous particulate in the cabin, forcing me to switch to recirculated air — swirls off the vehicle ahead, and, mercifully, just to the right, thanks to some favourable winds. As a result, we aren't completely blinded; just partially. The clay-red dirt below forms a stark and beautiful contrast with the blue sky above and while cloudless, the horizon is punctuated by fortress-like buttes as far as the eye can see. In my hands is the gorgeous two-tone leather-wrapped wheel of the all-new Defender OCTA performance SUV. It's a no-holds-barred take on the latest incarnation of the famous Land Rover Defender off-road vehicle. Defender tested the OCTA in conditions just like this over hundreds of thousands of miles during its development and all that sweat equity has brought us here — to beautiful desolation. We'd put it through its paces on sub-five-mph rock crawls, a fast off-road circuit and a water crossing or two. There would also be some 'normal' highway driving, but when you consider the spec, it becomes tough to focus on how well it tracks through a gentle right-hander on a divided highway at 100 kilometres-per-hour. While the OCTA is clearly a Defender 110 variant, there's so much more going on underneath it all. For starters: just look at those wheels and tires! Defender turned to Goodyear to develop an extra-durable tire for the OCTA, and they answered the bell by embedding Kevlar, a material used in everything from boat sails to bulletproof vests, into the tires' sidewalls. That makes it very hard for sharp rocks to punch through, which is a big deal when off-roading or navigating potholed Canadian streets. Under the hood things get more interesting still. The OCTA is the first Defender model to get a new 4.4-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine. It's good for 626 horsepower and 553 pounds-feet (motive force) of torque, both healthy increases over the 5.0-litre, supercharged V8 the Defender currently uses. It's an incredible engine that revs quickly and gives you its full slug of torque at just 1,400 rpm. That's the kind of quick power delivery you want when off-roading, as it helps pull you through steep, rough terrain. To prove its worth, we went for a 4,000-foot climb on unforgiving mountain trails littered with rocks (average size equals a softball), loose gravel and jagged outcroppings poised to tear many a tire's sidewall and gash many a fender. Even the desert bushes are foreboding, their lives hard lived in harsh, dry, hot conditions, forcing them to develop branches with arthritic tendrils that sound like nails on a chalkboard as they 'brush' — if you can call it that — against the fenders, doors and roofs of our OCTA. With a selection of drive modes (we chose Rock Crawl for this jaunt) and an all-new '6D Dynamic' suspension system that provides massive wheel articulation, the OCTA clambered over everything with no complaint. To help further instil confidence, the central display inside can be set to show a camera that looks over each front wheel. That's handy when you have a panel-shearing rock wall on one side, and about a foot between said wheel and a 100-foot drop on the other. Even through a three-foot-deep river crossing in 'Wade' mode, the OCTA plowed on, the powerful engine having no problem neutralizing the water resistance. Defender says the OCTA can wade in up to a metre of water and I have no reason to think otherwise. The fast off-road course did have me holding on that much tighter only because I wanted to see what the OCTA could do, how far I could push it. One of the drive modes is called 'OCTA,' and it allows for just a little more slip, and a little more ability to control the rear end with the throttle. Back on the road — surprisingly quiet and comfortable, even with knobby off-road tires — I had the chance to enjoy the interior environs of this most hardcore of showroom-spec Defenders. The OCTA has heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats (cooled if you spec the captain's chairs), Meridian audio, digital rear-view mirror, automatic climate control, 11.4-inch infotainment display and the very unique Body and Soul Seats (BASS). More than just being heated, cooled and providing a massage feature, BASS seats, developed in conjunction with Subpac, a Toronto-based company, are tuned to vibrate with your music. Or, they can use the seat's built-in actuators and heating controls to help provide a relaxing environment if you need a break. Through all of this I never noticed my knuckles whitening or my brow sweating (even with ambient temperatures rising to 40C) because the OCTA is so darn good at what it does. With the hardware on-hand, the computers that aid with traction and the cameras, you just don't need to think as hard to progress. I am no off-roading expert, but that just didn't matter so much here. Indeed, few people buying an OCTA will ever make full use of all that. But if you're dealing with harsh Canadian winters or pockmarked gravel roads to the cabin, it's nice to know that you can. Type: Five-door, four-wheel-drive, mid-size SUV Engine: Twin-turbocharged, 4.4-litre V8; 626 horsepower, 553 pounds-feet of torque (motive force) Fuel: TBA Transmission: Eight-speed automatic Cargo: 786 litres, or 27.75 cubic feet; 1,875l, or 66 cu. ft. with rear seats folded Towing: 3,719 kilograms, or 8,200 pounds Price: $200,884, as tested
NDTV
6 days ago
- Automotive
- NDTV
Sunny Deol Explores Ladakh In Land Rover Defender Octa: Check Pics
Sunny Deol, the famous Bollywood actor and politician, is an avid traveller. Keen on taking road trips, the pictures of the actor's most recent trip to Ladakh were shared on social media. To make this trip even better, the journey has been completed using his recently bought Land Rover Defender Octa. This vehicle is an upgraded version of the luxury SUV with an improved powertrain, with relatively more power output compared to the standard version. More on that later. Reports suggest that the recent road trip was taken after Sunny Deol shot for his upcoming movie Border 2. In the pictures, he can be seen standing in front of his Defender Octa parked on the Baralacha La, which is a mountain pass at an altitude of 16,040 feet. It seems like the actor drove the SUV himself to the mountain pass. Also Read: A few years ago, after acquiring his first Land Rover Defender 110, Sunny Deol embarked on a road trip to the mountains in North India. He even assessed the vehicle's capabilities by driving it off-road. The Defender 110 boasts a Fuji White finish, while the Octa features a matte grey/green color. View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@koimoi) The Defender Octa is priced approximately at Rs 2.8 crore (ex-showroom). In comparison to the standard Defender, the Octa Edition One is equipped with upgraded front and rear bumpers, a larger grille, broader side wheel arches, new 20-inch alloy wheels, and a quad exhaust system. The Defender Octa Edition One is powered by a powerful 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which includes mild-hybrid assistance. This engine generates 626 hp and delivers 750 Nm of peak torque. The power is transmitted to the wheels through an 8-speed automatic gearbox. In addition to the two Defenders, Sunny Deol owns other vehicles such as the Range Rover Autobiography LWB, Volkswagen Tiguan, Porsche 911 GT3 Touring, and more.
TimesLIVE
17-07-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Defender Dakar D7X-R leaps closer to final competition spec
Undergoing rigorous testing before its official entry into the 2026 Dakar Rally and World Rally-Raid Championship, the vehicle was showcased on the Hillclimb course and around the Off-Road arena with developmental design tweaks. Set to compete in the updated 'Stock' category for production-based vehicles, the Defender Dakar D7X-R is a competition version of the Defender 110 and comes fitted with race-ready upgrades. The updates include bespoke 17-inch wheels wrapped in 35-inch tyres, increased track width and ride height, a heavy-duty steering rack built to motorsport specifications and a freer-flowing exhaust system. Sponsored by Castrol and apparel company Shackleton, the Defender Dakar D7X-R was put through its paces by America's four-time Dakar stage winner Sara Price and France's legendary Stéphane Peterhansel, who has won the Dakar Rally 14 times. They were recently announced as official Defender Rally team drivers, joining Lithuanian race ace Rokas Baciuška. 'I'm looking forward to the next few months of preparations ahead of our entry to Dakar in the Stock category,' Peterhansel said after the event. 'To go back to the roots with a production car, and with Defender, which is the best off-road brand, I'm proud to be part of it. We will try to write a new chapter of history with Defender at Dakar. It's going to be an adventure and opportunity to show what a production car can do.'
The Advertiser
26-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
2025 Land Rover Defender 90 review
Land Rover Defender Pros Land Rover Defender Cons The modern reincarnation of the Land Rover Defender has proven to be a smash hit globally, as well as in Australia. While the wider Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) portfolio has been floundering Down Under of late, the Defender continues to sell in strong numbers – it currently accounts for over half of all Land Rover sales. No doubt the five-door Defender 110 and the even longer 130 derivative get the most attention from well-heeled Aussie families, but the three-door Defender 90 tested here is something of a cult hero. Think of it as a Suzuki Jimny for grown-ups. It's superbly capable off-road and more city-friendly in size, but also doesn't sacrifice on the general Defender fitout that the bigger versions are available with. On test we have the Defender 90 S, powered by the 'D250' turbo-diesel inline six. The retro white steelies and Pangea Green paint over a khaki interior is perhaps my personal dream spec – minus the satin film that costs a wild $7040. WATCH: Paul's video review of the 2021 Land Rover Defender 90 P300 In a world where new vehicle prices continue to rise, this particular Defender has actually had a price decrease for 2025, and not an insignificant one either (over $5000). So, while it remains one of the more niche members of the Defender lineup, does the three-door Land Rover deserve a look-in if you're in the market for a larger luxury off-road SUV? A new MY26 range is on the way, but the MY24 vehicle you see on test here actually received a running price reduction for the 2025 model year, and now starts from $92,402 plus on-road costs and options. See below for the full MY25 price list, including changes from MY24. You can read more about the upcoming MY26 range here. Defender 90 Defender 110 Defender 130 Our MY24 test vehicle is also fitted with a number of packages, single-item options and dealer-fit accessories that bring the as-tested price to a cool $125,016 before on-road costs, according to 2024 pricing. It's worth noting that the incoming 2026 model year Defender has received some revisions to specifications and options. You can read more about that here. To see how the Land Rover Defender lines up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool The Defender hasn't changed much since it debuted in 2019, though the British off-roader's cabin still strikes a cool balance between utilitarian design, friendly ergonomics and seamless technology integration. It's worth noting some elements pictured here have been changed or will become unavailable with new model year orders, namely the open-pore wood trim finishes and the touchscreen, which has been enlarged by a couple of inches for MY26. Regardless, the core attributes remain the same. There's an overarching robust and utilitarian theme which harks back to Land Rover's roots, accompanied by premium design and material quality plus the brand's latest infotainment and display tech to keep it fresh and in line with modern expectations. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 11.4-inch Pivi Pro multimedia touchscreen have been well regarded since launch, thanks to the nice graphics and intuitive functionality. Land Rover's software interface has a pretty flat structure and clear labelling to make navigating through menus and applications easy, bolstered by crisp resolution and largely snappy responses. It's well featured too, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB+ digital radio, as well as satellite navigation with traffic information. Compared to more complicated systems from some rival German brands, it's refreshingly simple and easy to use. It's also easy to find a comfortable driving position thanks to the fully power adjustable front seats and steering column, and there are plenty of chunky physical buttons and controls for all your vehicle functions. Land Rover's commanding driving position is as present as ever in the Defender, putting you at the same level as some truck drivers on the highway. You have a great view of everything in the cabin too. There's a range of widgets and displays in the infotainment system and instrument cluster for general driving duties and off-roading. There are also various drive modes available, and adjustable air suspension which can jack up the ride height significantly. I'm also a fan of the chunky rotary dials for the climate control, which double up as ventilated seat controls. Push to toggle the heated/cooled seat controls, push again to return to your normal temperature controls. Build quality feels solid, but the Defender cabin isn't Range Rover-plush, nor should it be. There's a nice mix of soft-touch surfaces contrasted against more hard-wearing details and materials, and elements like exposed screws, rubberised areas and metal accents. In fairness, the Defender is meant to carry on the all-conquering, go-anywhere spirit of the original. If you want more luxury, you're better off looking at the seven-seat Discovery. This three-door 90 may be much shorter in length than the larger 110 and 130, but the second row is positively adult-sized once you clamber past the front seats – it's a very coupe-like experience. It's virtually the same rear bench in a smaller body that foregoes rear doors and sits atop a shorter wheelbase. You'll easily be able to cart four-up without issues, and you can squeeze three across the rear at a pinch if you need to. Rear occupants still get rear air vents and a fold-down centre armrest with cupholders, and you can option a third zone of climate controls if you regularly transport whiney rear passengers. Padded rear armrests, floor-mounted bottle holders and large rear windows help to make this one of the more accommodating three-door vehicles on the market, and there's also the roof-mounted rear 'portholes' too. Should you need to carry kids, the rear seats also feature ISOFIX child seat anchors in the outboard positions, and top-tether points across all three rear seatbacks. Boot space takes the biggest hit in the 'shortie' Defender, at a quoted 397 litres compared to the 110's 972L. The space itself is very shallow with the rear seats up, too. Should you need more room, you can fold each rear seatback down individually. The spare wheel is also mounted on the outside of the side-hinged tailgate too, which makes it heavy but very on-brand. There's a 12V power socket in the boot area, as well as bag hooks and a rear console that features remote switches to drop or raise the rear air suspension. Finally, the optional integrated air compressor ($1416) with matching air hose kit could be a godsend if you ever need to re-inflate a tyre while out bush. To see how the Land Rover Defender lines up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool D250 versions of the Defender are powered by a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder turbo-diesel with 48V mild-hybrid assistance. To see how the Land Rover Defender lines up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool Despite being the 'baby' Defender, the 90 is no shrinking violet. Pictured: 2021 Land Rover Defender 90 At 4.6 metres long and nearly 2.0m wide, the Defender 90 is still a reasonably big rig and about as long as a Toyota RAV4. But compared to the Defender 110 it's easier to park in tight parallel bays in the city – should you frequent those kinds of café-dense areas often… The 3.0-litre inline diesel six is a peach, and probably my pick of the engine range for the Defender's intended purpose. Sure, the prospect of a burbling V8 is nice, but that's likely to fade when you see the purchase price and fuel bills. With 48V mild-hybrid assistance, the idle stop/start system is snappy in slow-moving traffic, while the oiler's effortless torque wave makes this a relaxed performer off the line. Keep in mind the Defender 90 still weighs 2.2 tonnes in this specification, and feels quite peppy when you punch it. Like other big-block European diesels, Land Rover's D250 unit is a smooth operator and relatively refined, only getting a little vocal under hard acceleration. There's not even that much clatter, at least inside. With eight cogs and intuitive shift logic, the eight-speed auto is an excellent partner for that sweet inline six. It shifts smartly and decisively, keeping the engine on the boil while also smartly upshifting to the highest ratio possible, placing the engine in its most relaxed rev band when at a cruise. The ZF-sourced shifter is also quick to downshift if you need a rapid turn of speed and, as you'd imagine, rolling acceleration is very muscular despite the 8.0-second 0-100km/h claim. If you're driving on the open road, you'll be able to confidently overtake in the Defender 90 in a way that perhaps a four-cylinder Toyota Prado can't. Insulation from wind and road noise is mostly good without being standout. Thanks to the Defender's upright proportions and massive side mirrors, you can get some wind buffeting at high speeds as well as some hints of road roar from the chunky all-terrain rubber. The electronic air suspension ensures a generally comfortable ride – though it isn't quite Range Rover-like plush given the Defender's more rugged skew – thanks in part to the extra sidewall on our test car's small 18-inch steel wheels. There's a touch of firmness on impact that no doubt helps minimise body roll and ensures good recovery from primary bump absorption. Again, if you want more luxury, best look at a Discovery or Range Rover Sport. Steering feel is light though fairly accurate, meaning it isn't hard to handle or place the Defender 90 on the road. Plentiful visibility out of the upright glasshouse further boosts confidence behind the wheel, as does the standard surround-view camera system with 3D vehicle projection. That said, the placement of the rear camera can mean it's occasionally hard to judge where the tailgate-mounted spare wheel ends. I also didn't find the optional ClearSight rear-view mirror particularly valuable in practice due to its high-mounted position and limited field of view. While I didn't take this particular Defender off-road, both 90 and 110 versions of the rugged Land Rover perform very well off the beaten track based on our previous testing, and are more than capable of tackling almost anything most owners would be willing throw at them. In addition to the adjustable air suspension (which can raise the ride height to a dizzying 291mm), the Defender comes standard with the basic iteration of Land Rover's Terrain Response system, which tailors the 4×4 drivetrain and electronic aids to suit different surfaces. There's also hill descent control, hill launch assist, and low-range gearing. The Defender 90 also has an impressive 900mm wading depth, and relatively generous approach, departure and breakover angles of 30.1/37.6/24.2 degrees respectively, meaning the shorter wheelbase significantly increases its clearance over moguls and the like. Want to see it in action? See Paul's video at the top of this review. To see how the Land Rover Defender lines up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool Jaguar and Land Rover are quite convoluted in their specification lists, but here is a breakdown of what comes standard in the Defender S if you put an order down on one today. Note: MY24 Defender 90 S pictured 2025 Land Rover Defender S equipment highlights: *Information based on Land Rover Australia's configurator for the MY26 Defender 90 S To see how the Land Rover Defender lines up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool As noted earlier, our MY24 test vehicle was fitted with a number of options and packages. Off-Road Pack: $1660 Cold Climate Pack: $1480 Air Suspension Pack: $1310 Fitted standalone options include: Fitted genuine accessories include: Note that the incoming MY26 specification sees the Pangea Green paint pictured here discontinued, while features like the Air Suspension Pack now appear to be included as standard equipment. For the latest information, speak with your local Land Rover dealer. To see how the Land Rover Defender lines up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool The Defender 110 was awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating against 2020 criteria – however, Defender 90 and 130 derivatives as well as V8-powered variants remain unrated by the independent safety body. Standard safety equipment includes: To see how the Land Rover Defender lines up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool Land Rover Australia covers its range with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty including roadside assistance for the same period, and the Defender has long 26,000km service intervals. To see how the Land Rover Defender lines up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool Like most premium or at least luxury-leaning 4WDs sold in Australia, the Defender 90 is unlikely to ever be used to its full potential and will instead spend most of its life putting around wealthy inner suburbs. With that in mind, if you don't have a sports team's worth of kids to cart around, the Defender 90's more city-friendly dimensions arguably make it the best suited to the lifestyle that Australian owners will likely subject it to. As has been the case since its launch, the Defender remains a very comfortable and capable all-rounder, with effortless performance from its diesel six and all the creature comforts you could want – provided you're willing to pay extra for some of them. Running changes for MY26 seem to bolster the value offering somewhat via extra equipment, and you could save thousands on our press vehicle's as-tested price by being more judicious with option boxes. For example, lose the satin paint film and ClearSight mirror and you've already pocketed $8500. It's a shame the lovely Pangea Green is no longer available for new orders, but the darker new Woolstone Green that replaces it for MY26 is just as delicious if not more so. If you're in the market for a go-anywhere off-road wagon and the Jimny and Jeep Wrangler are a little too pedestrian or utilitarian for you, it's hard to go past the Defender – especially the three-door shorty, which is not only the cheapest body style but also the best looking and most capable off-road, if anyone cares to find out. Interested in buying a Land Rover Defender? Let CarExpert find you the best deal hereMORE: Explore the Land Rover Defender showroom Content originally sourced from: Rover Defender Pros Land Rover Defender Cons The modern reincarnation of the Land Rover Defender has proven to be a smash hit globally, as well as in Australia. While the wider Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) portfolio has been floundering Down Under of late, the Defender continues to sell in strong numbers – it currently accounts for over half of all Land Rover sales. No doubt the five-door Defender 110 and the even longer 130 derivative get the most attention from well-heeled Aussie families, but the three-door Defender 90 tested here is something of a cult hero. Think of it as a Suzuki Jimny for grown-ups. It's superbly capable off-road and more city-friendly in size, but also doesn't sacrifice on the general Defender fitout that the bigger versions are available with. On test we have the Defender 90 S, powered by the 'D250' turbo-diesel inline six. The retro white steelies and Pangea Green paint over a khaki interior is perhaps my personal dream spec – minus the satin film that costs a wild $7040. WATCH: Paul's video review of the 2021 Land Rover Defender 90 P300 In a world where new vehicle prices continue to rise, this particular Defender has actually had a price decrease for 2025, and not an insignificant one either (over $5000). So, while it remains one of the more niche members of the Defender lineup, does the three-door Land Rover deserve a look-in if you're in the market for a larger luxury off-road SUV? A new MY26 range is on the way, but the MY24 vehicle you see on test here actually received a running price reduction for the 2025 model year, and now starts from $92,402 plus on-road costs and options. See below for the full MY25 price list, including changes from MY24. You can read more about the upcoming MY26 range here. Defender 90 Defender 110 Defender 130 Our MY24 test vehicle is also fitted with a number of packages, single-item options and dealer-fit accessories that bring the as-tested price to a cool $125,016 before on-road costs, according to 2024 pricing. It's worth noting that the incoming 2026 model year Defender has received some revisions to specifications and options. You can read more about that here. To see how the Land Rover Defender lines up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool The Defender hasn't changed much since it debuted in 2019, though the British off-roader's cabin still strikes a cool balance between utilitarian design, friendly ergonomics and seamless technology integration. It's worth noting some elements pictured here have been changed or will become unavailable with new model year orders, namely the open-pore wood trim finishes and the touchscreen, which has been enlarged by a couple of inches for MY26. Regardless, the core attributes remain the same. There's an overarching robust and utilitarian theme which harks back to Land Rover's roots, accompanied by premium design and material quality plus the brand's latest infotainment and display tech to keep it fresh and in line with modern expectations. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 11.4-inch Pivi Pro multimedia touchscreen have been well regarded since launch, thanks to the nice graphics and intuitive functionality. Land Rover's software interface has a pretty flat structure and clear labelling to make navigating through menus and applications easy, bolstered by crisp resolution and largely snappy responses. It's well featured too, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB+ digital radio, as well as satellite navigation with traffic information. Compared to more complicated systems from some rival German brands, it's refreshingly simple and easy to use. It's also easy to find a comfortable driving position thanks to the fully power adjustable front seats and steering column, and there are plenty of chunky physical buttons and controls for all your vehicle functions. Land Rover's commanding driving position is as present as ever in the Defender, putting you at the same level as some truck drivers on the highway. You have a great view of everything in the cabin too. There's a range of widgets and displays in the infotainment system and instrument cluster for general driving duties and off-roading. There are also various drive modes available, and adjustable air suspension which can jack up the ride height significantly. I'm also a fan of the chunky rotary dials for the climate control, which double up as ventilated seat controls. Push to toggle the heated/cooled seat controls, push again to return to your normal temperature controls. Build quality feels solid, but the Defender cabin isn't Range Rover-plush, nor should it be. There's a nice mix of soft-touch surfaces contrasted against more hard-wearing details and materials, and elements like exposed screws, rubberised areas and metal accents. In fairness, the Defender is meant to carry on the all-conquering, go-anywhere spirit of the original. If you want more luxury, you're better off looking at the seven-seat Discovery. This three-door 90 may be much shorter in length than the larger 110 and 130, but the second row is positively adult-sized once you clamber past the front seats – it's a very coupe-like experience. It's virtually the same rear bench in a smaller body that foregoes rear doors and sits atop a shorter wheelbase. You'll easily be able to cart four-up without issues, and you can squeeze three across the rear at a pinch if you need to. Rear occupants still get rear air vents and a fold-down centre armrest with cupholders, and you can option a third zone of climate controls if you regularly transport whiney rear passengers. Padded rear armrests, floor-mounted bottle holders and large rear windows help to make this one of the more accommodating three-door vehicles on the market, and there's also the roof-mounted rear 'portholes' too. Should you need to carry kids, the rear seats also feature ISOFIX child seat anchors in the outboard positions, and top-tether points across all three rear seatbacks. Boot space takes the biggest hit in the 'shortie' Defender, at a quoted 397 litres compared to the 110's 972L. The space itself is very shallow with the rear seats up, too. Should you need more room, you can fold each rear seatback down individually. The spare wheel is also mounted on the outside of the side-hinged tailgate too, which makes it heavy but very on-brand. There's a 12V power socket in the boot area, as well as bag hooks and a rear console that features remote switches to drop or raise the rear air suspension. Finally, the optional integrated air compressor ($1416) with matching air hose kit could be a godsend if you ever need to re-inflate a tyre while out bush. To see how the Land Rover Defender lines up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool D250 versions of the Defender are powered by a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder turbo-diesel with 48V mild-hybrid assistance. To see how the Land Rover Defender lines up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool Despite being the 'baby' Defender, the 90 is no shrinking violet. Pictured: 2021 Land Rover Defender 90 At 4.6 metres long and nearly 2.0m wide, the Defender 90 is still a reasonably big rig and about as long as a Toyota RAV4. But compared to the Defender 110 it's easier to park in tight parallel bays in the city – should you frequent those kinds of café-dense areas often… The 3.0-litre inline diesel six is a peach, and probably my pick of the engine range for the Defender's intended purpose. Sure, the prospect of a burbling V8 is nice, but that's likely to fade when you see the purchase price and fuel bills. With 48V mild-hybrid assistance, the idle stop/start system is snappy in slow-moving traffic, while the oiler's effortless torque wave makes this a relaxed performer off the line. Keep in mind the Defender 90 still weighs 2.2 tonnes in this specification, and feels quite peppy when you punch it. Like other big-block European diesels, Land Rover's D250 unit is a smooth operator and relatively refined, only getting a little vocal under hard acceleration. There's not even that much clatter, at least inside. With eight cogs and intuitive shift logic, the eight-speed auto is an excellent partner for that sweet inline six. It shifts smartly and decisively, keeping the engine on the boil while also smartly upshifting to the highest ratio possible, placing the engine in its most relaxed rev band when at a cruise. The ZF-sourced shifter is also quick to downshift if you need a rapid turn of speed and, as you'd imagine, rolling acceleration is very muscular despite the 8.0-second 0-100km/h claim. If you're driving on the open road, you'll be able to confidently overtake in the Defender 90 in a way that perhaps a four-cylinder Toyota Prado can't. Insulation from wind and road noise is mostly good without being standout. Thanks to the Defender's upright proportions and massive side mirrors, you can get some wind buffeting at high speeds as well as some hints of road roar from the chunky all-terrain rubber. The electronic air suspension ensures a generally comfortable ride – though it isn't quite Range Rover-like plush given the Defender's more rugged skew – thanks in part to the extra sidewall on our test car's small 18-inch steel wheels. There's a touch of firmness on impact that no doubt helps minimise body roll and ensures good recovery from primary bump absorption. Again, if you want more luxury, best look at a Discovery or Range Rover Sport. Steering feel is light though fairly accurate, meaning it isn't hard to handle or place the Defender 90 on the road. Plentiful visibility out of the upright glasshouse further boosts confidence behind the wheel, as does the standard surround-view camera system with 3D vehicle projection. That said, the placement of the rear camera can mean it's occasionally hard to judge where the tailgate-mounted spare wheel ends. I also didn't find the optional ClearSight rear-view mirror particularly valuable in practice due to its high-mounted position and limited field of view. While I didn't take this particular Defender off-road, both 90 and 110 versions of the rugged Land Rover perform very well off the beaten track based on our previous testing, and are more than capable of tackling almost anything most owners would be willing throw at them. In addition to the adjustable air suspension (which can raise the ride height to a dizzying 291mm), the Defender comes standard with the basic iteration of Land Rover's Terrain Response system, which tailors the 4×4 drivetrain and electronic aids to suit different surfaces. There's also hill descent control, hill launch assist, and low-range gearing. The Defender 90 also has an impressive 900mm wading depth, and relatively generous approach, departure and breakover angles of 30.1/37.6/24.2 degrees respectively, meaning the shorter wheelbase significantly increases its clearance over moguls and the like. Want to see it in action? See Paul's video at the top of this review. To see how the Land Rover Defender lines up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool Jaguar and Land Rover are quite convoluted in their specification lists, but here is a breakdown of what comes standard in the Defender S if you put an order down on one today. Note: MY24 Defender 90 S pictured 2025 Land Rover Defender S equipment highlights: *Information based on Land Rover Australia's configurator for the MY26 Defender 90 S To see how the Land Rover Defender lines up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool As noted earlier, our MY24 test vehicle was fitted with a number of options and packages. Off-Road Pack: $1660 Cold Climate Pack: $1480 Air Suspension Pack: $1310 Fitted standalone options include: Fitted genuine accessories include: Note that the incoming MY26 specification sees the Pangea Green paint pictured here discontinued, while features like the Air Suspension Pack now appear to be included as standard equipment. For the latest information, speak with your local Land Rover dealer. To see how the Land Rover Defender lines up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool The Defender 110 was awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating against 2020 criteria – however, Defender 90 and 130 derivatives as well as V8-powered variants remain unrated by the independent safety body. Standard safety equipment includes: To see how the Land Rover Defender lines up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool Land Rover Australia covers its range with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty including roadside assistance for the same period, and the Defender has long 26,000km service intervals. To see how the Land Rover Defender lines up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool Like most premium or at least luxury-leaning 4WDs sold in Australia, the Defender 90 is unlikely to ever be used to its full potential and will instead spend most of its life putting around wealthy inner suburbs. With that in mind, if you don't have a sports team's worth of kids to cart around, the Defender 90's more city-friendly dimensions arguably make it the best suited to the lifestyle that Australian owners will likely subject it to. As has been the case since its launch, the Defender remains a very comfortable and capable all-rounder, with effortless performance from its diesel six and all the creature comforts you could want – provided you're willing to pay extra for some of them. Running changes for MY26 seem to bolster the value offering somewhat via extra equipment, and you could save thousands on our press vehicle's as-tested price by being more judicious with option boxes. For example, lose the satin paint film and ClearSight mirror and you've already pocketed $8500. It's a shame the lovely Pangea Green is no longer available for new orders, but the darker new Woolstone Green that replaces it for MY26 is just as delicious if not more so. If you're in the market for a go-anywhere off-road wagon and the Jimny and Jeep Wrangler are a little too pedestrian or utilitarian for you, it's hard to go past the Defender – especially the three-door shorty, which is not only the cheapest body style but also the best looking and most capable off-road, if anyone cares to find out. Interested in buying a Land Rover Defender? Let CarExpert find you the best deal hereMORE: Explore the Land Rover Defender showroom Content originally sourced from: Rover Defender Pros Land Rover Defender Cons The modern reincarnation of the Land Rover Defender has proven to be a smash hit globally, as well as in Australia. While the wider Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) portfolio has been floundering Down Under of late, the Defender continues to sell in strong numbers – it currently accounts for over half of all Land Rover sales. No doubt the five-door Defender 110 and the even longer 130 derivative get the most attention from well-heeled Aussie families, but the three-door Defender 90 tested here is something of a cult hero. Think of it as a Suzuki Jimny for grown-ups. It's superbly capable off-road and more city-friendly in size, but also doesn't sacrifice on the general Defender fitout that the bigger versions are available with. On test we have the Defender 90 S, powered by the 'D250' turbo-diesel inline six. The retro white steelies and Pangea Green paint over a khaki interior is perhaps my personal dream spec – minus the satin film that costs a wild $7040. WATCH: Paul's video review of the 2021 Land Rover Defender 90 P300 In a world where new vehicle prices continue to rise, this particular Defender has actually had a price decrease for 2025, and not an insignificant one either (over $5000). So, while it remains one of the more niche members of the Defender lineup, does the three-door Land Rover deserve a look-in if you're in the market for a larger luxury off-road SUV? A new MY26 range is on the way, but the MY24 vehicle you see on test here actually received a running price reduction for the 2025 model year, and now starts from $92,402 plus on-road costs and options. See below for the full MY25 price list, including changes from MY24. You can read more about the upcoming MY26 range here. Defender 90 Defender 110 Defender 130 Our MY24 test vehicle is also fitted with a number of packages, single-item options and dealer-fit accessories that bring the as-tested price to a cool $125,016 before on-road costs, according to 2024 pricing. It's worth noting that the incoming 2026 model year Defender has received some revisions to specifications and options. You can read more about that here. To see how the Land Rover Defender lines up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool The Defender hasn't changed much since it debuted in 2019, though the British off-roader's cabin still strikes a cool balance between utilitarian design, friendly ergonomics and seamless technology integration. It's worth noting some elements pictured here have been changed or will become unavailable with new model year orders, namely the open-pore wood trim finishes and the touchscreen, which has been enlarged by a couple of inches for MY26. Regardless, the core attributes remain the same. There's an overarching robust and utilitarian theme which harks back to Land Rover's roots, accompanied by premium design and material quality plus the brand's latest infotainment and display tech to keep it fresh and in line with modern expectations. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 11.4-inch Pivi Pro multimedia touchscreen have been well regarded since launch, thanks to the nice graphics and intuitive functionality. Land Rover's software interface has a pretty flat structure and clear labelling to make navigating through menus and applications easy, bolstered by crisp resolution and largely snappy responses. It's well featured too, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB+ digital radio, as well as satellite navigation with traffic information. Compared to more complicated systems from some rival German brands, it's refreshingly simple and easy to use. It's also easy to find a comfortable driving position thanks to the fully power adjustable front seats and steering column, and there are plenty of chunky physical buttons and controls for all your vehicle functions. Land Rover's commanding driving position is as present as ever in the Defender, putting you at the same level as some truck drivers on the highway. You have a great view of everything in the cabin too. There's a range of widgets and displays in the infotainment system and instrument cluster for general driving duties and off-roading. There are also various drive modes available, and adjustable air suspension which can jack up the ride height significantly. I'm also a fan of the chunky rotary dials for the climate control, which double up as ventilated seat controls. Push to toggle the heated/cooled seat controls, push again to return to your normal temperature controls. Build quality feels solid, but the Defender cabin isn't Range Rover-plush, nor should it be. There's a nice mix of soft-touch surfaces contrasted against more hard-wearing details and materials, and elements like exposed screws, rubberised areas and metal accents. In fairness, the Defender is meant to carry on the all-conquering, go-anywhere spirit of the original. If you want more luxury, you're better off looking at the seven-seat Discovery. This three-door 90 may be much shorter in length than the larger 110 and 130, but the second row is positively adult-sized once you clamber past the front seats – it's a very coupe-like experience. It's virtually the same rear bench in a smaller body that foregoes rear doors and sits atop a shorter wheelbase. You'll easily be able to cart four-up without issues, and you can squeeze three across the rear at a pinch if you need to. Rear occupants still get rear air vents and a fold-down centre armrest with cupholders, and you can option a third zone of climate controls if you regularly transport whiney rear passengers. Padded rear armrests, floor-mounted bottle holders and large rear windows help to make this one of the more accommodating three-door vehicles on the market, and there's also the roof-mounted rear 'portholes' too. Should you need to carry kids, the rear seats also feature ISOFIX child seat anchors in the outboard positions, and top-tether points across all three rear seatbacks. Boot space takes the biggest hit in the 'shortie' Defender, at a quoted 397 litres compared to the 110's 972L. The space itself is very shallow with the rear seats up, too. Should you need more room, you can fold each rear seatback down individually. The spare wheel is also mounted on the outside of the side-hinged tailgate too, which makes it heavy but very on-brand. There's a 12V power socket in the boot area, as well as bag hooks and a rear console that features remote switches to drop or raise the rear air suspension. Finally, the optional integrated air compressor ($1416) with matching air hose kit could be a godsend if you ever need to re-inflate a tyre while out bush. To see how the Land Rover Defender lines up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool D250 versions of the Defender are powered by a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder turbo-diesel with 48V mild-hybrid assistance. To see how the Land Rover Defender lines up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool Despite being the 'baby' Defender, the 90 is no shrinking violet. Pictured: 2021 Land Rover Defender 90 At 4.6 metres long and nearly 2.0m wide, the Defender 90 is still a reasonably big rig and about as long as a Toyota RAV4. But compared to the Defender 110 it's easier to park in tight parallel bays in the city – should you frequent those kinds of café-dense areas often… The 3.0-litre inline diesel six is a peach, and probably my pick of the engine range for the Defender's intended purpose. Sure, the prospect of a burbling V8 is nice, but that's likely to fade when you see the purchase price and fuel bills. With 48V mild-hybrid assistance, the idle stop/start system is snappy in slow-moving traffic, while the oiler's effortless torque wave makes this a relaxed performer off the line. Keep in mind the Defender 90 still weighs 2.2 tonnes in this specification, and feels quite peppy when you punch it. Like other big-block European diesels, Land Rover's D250 unit is a smooth operator and relatively refined, only getting a little vocal under hard acceleration. There's not even that much clatter, at least inside. With eight cogs and intuitive shift logic, the eight-speed auto is an excellent partner for that sweet inline six. It shifts smartly and decisively, keeping the engine on the boil while also smartly upshifting to the highest ratio possible, placing the engine in its most relaxed rev band when at a cruise. The ZF-sourced shifter is also quick to downshift if you need a rapid turn of speed and, as you'd imagine, rolling acceleration is very muscular despite the 8.0-second 0-100km/h claim. If you're driving on the open road, you'll be able to confidently overtake in the Defender 90 in a way that perhaps a four-cylinder Toyota Prado can't. Insulation from wind and road noise is mostly good without being standout. Thanks to the Defender's upright proportions and massive side mirrors, you can get some wind buffeting at high speeds as well as some hints of road roar from the chunky all-terrain rubber. The electronic air suspension ensures a generally comfortable ride – though it isn't quite Range Rover-like plush given the Defender's more rugged skew – thanks in part to the extra sidewall on our test car's small 18-inch steel wheels. There's a touch of firmness on impact that no doubt helps minimise body roll and ensures good recovery from primary bump absorption. Again, if you want more luxury, best look at a Discovery or Range Rover Sport. Steering feel is light though fairly accurate, meaning it isn't hard to handle or place the Defender 90 on the road. Plentiful visibility out of the upright glasshouse further boosts confidence behind the wheel, as does the standard surround-view camera system with 3D vehicle projection. That said, the placement of the rear camera can mean it's occasionally hard to judge where the tailgate-mounted spare wheel ends. I also didn't find the optional ClearSight rear-view mirror particularly valuable in practice due to its high-mounted position and limited field of view. While I didn't take this particular Defender off-road, both 90 and 110 versions of the rugged Land Rover perform very well off the beaten track based on our previous testing, and are more than capable of tackling almost anything most owners would be willing throw at them. In addition to the adjustable air suspension (which can raise the ride height to a dizzying 291mm), the Defender comes standard with the basic iteration of Land Rover's Terrain Response system, which tailors the 4×4 drivetrain and electronic aids to suit different surfaces. There's also hill descent control, hill launch assist, and low-range gearing. The Defender 90 also has an impressive 900mm wading depth, and relatively generous approach, departure and breakover angles of 30.1/37.6/24.2 degrees respectively, meaning the shorter wheelbase significantly increases its clearance over moguls and the like. Want to see it in action? See Paul's video at the top of this review. To see how the Land Rover Defender lines up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool Jaguar and Land Rover are quite convoluted in their specification lists, but here is a breakdown of what comes standard in the Defender S if you put an order down on one today. Note: MY24 Defender 90 S pictured 2025 Land Rover Defender S equipment highlights: *Information based on Land Rover Australia's configurator for the MY26 Defender 90 S To see how the Land Rover Defender lines up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool As noted earlier, our MY24 test vehicle was fitted with a number of options and packages. Off-Road Pack: $1660 Cold Climate Pack: $1480 Air Suspension Pack: $1310 Fitted standalone options include: Fitted genuine accessories include: Note that the incoming MY26 specification sees the Pangea Green paint pictured here discontinued, while features like the Air Suspension Pack now appear to be included as standard equipment. For the latest information, speak with your local Land Rover dealer. To see how the Land Rover Defender lines up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool The Defender 110 was awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating against 2020 criteria – however, Defender 90 and 130 derivatives as well as V8-powered variants remain unrated by the independent safety body. Standard safety equipment includes: To see how the Land Rover Defender lines up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool Land Rover Australia covers its range with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty including roadside assistance for the same period, and the Defender has long 26,000km service intervals. To see how the Land Rover Defender lines up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool Like most premium or at least luxury-leaning 4WDs sold in Australia, the Defender 90 is unlikely to ever be used to its full potential and will instead spend most of its life putting around wealthy inner suburbs. With that in mind, if you don't have a sports team's worth of kids to cart around, the Defender 90's more city-friendly dimensions arguably make it the best suited to the lifestyle that Australian owners will likely subject it to. As has been the case since its launch, the Defender remains a very comfortable and capable all-rounder, with effortless performance from its diesel six and all the creature comforts you could want – provided you're willing to pay extra for some of them. Running changes for MY26 seem to bolster the value offering somewhat via extra equipment, and you could save thousands on our press vehicle's as-tested price by being more judicious with option boxes. For example, lose the satin paint film and ClearSight mirror and you've already pocketed $8500. It's a shame the lovely Pangea Green is no longer available for new orders, but the darker new Woolstone Green that replaces it for MY26 is just as delicious if not more so. If you're in the market for a go-anywhere off-road wagon and the Jimny and Jeep Wrangler are a little too pedestrian or utilitarian for you, it's hard to go past the Defender – especially the three-door shorty, which is not only the cheapest body style but also the best looking and most capable off-road, if anyone cares to find out. Interested in buying a Land Rover Defender? Let CarExpert find you the best deal hereMORE: Explore the Land Rover Defender showroom Content originally sourced from: Rover Defender Pros Land Rover Defender Cons The modern reincarnation of the Land Rover Defender has proven to be a smash hit globally, as well as in Australia. While the wider Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) portfolio has been floundering Down Under of late, the Defender continues to sell in strong numbers – it currently accounts for over half of all Land Rover sales. No doubt the five-door Defender 110 and the even longer 130 derivative get the most attention from well-heeled Aussie families, but the three-door Defender 90 tested here is something of a cult hero. Think of it as a Suzuki Jimny for grown-ups. It's superbly capable off-road and more city-friendly in size, but also doesn't sacrifice on the general Defender fitout that the bigger versions are available with. On test we have the Defender 90 S, powered by the 'D250' turbo-diesel inline six. The retro white steelies and Pangea Green paint over a khaki interior is perhaps my personal dream spec – minus the satin film that costs a wild $7040. WATCH: Paul's video review of the 2021 Land Rover Defender 90 P300 In a world where new vehicle prices continue to rise, this particular Defender has actually had a price decrease for 2025, and not an insignificant one either (over $5000). So, while it remains one of the more niche members of the Defender lineup, does the three-door Land Rover deserve a look-in if you're in the market for a larger luxury off-road SUV? A new MY26 range is on the way, but the MY24 vehicle you see on test here actually received a running price reduction for the 2025 model year, and now starts from $92,402 plus on-road costs and options. See below for the full MY25 price list, including changes from MY24. You can read more about the upcoming MY26 range here. Defender 90 Defender 110 Defender 130 Our MY24 test vehicle is also fitted with a number of packages, single-item options and dealer-fit accessories that bring the as-tested price to a cool $125,016 before on-road costs, according to 2024 pricing. It's worth noting that the incoming 2026 model year Defender has received some revisions to specifications and options. You can read more about that here. To see how the Land Rover Defender lines up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool The Defender hasn't changed much since it debuted in 2019, though the British off-roader's cabin still strikes a cool balance between utilitarian design, friendly ergonomics and seamless technology integration. It's worth noting some elements pictured here have been changed or will become unavailable with new model year orders, namely the open-pore wood trim finishes and the touchscreen, which has been enlarged by a couple of inches for MY26. Regardless, the core attributes remain the same. There's an overarching robust and utilitarian theme which harks back to Land Rover's roots, accompanied by premium design and material quality plus the brand's latest infotainment and display tech to keep it fresh and in line with modern expectations. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 11.4-inch Pivi Pro multimedia touchscreen have been well regarded since launch, thanks to the nice graphics and intuitive functionality. Land Rover's software interface has a pretty flat structure and clear labelling to make navigating through menus and applications easy, bolstered by crisp resolution and largely snappy responses. It's well featured too, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB+ digital radio, as well as satellite navigation with traffic information. Compared to more complicated systems from some rival German brands, it's refreshingly simple and easy to use. It's also easy to find a comfortable driving position thanks to the fully power adjustable front seats and steering column, and there are plenty of chunky physical buttons and controls for all your vehicle functions. Land Rover's commanding driving position is as present as ever in the Defender, putting you at the same level as some truck drivers on the highway. You have a great view of everything in the cabin too. There's a range of widgets and displays in the infotainment system and instrument cluster for general driving duties and off-roading. There are also various drive modes available, and adjustable air suspension which can jack up the ride height significantly. I'm also a fan of the chunky rotary dials for the climate control, which double up as ventilated seat controls. Push to toggle the heated/cooled seat controls, push again to return to your normal temperature controls. Build quality feels solid, but the Defender cabin isn't Range Rover-plush, nor should it be. There's a nice mix of soft-touch surfaces contrasted against more hard-wearing details and materials, and elements like exposed screws, rubberised areas and metal accents. In fairness, the Defender is meant to carry on the all-conquering, go-anywhere spirit of the original. If you want more luxury, you're better off looking at the seven-seat Discovery. This three-door 90 may be much shorter in length than the larger 110 and 130, but the second row is positively adult-sized once you clamber past the front seats – it's a very coupe-like experience. It's virtually the same rear bench in a smaller body that foregoes rear doors and sits atop a shorter wheelbase. You'll easily be able to cart four-up without issues, and you can squeeze three across the rear at a pinch if you need to. Rear occupants still get rear air vents and a fold-down centre armrest with cupholders, and you can option a third zone of climate controls if you regularly transport whiney rear passengers. Padded rear armrests, floor-mounted bottle holders and large rear windows help to make this one of the more accommodating three-door vehicles on the market, and there's also the roof-mounted rear 'portholes' too. Should you need to carry kids, the rear seats also feature ISOFIX child seat anchors in the outboard positions, and top-tether points across all three rear seatbacks. Boot space takes the biggest hit in the 'shortie' Defender, at a quoted 397 litres compared to the 110's 972L. The space itself is very shallow with the rear seats up, too. Should you need more room, you can fold each rear seatback down individually. The spare wheel is also mounted on the outside of the side-hinged tailgate too, which makes it heavy but very on-brand. There's a 12V power socket in the boot area, as well as bag hooks and a rear console that features remote switches to drop or raise the rear air suspension. Finally, the optional integrated air compressor ($1416) with matching air hose kit could be a godsend if you ever need to re-inflate a tyre while out bush. To see how the Land Rover Defender lines up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool D250 versions of the Defender are powered by a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder turbo-diesel with 48V mild-hybrid assistance. To see how the Land Rover Defender lines up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool Despite being the 'baby' Defender, the 90 is no shrinking violet. Pictured: 2021 Land Rover Defender 90 At 4.6 metres long and nearly 2.0m wide, the Defender 90 is still a reasonably big rig and about as long as a Toyota RAV4. But compared to the Defender 110 it's easier to park in tight parallel bays in the city – should you frequent those kinds of café-dense areas often… The 3.0-litre inline diesel six is a peach, and probably my pick of the engine range for the Defender's intended purpose. Sure, the prospect of a burbling V8 is nice, but that's likely to fade when you see the purchase price and fuel bills. With 48V mild-hybrid assistance, the idle stop/start system is snappy in slow-moving traffic, while the oiler's effortless torque wave makes this a relaxed performer off the line. Keep in mind the Defender 90 still weighs 2.2 tonnes in this specification, and feels quite peppy when you punch it. Like other big-block European diesels, Land Rover's D250 unit is a smooth operator and relatively refined, only getting a little vocal under hard acceleration. There's not even that much clatter, at least inside. With eight cogs and intuitive shift logic, the eight-speed auto is an excellent partner for that sweet inline six. It shifts smartly and decisively, keeping the engine on the boil while also smartly upshifting to the highest ratio possible, placing the engine in its most relaxed rev band when at a cruise. The ZF-sourced shifter is also quick to downshift if you need a rapid turn of speed and, as you'd imagine, rolling acceleration is very muscular despite the 8.0-second 0-100km/h claim. If you're driving on the open road, you'll be able to confidently overtake in the Defender 90 in a way that perhaps a four-cylinder Toyota Prado can't. Insulation from wind and road noise is mostly good without being standout. Thanks to the Defender's upright proportions and massive side mirrors, you can get some wind buffeting at high speeds as well as some hints of road roar from the chunky all-terrain rubber. The electronic air suspension ensures a generally comfortable ride – though it isn't quite Range Rover-like plush given the Defender's more rugged skew – thanks in part to the extra sidewall on our test car's small 18-inch steel wheels. There's a touch of firmness on impact that no doubt helps minimise body roll and ensures good recovery from primary bump absorption. Again, if you want more luxury, best look at a Discovery or Range Rover Sport. Steering feel is light though fairly accurate, meaning it isn't hard to handle or place the Defender 90 on the road. Plentiful visibility out of the upright glasshouse further boosts confidence behind the wheel, as does the standard surround-view camera system with 3D vehicle projection. That said, the placement of the rear camera can mean it's occasionally hard to judge where the tailgate-mounted spare wheel ends. I also didn't find the optional ClearSight rear-view mirror particularly valuable in practice due to its high-mounted position and limited field of view. While I didn't take this particular Defender off-road, both 90 and 110 versions of the rugged Land Rover perform very well off the beaten track based on our previous testing, and are more than capable of tackling almost anything most owners would be willing throw at them. In addition to the adjustable air suspension (which can raise the ride height to a dizzying 291mm), the Defender comes standard with the basic iteration of Land Rover's Terrain Response system, which tailors the 4×4 drivetrain and electronic aids to suit different surfaces. There's also hill descent control, hill launch assist, and low-range gearing. The Defender 90 also has an impressive 900mm wading depth, and relatively generous approach, departure and breakover angles of 30.1/37.6/24.2 degrees respectively, meaning the shorter wheelbase significantly increases its clearance over moguls and the like. Want to see it in action? See Paul's video at the top of this review. To see how the Land Rover Defender lines up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool Jaguar and Land Rover are quite convoluted in their specification lists, but here is a breakdown of what comes standard in the Defender S if you put an order down on one today. Note: MY24 Defender 90 S pictured 2025 Land Rover Defender S equipment highlights: *Information based on Land Rover Australia's configurator for the MY26 Defender 90 S To see how the Land Rover Defender lines up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool As noted earlier, our MY24 test vehicle was fitted with a number of options and packages. Off-Road Pack: $1660 Cold Climate Pack: $1480 Air Suspension Pack: $1310 Fitted standalone options include: Fitted genuine accessories include: Note that the incoming MY26 specification sees the Pangea Green paint pictured here discontinued, while features like the Air Suspension Pack now appear to be included as standard equipment. For the latest information, speak with your local Land Rover dealer. To see how the Land Rover Defender lines up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool The Defender 110 was awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating against 2020 criteria – however, Defender 90 and 130 derivatives as well as V8-powered variants remain unrated by the independent safety body. Standard safety equipment includes: To see how the Land Rover Defender lines up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool Land Rover Australia covers its range with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty including roadside assistance for the same period, and the Defender has long 26,000km service intervals. To see how the Land Rover Defender lines up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool Like most premium or at least luxury-leaning 4WDs sold in Australia, the Defender 90 is unlikely to ever be used to its full potential and will instead spend most of its life putting around wealthy inner suburbs. With that in mind, if you don't have a sports team's worth of kids to cart around, the Defender 90's more city-friendly dimensions arguably make it the best suited to the lifestyle that Australian owners will likely subject it to. As has been the case since its launch, the Defender remains a very comfortable and capable all-rounder, with effortless performance from its diesel six and all the creature comforts you could want – provided you're willing to pay extra for some of them. Running changes for MY26 seem to bolster the value offering somewhat via extra equipment, and you could save thousands on our press vehicle's as-tested price by being more judicious with option boxes. For example, lose the satin paint film and ClearSight mirror and you've already pocketed $8500. It's a shame the lovely Pangea Green is no longer available for new orders, but the darker new Woolstone Green that replaces it for MY26 is just as delicious if not more so. If you're in the market for a go-anywhere off-road wagon and the Jimny and Jeep Wrangler are a little too pedestrian or utilitarian for you, it's hard to go past the Defender – especially the three-door shorty, which is not only the cheapest body style but also the best looking and most capable off-road, if anyone cares to find out. Interested in buying a Land Rover Defender? Let CarExpert find you the best deal hereMORE: Explore the Land Rover Defender showroom Content originally sourced from:
