Two engines are available on the Defender, the base engine is an in-line 4-cylinder turbocharged unit making 296 horsepower. Available only in the base version on the Defender, the 4-cylinder engine is powerful enough to get the Defender from 0-60 in 7.7 seconds, quick for an off-roader. The only other engine option is a high-tech in-line 6-cylinder engine utilizing a turbocharger as well as a hybrid system to make 395 horsepower from its 3.0 liters of displacement. Land Rover estimates that the bigger engine can get the Defender from 0-60 in just 5.8 seconds. No matter the engine choice, power is sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The base Defender 110 trim comes standard with all the offroading goodies one might need. Standard features include a twin-speed transfer box with low and high ranges, electronically controlled air suspension, Land Rover's Terrain response system with selectable modes for various conditions, hill descent control, roll stability control and a low traction launch mode for getting unstuck from sandy or snowy conditions.
In addition, the Defender 110 comes with LED headlights, heated, power folding exterior mirrors, LED taillights, puddle lights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, 18-inch, retro-styled white-painted steel wheels, a leather steering wheel, 2-zone climate control, durable rubber cabin flooring, an assisted tailgate, a 3D surround camera, a 10-inch touchscreen and a navigation system.
The mid-level trim for 2020 is the 110 First Edition. It comes standard with the bigger engine but also gets nicer LED headlamps, a sliding panoramic roof, a black roof, blacked out exterior chrome, first edition badging, automatic high-beam assist, front fog lights, 20-inch alloy wheels, a heated steering wheel, 12-way heated front seats, leather seating surfaces and a refrigerator for the front console. The sound system is also upgraded to a Meridian unit and SiriusXM Satellite Radio is also standard.
The top of the line 110 X also comes standard with the bigger engine, but also gets an electronic active differential, a gloss black hood, tinted tail lights, orange brake calipers, a more luxurious headliner, premium cabin lighting, leather trimming around the dashboard, heated rear seats, Windsor Leather seating surfaces and 14-way power adjustable front seats.
Retro, Boxy Styling
Fantastic Off-road Capability
Useful Interior Filled With Utility
Luxurious Options
Modern Technology
The Land Rover Defender returns to the US marketplace where it has been absent since 1997. The old Defender was something of a cult vehicle, already somewhat outdated when it was finally brought to America in 1993, the Defender became an instant cult hit thanks to its no-nonsense attitude and incredible off-road capabilities. The latest Defender takes the best of those traits and translates them into the language of modern vehicle design. No longer outdated or impractical, the 2020 Land Rover Defender is now a modern SUV with a serious cool factor.
Land Rovers are luxury SUVs, but the Defender isn't really a typical Land Rover. The 2020 Defender has a base price of just below $50,000. This means that anyone who is really looking to use the utilitarian features and treat the vehicle like the true off-roader it is, will probably be able to afford one. However, the Defender, like most Land Rovers, can be seriously luxury optioned. The top of the line 110 X trim will set buyers back around $80,000 before options. No matter the Defender, buyers will have a vehicle that looks like nothing else on the road, with a presence and cool factor that go a long way towards justifying any price one might pay.