2022 Land Rover Defender 90 V8 Two Door: Taking On The World With A Touch Of Style And Power

 

Highlight: The V8 engine pushes out 518-horsepower, making it the fastest production Defender in history.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $106,710 (Base Model: $49,050)

Seating Capacity: A spacious 5-seater

Standard Safety Features (Test Model): airbags; ABS; a 360-degree rearview camera; electronic brake force distribution; an electronic blind spot monitor; a stability system; a traction control system; lane keep assist; an adaptive speed limiter; and a tire pressure monitor system

Standard Equipment (Test Model): 22-inch wheels; a V8 engine; an 8-speed automatic transmission; special tuning; all-terrain capabilities; bespoke springs and damper rates; a new electronic active differential; larger and solid anti roll bars; special acoustic tuning for the V8 sound; a heads up display system; leather/suede seating surfaces; heated/ventilated front seats; a heated power steering wheel; a three zone climate control system; premium cabin lighting; keyless entry system; push button ignition system; chrome gearshift paddles; leather shift gear indictor; illuminated treadplates; panoramic power roof; a navigation system; and a 700-watt Meridian sound system with SiriusXM

Options: Wi-Fi Enabler; premium interior protection and storage pack; and an 11-inch touchscreen

Other Trims:

Defender 90 S

Defender 90 X-Dynamic S

Defender 90 First Edition

Defender 90 X

Defender X-Dynamic SE

X-Dynamic HSE

Defender 90 V8 Carpathian Edition

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: A 9-speaker Bose AM/FM/HD with SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter turbocharged, 4-cylinder/296-hp (base Defender 90)

Recommended Fuel: Premium

Standard Fuel Mileage: 15-cty/19-hwy

Towing Capacity: 8,201 lbs

What’s New: A throaty new 5.0-liter, 8-cylinder engine, 518-horsepower gas powered engine is all-new for the 2022 model year.

Why: 

Its actually a SUV!

A gutsy 518-horsepower engine

Goes from 0 to 60 in under 5 seconds, according to the folks at Land Rover

A special designed suspension for the V8

The transmission was tuned to handle the V8

Stylish, head turning exterior design

35.4-inch wading depth

19 thru 22-inch wheels

Heated and ventilated front seats

Heated rear seats

Roomy interior due to boxy design

Roomy rear seating

Easy access to power operated seats -slides seating back and forth

Easy access to rear seats with two door

Easy-to-use optional 11-inch infotainment system

Wireless charging

Optional rear heated seats

Great visibility

4x4

Off roading with an ability to tackle a variety of terrains

High clearance for off roading to handle severe weather conditions

Fullsize tire

The Defender trims are also available in a 4 cylinder and a 6-cylinder mild hybrid powertrain

A few means to personalize the vehicle

A four-door model is available too!

Smooth riding vehicle despite being designed for off roading

Excess towing capabilities

 

But: 

Pricey, especially when opting for the V8

Exposed bolts in the interior of the front doors

Limited cargo area

Swing out rear door with exterior spare tire

Some control switches might be confusing to use

Verdict: The bold looking Defender 90 we tested was outfitted with the brand’s all-new power packed gutsy V8 engine. The Defender 90’s all-new V8 makes this two door SUV the brand’s fastest and most powerful production model – pushing out a whopping 518-horsepower. Because of the weight and size of this British manufactured vehicle, it didn’t seem as though the power underneath the hood was too over-bearing.

The classic looking two door Defender 90, with its short overhang and modern design, offers eye-catching exterior styling cues. The Defender 90 is not only meant for off-roading, but for leisurely drives around the city too. While the two door vehicle we tested, with its roomy interior and easy access rear seating is designed to take on the world, Land Rover’s interior team has incorporated a wireless charger, leather/suede seats, heated/ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and a touchscreen infotainment system which is compatible with today’s smartphones. All of these features and more are designed for those who like such vehicles as the Wrangler, the Bronco and the Jeep Grand Cherokee, but who has the financial means to roll with a touch of British class.

2-Door Competition: None

Competition (Four Door): Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland with the V8 Hemi