2024 Land Rover Defender 110 V8: The Brand’s Four Door Midsize SUV

 

Highlight: The Defender 110 is available as a plug-in hybrid.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $111,300 (Base Model Defender S: $63,050)

Seating Capacity: 5 to 8 (depending upon seating arrangement)

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 low traction control system; lane keep assist; an adaptive speed limiter; an adaptive dynamics to reduce body roll; a roll stability control system; a terrain response system; a cornering brake control system; a full size spare wheel; an air quality sensor; a wade sensing system; a trailer assist system; a perimeter alarm system; and a tire pressure monitor system 

Standard Equipment (Defender S): 19-inch wheels; AWD; 8 seats; a 11-inch infotainment system; leather seats; heated front seats; power front seats with memory; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a twin speed transfer box; wireless charging; an electronic air suspension; an adaptive dynamics to reduce body roll; a terrain response system; a brake hold system; auto high beam assist system; heated rear windows with a timer; a rear wash wiper; puddle lights; rear fog lights; power fold down mirrors; a third-row fixed panoramic glass; a heated steering wheel; a three zone climate control system; an air quality sensor; a cargo cover; a keyless entry system; a push button ignition starter system; automatic dimming interior rearview mirror; and outside rear mounted tire protection

Standard Equipment (110): V8; 518-horsepower; 22-inch wheels; 5-seater; quad outboard mounted exhaust pipes; terrain response with dynamic program; privacy glass; tow hitch receiver; 5-seater; a heated steering wheel; heated windshield; heated washer jets; refrigerated front console bin; waterproof activity key bracket; and 700-watt Meridian Surround Sound System

Options: Wi-Fi; 22-inch gloss black wheels; extended black exterior pack; an integrated air compressor; and body colored spare wheel cover

Other Trims:

Defender 130

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: A 10-speaker, 400-watt Meridian 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: 5.0-liter turbocharged, 8-cylinder/518-hp)

Recommended Fuel: Premium

Standard Fuel Mileage: 14-cty/19-hwy (test vehicle)

Towing Capacity: 8,200 lbs

What’s New: For the 2024 model year, the Defender 110 is available with a new V8 engine. However, we must note the vehicle we reviewed was a 2023 model outfitted with the old V8.

Why: 

A choice of powertrains

A plug-in available

A throaty V8 producing over 518-horsepower

Stylish and sophisticated head turning exterior design

19 thru 22-inch wheels

Heated and ventilated front seats available

Heated rear seats available

Roomy interior due to boxy design

Roomy rear seating

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

An automatic adjustable suspension system

Fullsize tire with cargo cover

A few means to personalize the vehicle

8,200 towing capacity

A brake hold system

Heated and ventilated front seats

A crystal-clear sound system

 

But: 

Swing out rear door with exterior spare tire

Some control switches might be confusing to use

Features such as heated seats to a brake hold system requires activation via the infotainment system

The V8 package costs $52,700 more than the base trim non V-8 S model.

Verdict: The sophisticated looking Land Rover Defender, with its mix of modern and classic design cues, is available in a variety of trims and sizes. Unlike many of its luxury makers, the midsize SUV is available in a two-door or four-door configuration. Thus, this makes the vehicle a standout in the segments.

While the upscale exterior design of the Land Rover Defender 110 we tested exuded an air of sophistication, yet, unlike many of its luxury competitors from Cadillac and Mercedes-Benz, this British SUV is designed to navigate and conquer most rugged terrains, as well as tread through water. The only luxury midsize models that comes close to matching the Defender are the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Lexus GX. In the non luxury area, the Toyota Land Cruiser competes against the Land Rover Defender.

In fact, the Defender 110 V8 out bests its competitors by offering an ultra-expensive throaty V8 package, which pushes out a whopping 518-horsepower. None of its competitors can come close to offering such. And in terms of size, the Lexus GX and the Toyota Land Cruiser are on par.

Moreover, the 110 can be outfitted with a host of features ranging from a three-zone climate control system to heated and cooled front seats. And like with most vehicles these days, the British designed SUV was equipped with the latest safety driving aids. Unfortunately, we did experience concerns in our attempts to activate the radar cruise control system.

Overall, in a world where many in the automotive industry loosely uses the word SUV when identifying their utility vehicles, the Land Rover Defender 110 truly earns the name. The Defender isn’t a car like crossover. It truly is a SUV and also lives up to the defender name, no pun intended. And although the Defender is designed for off-roading, the bold looking SUV is still able to balance the suspension, offering a ride and handling experience that is also suitable for cross country road trips, too.

Competition:  2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee; 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser and 2024 Lexus GX