Highline Test Drives
It is no secret car manufacturers are in a retro SUV frenzy at the moment. Ford brought back the Bronco, Jeep makes a 2024 Wagonner, and even Toyota has an all new, ‘80s inspired Land Cruiser. While these modern throwbacks are experiencing varying levels of success, the 6th generation (2020+) Land Rover Defender has risen to the top of the segment. Our Defender, a 110 X-Dynamic SE was on the more modern side of Defender options, featuring a white body with black exterior trim, premium 22” 5-spoke gloss black wheels, comfort and convenience pack, premium interior pack, and cold climate pack. However, with a 3.0 liter mild hybrid I6, AWD w/ twin speed transfer box, terrain response, hill descent control and much more, this Defender can get you where you need to be, no matter the situation.
The 6th generation Defender’s execution in both retro styling and off road performance is where this SUV separates itself from the competition. The Ford Bronco is an almost equal competitor in the execution of off-road performance and retro styling, but the little brother Bronco Sport is more badge than Bronco. Jeep, another brand associated with off-road capabilities and a “go anywhere” attitude, went the opposite direction with the Wagonner, creating a big, heavy, luxury SUV that competes more with the Cadillac Escalade or full size Range Rover.
Land Rover offers the Defender in 17 different variants, among three different lengths, and about 6 trim levels. The entry level Defender, the Defender 90 S, is the most utilitarian spec you can buy, for customers who plan on washing their Defender only once a year, but still enjoy a modern air conditioning and stereo. The top of the Defender range is the 518 hp 5.0 liter supercharged V8 model, available in either satin gray or black, perfect for any Land Rover customer who envisions themselves as the villain of a James Bond film. With so many possible configurations available, Land Rover gives customers the opportunity to decide how much of the authentic Defender experience they really want to live with.
Our ‘24 Defender was more than capable of the usual suburban lifestyle almost all Defenders will experience. As a two row SUV, trunk space and rear legroom is excellent, and headroom was particularly is impressive. The smooth ride, light steering, and 3D surround cameras and sensors, makes maneuvering over 17 ½ foot long, 7,000 lb. SUV incredibly easy. Like all modern Land Rover products, this Defender has more drive modes and different terrain settings than most customers will experience in their life, let alone behind the wheel of their Defender. Excellent heated seats and an impressive Meridian premium audio that you’d think only belongs in a Range Rover, brings the entire Defender driving experience notches above anything like the Ford Bronco or Jeep Wrangler.
The Defender’s tall styling and safari windows in the rear cabin gives a much more spacious feeling for passengers than in a full size Range Rover. For smaller children, or let’s be honest, the less limber adults, fixed side step running boards and 19” wheels are something to consider for better ingress and egress. Our Defender had 22” wheels without running boards, those under 5’10” had some complaints getting in and out. Another point of contention in the office is the exposed bolts around the cabin and on the door cards, some found it amusing and in tune with the ethos of the vehicle, others will find it a cheap trick and questioned “Why could they have not covered these up?”.
Overall the 6th generation Land Rover Defender, and in particular our 110 X-Dynamic SE, is at the top of the retro/modern SUV pyramid. A well executed, modern take on an iconic shape, and more possible configurations than customers could ever need. Quality from a premium brand like Land Rover, who has the reputation of the most luxurious, go anywhere, off-road capable vehicles, bring even more off-road performance to customers who enjoy a fun weekend adventure, while not looking to sacrifice their everyday drivability in town.
Visit www.landroverusa.com/defender for more
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