The Land Rover Defender 2022 is the latest incarnation of the iconic off-road vehicle. It has been completely redesigned, with a new chassis and updated engines. But does it live up to the legend? I took one for a test drive to find out.
First, much thought has gone into making this vehicle as capable off-road as possible. The chassis is incredibly robust, and the four-wheel drive system provides plenty of traction even in tricky conditions. The diesel engine is powerful and efficient, and the interior is surprisingly comfortable, considering how useful the Defender is meant to be. Overall, I think this new Land Rover Defender is an impressive effort – it doesn’t quite have the character of the original model, but it’s a worthy successor.
Overview
The all-new Land Rover Defender is scheduled to be launched in early 2022. Here’s what we know about the new SUV, including its expected price, performance, and features.
The all-new Land Rover Defender will be a wholly redesigned SUV. It will be built on an all-new platform and will feature a new, more modern design. The new Defender will be available in both three-door and five-door body styles.
Under the hood, the all-new Defender will likely be powered by four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines. A plug-in hybrid powertrain is also a possibility. All machines will be mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The all-new Defender is expected to be priced from around $50,000. It will compete against SUVs such as the Jeep Wrangler and the Toyota 4Runner.
Performance
The 2022 Defender is a go-anywhere SUV powered by a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Defender is also available with a 3.0-liter inline-six which utilizes an electric supercharger and 48-volt hybrid system.
Buyers looking for additional performance can opt for the 518-hp supercharged V-8. Unlike its predecessor, the Defender has a unibody construction versus a body-on-frame setup, and it replaces the old solid axles with a fully independent suspension.
The base suspension utilizes coil springs but can be upgraded with air springs that enable adjustable ride height. When properly equipped, the Defender can tow up to 8,201 pounds and haul 1,984 pounds of payload.
Cargo capacity is 46.9 cubic feet with the second row in place and 90.2 cubic feet with the rear seatbacks folded. Standard features include LED headlights, 18-inch wheels, three 12-volt power outlets, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Optional features include heated and cooled front seats, wireless phone charging, a panoramic sunroof, and a 16-speaker Meridian audio system. Safety equipment includes adaptive cruise control with stop/start functionality, automated emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Defender also offers an off-road package that includes all-terrain tires, underbody protection, and a front camera for increased visibility when climbing obstacles.
Fuel Economy
The EPA’s fuel economy ratings for the various Defender models are similar regardless of what’s under the hood. The 90 model with the four-cylinder receives ratings of 18 mpg city and 21 highway. Step up to the six-cylinder engine, and the 90’s city rating drops to 17 mpg, but the highway rating goes up to 22. The 110 model with the six-cylinder engine has the exact estimates as the six-cylinder 90. The V-8 variant is rated for 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway.
On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, a Defender 110X with the optional six-cylinder powertrain delivered a disappointing 18 mpg. For more information about the Defender’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Although the Defender’s fuel economy ratings are nothing to write home about, they’re in line with other vehicles in its class. And when it comes to off-road capability, the Defender is in a class by itself. So if you’re looking for a car that can go anywhere and do anything, the Defender is worth considering.
Interior Comfort
The design of the Defender’s cabin walks the line between premium and practical, with just enough design cues from the rest of the Land Rover lineup to make those familiar with the brand feel right at home. Exposed rivets in the door panels add an exceptionally rugged appearance, and a magnesium beam that runs the entire width of the dashboard isn’t entirely cosmetic—it’s also structural.
Under the infotainment display, a trapezoidal extension of the dashboard provides a place for buttons and switches for the climate-control system and driving mode. The shift lever and ignition switch are also mounted on this center stack rather than the console. In some models, the center console can be flipped back to create a jump seat between the driver and passenger, similar to a three-across bench in some full-size pickup trucks.
This versatility is one of Defender’s most appealing features, as it allows various seating configurations to suit any need. Whether you’re carrying passengers or cargo, the Defender is up to the task.
Driver-Assistance Features
The Rover has several unique driver-assistance features that make it ideal for off-roading and towing. These features include automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
These features make the Rover one of the safest vehicles on the road and help to protect drivers and passengers in the event of an accident. With its strong safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Rover is a safe choice for any driver.
Cost to Insure a Land Rover Defender
The cost of insuring a Land Rover Defender will depend on various factors, including your deductible, the level of coverage you want, and the type of insurance you choose. Your age, gender, location, credit score, and driving record can also impact your insurance rates. Check out our car insurance guide to find the best policy for you. The average cost of car insurance in the United States is $1,548 per year, but this will vary depending on the state in which you live.
California, for example, has an average annual premium of $2,752, while Louisiana has an average of just $985. If you’re looking for the cheapest option, consider a liability-only policy, which will cover damages you cause to another person or vehicle in an accident. You can also raise your deductible to lower your premiums.
For example, increasing your deductible from $500 to $1,000 could save you as much as 30% on your premium. Whatever route you choose, compare quotes from multiple insurers to find the best price.
