2022 Land Rover Defender Review
2022 Land Rover Defender Review
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The Land Rover Defender packs legitimate off-road capability — provided you pick the right options — and makes no sacrifice in on-road comfort. It's an admirable accomplishment. Overall, we're impressed with this modern interpretation of a classic nameplate.
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2022 Land Rover Defender Review
byRonald Montoya
Senior Consumer Advice Editor & Content Strategy
Ronald Montoya has worked in the automotive industry since 2008. He has written over a thousand car related articles and bought and sold over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Ronald is a senior consumer advice editor and content strategy at Edmunds and has also contributed to the Associated Press. He has also been featured on ABC, NBC and NPR on a number of car shopping topics. He got his start in the auto industry by taking a part-time job at a car dealership, where he worked in the service and accounting department.
Pros
- Strong off-road capabilities
- Wealth of customization options
- High-tech safety and off-road features
- Smooth ride for an off-road-oriented SUV
Cons
- Options can get pricey
- Cargo door is heavy and opens toward the curb
What's new
- Available supercharged V8
- New special edition packages and trim levels
- Larger optional touchscreen
- Part of the second Defender generation introduced for 2020
Overview
Combining classic Land Rover styling, a luxurious interior and enviable off-road performance, the new Land Rover Defender has quickly become one of our higher-ranked midsize luxury SUVs. But Land Rover isn't content to sit back and bask in its success — the automaker is introducing a host of updates for the 2022 Defender.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Land Rover Defender 90 P300 2dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$287/mo for Defender 90 P300
Defender 90 P300
vs
$201/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Headlining the changes for the 2022 Land Rover Defender is the addition of a supercharged V8. Available in both two-door (Defender 90) and four-door (Defender 110) body styles, the eight-cylinder produces an impressive 518 horsepower and 461 lb-ft of torque. It should endow the Defender with muscular acceleration and make it a worthy rival to V8-powered German SUVs or even the new V8-powered Jeep Wrangler.
A handful of new trim levels also offer Defender buyers a deeper level of customization. The XS Edition effectively replaces the 2020 model's First Edition trim, which ticked nearly every option box and added a few details not found on any other model. There's also the new range-topping Carpathian Edition that starts with the V8 engine and includes a custom-look gray paint scheme as well as a limited-edition Trophy Edition inspired by another limited edition of the classic Defender SUV (the Works V8 Trophy).
Overall, we think the Defender is a solid pick for a midsize luxury SUV, and especially so if you want one with genuine off-road capability and lots of ways to customize it. Check out our Expert Rating below to get our team's full analysis of its performance, comfort and more.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Good
7.8
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The Land Rover Defender packs legitimate off-road capability — provided you pick the right options — and makes no sacrifice in on-road comfort. It's an admirable accomplishment. Overall, we're impressed with this modern interpretation of a classic nameplate.
Rated for you by America's best test team.Performance
8.0/10
How does the Defender drive? Strong off-road capability typically comes at the expense of on-road handling and steering precision. But that isn't the case here. The Defender drives just like a luxury SUV should, and its transmission provides smooth and often imperceptible gear changes. The brakes are easy to control for smooth stops around town.
As for acceleration, we clocked a 0-60 mph sprint of 6.7 seconds for the Defender 110 and 6.2 seconds for the Defender 90 when equipped with the inline six-cylinder engine. That's plenty quick for an off-road-oriented SUV. Still, with 395 hp, you might expect a little more. Weight might be a culprit — our test Defenders weighed in at a portly 5,207 and 5,571 pounds for the two-door 90 and four-door 110, respectively.
As for acceleration, we clocked a 0-60 mph sprint of 6.7 seconds for the Defender 110 and 6.2 seconds for the Defender 90 when equipped with the inline six-cylinder engine. That's plenty quick for an off-road-oriented SUV. Still, with 395 hp, you might expect a little more. Weight might be a culprit — our test Defenders weighed in at a portly 5,207 and 5,571 pounds for the two-door 90 and four-door 110, respectively.
Comfort
8.0/10
How comfortable is the Defender? The Defender travels down the road with the refinement you'd expect of a luxury-priced Land Rover. The interior remains quiet and relatively free from road vibrations even when riding on the optional 20-inch wheels and all-terrain tires. In terms of ride quality, our test vehicle was on the firm side when going over bumps and road imperfections, but it was likely the result of those larger, heavier wheels (18-inch wheels are standard).
The driver's seat provides a wide range of adjustment. Heating and ventilation are optional. The climate system is able to maintain a comfortable temperature, though you might need to dial in a slightly lower target temperature and fiddle with the vents to get the airflow you want.
The driver's seat provides a wide range of adjustment. Heating and ventilation are optional. The climate system is able to maintain a comfortable temperature, though you might need to dial in a slightly lower target temperature and fiddle with the vents to get the airflow you want.
Interior
8.0/10
How’s the interior? The Defender's massive second row and tall roof give the cabin a very roomy feel. It's worth noting that passenger space remains the same whether you choose the 110 or the 90. Headroom, legroom and shoulder room are plentiful, though the steering column can get in the way of some drivers' knees when they get in. We'd recommend against the front center jump seat since its usefulness is minimal and it removes a good amount of otherwise convenient storage.
The height-adjusting air suspension, numerous grab handles and large doors make access easy in the 110, but climbing into the back of the two-door 90 will be a chore for most.
A few interior controls have steep learning curves. The climate control dials, for example, double as drive mode selectors and seat heating/ventilation adjustment. If they were touchscreen controls, they'd be a lot simpler and more intuitive. Large windows and appropriately sized mirrors make outward visibility a non-issue, and the cabin is far quieter than we'd expect of any off-road vehicle.
The height-adjusting air suspension, numerous grab handles and large doors make access easy in the 110, but climbing into the back of the two-door 90 will be a chore for most.
A few interior controls have steep learning curves. The climate control dials, for example, double as drive mode selectors and seat heating/ventilation adjustment. If they were touchscreen controls, they'd be a lot simpler and more intuitive. Large windows and appropriately sized mirrors make outward visibility a non-issue, and the cabin is far quieter than we'd expect of any off-road vehicle.
Technology
8.0/10
How’s the tech? The wide entertainment touchscreen and available digital gauge cluster are attractive and generally respond quickly to inputs. The native voice command system was a bit hit-or-miss in our tests. We had no difficulty changing stereo stations using natural language, but it couldn't decipher basic navigation requests. Fortunately you can use your smartphone's voice controls on Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, which are standard. Numerous connectivity options include wireless charging and multiple USB ports.
As for driving aids, the surround-view camera system helps both in parking lots and going off-road, and it provides a comprehensive view of whatever obstacle you're approaching. Adaptive cruise control is pleasant as well and makes appropriate speed corrections smoothly.
As for driving aids, the surround-view camera system helps both in parking lots and going off-road, and it provides a comprehensive view of whatever obstacle you're approaching. Adaptive cruise control is pleasant as well and makes appropriate speed corrections smoothly.
Storage
7.5/10
How’s the storage? The four-door Defender has a generous amount of storage space (34 cubic feet), both with the rear seats up or lowered for maximum capacity. The rear seats are heavy, and it can take some oomph to push them back in place. That all changes if you opt for the shorter 90. Cargo capacity is cut by more than half, and folding the rear seatbacks is a huge hassle because it requires you remove the bottom seat cushion. If you need to carry cargo, don't get the 90.
When the Defender is equipped with the air suspension, you can lower the ride height from the cargo area to make loading heavy objects a little easier. Unlike like most SUVs, the Defender has a swing-out tailgate instead of a liftgate. It swings out toward the curb, which not everyone will like because it can impede access. It's also heavy due to the mounted spare tire.
Inside, the Defender has long shelves for the front seats and multilevel storage by the center console. There are numerous places to store small items but none large enough to hold a medium-size handbag. The sheer size of the second row makes car seat installation easy with the 110, but you'll struggle to get a seat by the front pass-through with the 90. Once back there, however, the access to of the attachment points is decent.
An available tow package allows the Defender to tow 8,200 pounds. But it doesn't include a trailer brake controller, which you'll want to help control and adjust a heavy trailer's brakes.
When the Defender is equipped with the air suspension, you can lower the ride height from the cargo area to make loading heavy objects a little easier. Unlike like most SUVs, the Defender has a swing-out tailgate instead of a liftgate. It swings out toward the curb, which not everyone will like because it can impede access. It's also heavy due to the mounted spare tire.
Inside, the Defender has long shelves for the front seats and multilevel storage by the center console. There are numerous places to store small items but none large enough to hold a medium-size handbag. The sheer size of the second row makes car seat installation easy with the 110, but you'll struggle to get a seat by the front pass-through with the 90. Once back there, however, the access to of the attachment points is decent.
An available tow package allows the Defender to tow 8,200 pounds. But it doesn't include a trailer brake controller, which you'll want to help control and adjust a heavy trailer's brakes.
Fuel Economy
8.0/10
How’s the fuel economy? Both the Defender 110 and 90 equipped with the 3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder get an EPA-estimated 19 mpg combined (17 city/22 highway). That's higher than most off-road-oriented SUVs such as the Toyota Land Cruiser and 4Runner, as well as the pricier Mercedes-Benz G-Class. The Jeep Wrangler advertises higher figures with most of its engines.
Value
7.0/10
Is the Defender a good value? The Defender has a comfortable entry price at around $50,000. When optioned sensibly, it marries off-road capability and on-road refinement in a way that justifies paying the premium for it over, say, the Jeep Wrangler or Toyota 4Runner. Even equipped with a fair number of options, it costs less than the Toyota Land Cruiser.
On the downside, our test vehicle had multiple misaligned body panels and a few interior rattles. The interior materials didn't quite seem to reflect the $72,000 as-tested price — they were already showing signs of wear, markings and stains. Our test vehicle was an early build version that was undoubtedly used hard, but hard use is what a Defender should be built to withstand.
On the downside, our test vehicle had multiple misaligned body panels and a few interior rattles. The interior materials didn't quite seem to reflect the $72,000 as-tested price — they were already showing signs of wear, markings and stains. Our test vehicle was an early build version that was undoubtedly used hard, but hard use is what a Defender should be built to withstand.
Wildcard
8.0/10
Personality is important to the Defender, and the new one gets the important parts of the classic Defender's proportions right. It looks cool from most angles, but we still think the front end looks a bit soft, and the optional plastic bits on the hood that are styled to look like diamond-plated metal elicit plenty of chuckles. We wish it looked a bit tougher.
The Defender drives with refinement and dignity whether you're on- or off-road. While the level of electronic control is nifty, we find it more satisfying to manually engage diff locks and low range with physical buttons and levers. Still, it's hard to argue with the seamlessness of the Defender's approach.
The Defender drives with refinement and dignity whether you're on- or off-road. While the level of electronic control is nifty, we find it more satisfying to manually engage diff locks and low range with physical buttons and levers. Still, it's hard to argue with the seamlessness of the Defender's approach.
Which Defender does Edmunds recommend?
We suggest going with the Defender X-Dynamic SE. You get the more powerful six-cylinder engine than the base Defender as well as an appealing mix of features. As a midtier trim, you can also customize it with a few extra features (we'd add the larger 11.4-inch screen) without paying for the fully loaded X.
2022 Land Rover Defender models
The 2022 Defender is available in two body styles: the two-door Land Rover Defender 90 and four-door Land Rover Defender 110. There are a variety of trim levels depending what basic model you choose. There are also one of three available engine options.
That engine lineup includes:
- P300: turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (296 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque)
- P400: turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine (395 hp, 406 lb-ft)
- P525: supercharged 5.0-liter eight-cylinder engine (518 hp, 461 lb-ft)
All Defenders come standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission, a two-speed transfer case (with low-range gearing) and all-wheel drive.
Five-passenger seating is standard. An available jump seat that fits between the two front seats boosts capacity to six passengers. The Defender 110 can also be had with a two-person third-row seat, but it cannot be combined with the jump seat.
Base
Standard feature highlights include:
- P300 engine
- 18-inch steel wheels
- LED headlights
- Power-adjustable, heated front seats
- 10-inch touchscreen
- Power-folding, heated side mirrors
- Six-speaker sound system
- Proximity keyless entry
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
- Wireless smartphone charging pad
All Defenders also come with these safety features:
- Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
- Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
- Blind-spot monitoring (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
- 360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Defender and its surroundings for parking or off-roading situations)
S
Similar to the base but with:
- 19-inch wheels
- Two-tone leather and cloth upholstery
- Upgraded power-adjustable front seats
- 11-speaker Meridian sound system
The X-Dynamic trims add the more powerful six-cylinder engine and the following features:
X-Dynamic S (Defender 90 only)
Based on the S trim and adds:
- P400 engine
- Silver and black exterior trim
- Dark-painted 19-inch wheels
- Illuminated scuff plates
- Special interior trim and upholstery
SE and X-Dynamic SE
Further equips the Defender with:
- P400 engine
- Upgraded LED headlights
- Panoramic sunroof
- 20-inch wheels
- Driver's seat memory settings and power-adjustable steering column
- 15-speaker Meridian surround-sound system
- Silver and black exterior trim; special interior trim and upholstery (X-Dynamic SE)
Trophy Edition
Based on the Defender 110 X-Dynamic SE, this limited-edition model has:
- Black-and-orange exterior paint wrap inspired by the classic Defender Works V8 Trophy
- Collection of the Defender's features that enhance off-road capability that are otherwise typically optional
X-Dynamic HSE
Compared to the X-Dynamic SE, the HSE version adds:
- Different 20-inch wheels
- Ventilated front seats
- Premium leather upholstery
- Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the Defender and the car in front)
XS Edition (Defender 110 only)
This trim is equipped similar to the Dynamic HSE but adds:
- Body-colored lower body cladding and wheel arches
- Heated steering wheel
- Ambient cabin lighting
- Digital rearview mirror (allows you to see out the back even with a fully loaded cargo area)
X
This is the top-of-the-line trim with the V6. It offers unique styling and improved off-road capability. Compared to the X-Dynamic HSE, it also comes with:
- Black contrast roof and hood
- Head-up display
- Digital rearview mirror
- Adjustable air suspension (can raise or lower the Defender's ride height)
- Terrain Response 2 (vehicle can automatically select what off-road driving mode to be in)
- All-Terrain Progress Control (automatically maintains a set speed during off-road driving to maximize traction)
- Electronic active differential
- Configurable powertrain, steering, differentials and traction control settings
- Heated second-row seats
V8
New for 2022 is the V8 trim. It is based on the X trim and as the name suggests, adds a supercharged V8 engine. This trim takes you into the six-figure price range and adds:
- Quad exhaust pipes
- 22-inch wheels
- Microfiber-wrapped steering wheel
- Activity key (shockproof and fully waterproof wristband that can lock and unlock your vehicle, reducing the need to carry a conventional key fob)
- Advanced Tow Assist (allows the driver to reverse a trailer using the rotary controller on the center console to guide the vehicle)
V8 Carpathian Edition
The Carpathian Edition is the absolute top-of-the-line Defender trim. It comes in a unique gray paint color and darkened exterior elements. It also comes with just about everything that's otherwise optional on the lower trim levels, including:
- Special gray paint with satin protective film
- Graphite-color exterior trim pieces
- Black contrast tail door
- 22-inch gloss black wheels
Many features on the upper trims are available on the lower trims as options. Other significant options for the Defender include:
- 11.4-inch touchscreen
- Towing package (extra off-road drive modes, tow hitch, electronic towing assist)
- Third-row seat
- Front jump seat
A variety of accessory packs are also available and include features such as wheel arch flares, a spare tire cover, a roof rack and an underbody shield.
Consumer reviews
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1 out of 5 stars
Proceed with Caution
DBM6858, 07/15/2020
2020 Land Rover Defender 110 P400 First Edition 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A)
We've had ours since June 8. After 8 days, the Check Engine light went on. Land Rover then had the car for 9 days The dealer determined that three mechanical faults set the light off, but the mechanical faults were non-existent; it must have been a software issue that caused the light to come on. Land Rover (the dealer, in consultation with engineers from Land Rover USA on the east coast … and Land Rover England) cleared the Check Engine light but never determined what software issue set it off in the first place. We then got the car back, Land Rover having had it for a longer period of time than we did.
About a week later, Sirius went out. It comes in and out intermittently, and we have an appointment to have that fixed, but we can't get in to the dealer until the end of July. While waiting for that appointment, the Check Engine light came on again. I'm anticipating another long stint with a loaner.
We love the car reliability issues aside, but those reliability issues are quickly moving it into Lemon Law land.
3 out of 5 stars
Dead on the 3rd day- LR took care of me
Joe M, 04/29/2021
2021 Land Rover Defender 110 P300 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
Bought a new 2021 Defender X. Pretty awesome until the morning of day 3 with ~500 miles on the odometer, all safety systems failed along with a gearbox failure at 80 mph on the interstate. It barely allowed me to get to safety. The out of town dealer repaired and gave it back only to have it fail again the next morning. Of course this is in the middle of important meetings as well. … It remains at the out of town dealer now 8.5 days of the first 11 I have owned it. The dealer who sold it wont talk with me and customer care scheduled a call in two weeks. I have remained surprisingly calm in the face of all this, but as an engineer and technology developer I am a bit embarrassed I bought the car knowing Land Rover's reputation for reliability. I never thought I would be so disappointed with a $91,000 new car.
Update.... The 2021 Defender was pronounced dead after 100 days and an incredible effort to repair it. Land Rover customer care worked hard to find and deliver a new 2022 Defender. Its exactly what I was hoping for, refined and rugged. The lemon experience has left me cautious but it is an awesome vehicle and excellent support. I kept my Rubicon just in case.
1 out of 5 stars
2020 DEFENDER LEMON
DISSAPOINTED BUYER, 05/10/2021
2020 Land Rover Defender 110 P400 HSE 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A)
Let's start about this vehicle. Looked great I bought it then first week I had issues with the Infotainment not working and no sound coming out. I called dealer and they said a software update is needed. Month 2 same issues now the rear door seals come undone and air coming in door while driving as it is not properly sealed. I take the vehicle to dealer and they tell me its a design flaw … and they are going to try and correct. Month 3 Ac unit not working take it back in Land rover tells me that the ac hose has a leak in it and they are going to replace it including another update to the software system. Month 6 emergency steering and braking system not working light comes on as well as coolant level low light. Also car dies on me at stop light and won't move while in drive, Have to restart and almost get rear ended. Dash & infotainment go out at night while driving on highway and turn back on a minute later. Month 7 Take to dealer they keep it for over 10 days Infotainment going out while driving, car taking a while to accelerate, car still shutting off while in gear and dropped it off at landcover dealer again and they give it back saying it was a software issue and also putting double sided tape to hold on rear seals on door. Drove vehicle home had for 1 week same issues car died again at intersection wife & daughter almost get rear ended took the vehicle back again and yet to get any calls from land rover. . I filed a case in April 26,2021 with Land Rover I have yet to hear from anyone regarding these issues of car being a lemon. I was told first that someone was reviewing my case then heard today no one has even looked at my case. I have made several attempts and yet get no responses. This vehicle has safety issues and they need to address it.
2 out of 5 stars
Not so great .. full of glitches
Yalaska, 03/04/2021
2020 Land Rover Defender 110 P400 HSE 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A)
I’ve spent a small fortune on this car
Less than 200 miles in and the “low battery” alarm popped up and the car wouldn’t start. The car was taken to the dealer to find out after 2 weeks that there’s a faulty module (for the central screen) that keeps draining the battery
The car drove fine for a while .. then it happened again .. this time they said it was the battery
And now it … happened again (car won’t start with low battery alarm)
The car has 4K miles on it in 5 months and I love it
But if you buy it then be prepared to spend a significant amount of your time driving a loaner
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2022 Land Rover Defender, so we've included reviews for other years of the Defender since its last redesign.
2022 Land Rover Defender video
Best & Worst Car Redesigns | Ford Bronco, Nissan Z, HUMMER, Kia K5, Subaru BRZ & More
2022 Defender Highlights
90 P300
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $47,700 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $287/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 15.6 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the Defender models:
- Surround-View Camera
- Provides a 360-degree view to help in tight parking situations.
- Intelligent Emergency Braking
- Applies the brakes automatically if it senses an imminent front collision.
- Blind-Spot Monitor
- Gives a visible notification if it senses a vehicle in any of your blind spots.
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