Highs Even more capable off-road than other Land Rovers, so-long truck-like ride, well-designed cabin.
Lows Even the most efficient engine isn't that efficient, steeply-priced extras, mid-range six-cylinder lacks punch.
Verdict Land Rover has expertly blended modern conveniences and vintage styling to bring the Defender and its heritage into the 21st century.

Overview

For years, the Land Rover Defender was the United Kingdom's answer to the rough-and-tumble Jeeps of America, but with the latest generation the luxury brand has engineered a higher-level of comfort to go along with the off-roader's go-anywhere capability. Both two- and four-door body styles are on offer, with comfortable and practical cabins, modern infotainment and tech features, and a signature style that is pure Defender. A turbocharged four-cylinder is standard and more powerful inline-six and V-8 engines are available; all Defenders come standard with all-wheel drive. From there, buyers are offered a plethora of advanced off-roading equipment, including locking differentials, a height-adjustable air suspension, and a special mode for wading through deep water. But the biggest benefit to the new generation Defender's setup is its superior on-road driving behavior, which gives it a level of refinement that rivals such as the Jeep Wrangler and Lexus GX can't match.

What's New for 2023?

The Defender carries over largely unchanged to 2023, except now its Pivi Pro infotainment system comes standard with Amazon Alexa integration.