2027 Land Rover DefenderJim Fets - MotorTrendRugged designMajor off-road capabilityBeastly Octa modelCompromised third rowMediocre techGets very expensiveIconic as SUVs come, the Land Rover Defender is built to take on city streets and tough trails. Rich with heritage and rugged image, the modern Defender was introduced for 2020 to replace the classic original. The Defender lineup now consists of three different body sizes, including the high-performance Octa model. Off-road SUV rivals to the Defender include the Lexus GX, Ford Bronco, and Ineos Grenadier.What's NewBasicsStreet-styled Vertex trim introducedTurbo I-4 base engine replaced by P300 turbo I-6 engineSupercharged V-8 no longer availableAI-enabled voice assistant becomes standardExteriorExtended Exterior Pack adds updated front and rear bumper designsAvailable 22-inch wheel with Extended Exterior PackSantorini Black theme for Trophy EditionWoolstone Green paint for OctaNamib Orange paint offered for 90 and 110Gloss paint protection film availablePatagonia White matte wrap introducedFactory light bar, tailgate cargo boxInteriorEbony Forged textile trim introducedSix-seat layout with second-row captain's chairs for 110Available Technology Pack combines head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and premium audioWhat We ThinkFew SUVs have heritage like the Defender, and the modern version upholds it. In 110 form, it combines trail-ready toughness with a supple ride, composed handling, and a cabin that feels both functional and upscale.Adjustable air suspension, big ground clearance, low-range gearing, and serious towing capability preserve the rugged reputation. Yet it's convincing on pavement, where its refinement and easygoing character make the Defender feel far removed from its agricultural ancestors. The Octa adds outrageous speed and sophisticated suspension sophistication—but, yikes, it's so expensive.The Defender's imperfections keep the experience honest. Its body is wide and fuel economy mediocre. Occasional rattles and modest materials uphold a less glamorous aspect of Land Rover's reputation. The extended 130 model adds useful capacity but gains ponderous handling, and its third-row seating is cramped.Regardless of model, the Defender's tech isn't cutting edge; driver assist features aren't great, and we've found software stability to be inconsistent.Capable, versatile, and undeniably cool, the Defender has diverse appeal. Other SUVs might make more sense—especially as a family three-row—but other SUVs aren't living legends.Top-Ranked Competitors:Lexus GXIneos GrenadierFord BroncoBMW X5MotorTrend TestedFor 2027, the base turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 engine for the Defender 90 and 110 is discontinued. Those models now come with the P300 turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6 engine previously reserved for the 130 model. Additionally, the P500 and P525 supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 engine is no longer available.P300 (Defender 90, 110, 130)Engine: 3.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged I-6Horsepower/Torque: 296 hp/374 lb-ftAcceleration (0–60 mph): 7.2 seconds (est)MPG (City/Highway): 17-18/19-23Range (miles): 428-476P400 (Defender 90, 110, 130)Engine: 3.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged I-6Horsepower/Torque: 296 hp/374 lb-ftAcceleration (0–60 mph): 7.2 seconds (est)MPG (City/Highway): 16/20Range (miles): 428P635 (Defender 110 Octa)Engine: 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8Horsepower/Torque: 626 hp/590 lb-ftAcceleration (0–60 mph): 4.2 secondsMPG (City/Highway): 15/19Range (miles): 405Safety and Driver Assist FeaturesStandard FeaturesEvery Defender comes equipped with front automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beams.Available FeaturesThe Defender can be equipped with an off-road cruise control function to help maintain speed on technical terrain.Cargo Space and Interior RoomLand Rover builds the Defender in three lengths. There's the two-door 90, four-door 110, and extended four-door 130.The Defender 90 has two rows of seats. A third-row seat is optional in the 110 and standard in the 130, taking seating capacity up to seven occupants. New for 2027, the Defender 110 is offered with second-row individual captain's chairs for increased comfort.Towing and PayloadDepending on configuration, the Defender can tow up to 8,200 pounds.TechnologyInfotainmentAll 2027 Defender models are equipped with an all-digital gauge display and 13.1-inch infotainment touchscreen. Built-in navigation is standard, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.This year, an AI-enabled conversational digital assistant is added. In addition to USB ports, a wireless charging pad is also included. A 360-degree camera helps in tight parking places and narrow trails.Sound SystemMeridian supplies audio systems for the Defender. The base setup has 10 speakers, and a 14-speaker upgrade is available.Available UpgradesTech options for the Defender include a head-up display, digital rearview mirror, multicolor ambient lighting, and a built-in refrigerator.ValueStandard FeaturesIn base S trim, the Defender starts at approximately $63,000 in the 90 body, $67,000 in the 110 body, and $76,00 in the 130 body. Standard exterior features include 19-inch wheels, a full-size spare tire, LED headlights and taillights, heated power-folding side mirrors, and glass roof panels. Inside, it has leatherette upholstery, rubber flooring, heated front seats, and a 13.1-inch touchscreen.Recommended TrimThe X trim fits the Defender with luxurious niceties from about $98,000 for the 110. Upgrades include a sliding glass roof, leather and textile upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, heated and ventilated front seats, head-up display, and interior ambient lighting.The Beastly Defender OctaThe Defender is plenty off-road capable, but the Octa model takes things to entirely new levels. To develop the Octa, Land Rover hired the guy who was once responsible for Ford Raptor pickup trucks.The outcome is equipped with hydraulic air suspension, huge tires, advanced traction and stability control, and a powerful twin-turbo V-8. Widened bodywork adds to the formidable impression. The Octa looks awesome and is a hoot to drive, but is its starting price—nearly $100,000 more than a base Defender—too expensive?
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