2020 Land Rover Defender Review
2020 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. Our test vehicle had a few build quality issues that may be attributable to a hard, early production life. That aside, we're impressed with this modern interpretation of a classic nameplate.
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2020 Land Rover Defender Review
byMark Takahashi
Correspondent
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.
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
- All-new Defender model
- Available seven-passenger seating
- Kicks off the second Defender generation introduced for 2020
Overview
The Land Rover Defender has been cast as forbidden fruit for a lot of off-road enthusiasts. There was a brief moment in the 1990s when Land Rover officially sold them in the U.S., but crash test standards quickly put an end to importation. Either despite — or because of — its rarity, the Defender has enjoyed cult-like status here. Now it's been reborn with the arrival of the 2020 Defender. But will the faithful like this kinder, gentler Defender?
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Land Rover Defender 110 P300 4dr 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 $4.58 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$312/mo for Defender 110 P300
Defender 110 P300
vs
$261/mo
Avg. Large SUV
Underpinned by a new chassis, the 2020 Defender is meant to compete in the new world of rugged but luxurious SUVs. The styling is more rounded and smoothed over and is missing some of the brawny, no-nonsense utilitarian looks of its forebear. But short overhangs and an impressive maximum ground clearance of 11.5 inches hints at the Defender's off-road capability. The new Defender is initially available as a four-door, and a two-door model will be available for the 2021 model year.
The midsize luxury SUV class is full of strong offerings from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Many of these models offer packages to enhance off-road capability, but the new Land Rover Defender looks to be unmatched in this regard. Its modern technology and ample luxury should also satisfy. We think this newest incarnation of an icon is worth a look.
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
7.9
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. Our test vehicle had a few build quality issues that may be attributable to a hard, early production life. That aside, 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 110 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 our V6-equipped Defender test vehicle. 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 Defender weighed a portly 5,571 pounds.
As for acceleration, we clocked a 0-60 mph sprint of 6.7 seconds for our V6-equipped Defender test vehicle. 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 Defender weighed a portly 5,571 pounds.
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 free from road vibrations, even when the Defender's 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 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 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 fiddle with the vents to get the airflow you want.
Interior
8.0/10
How’s the interior? The four-door Defender's massive second row and tall roof give the cabin a very roomy feel. Head-, legroom and shoulder room are plentiful, though the steering column can get in the way of some drivers' knees on entry. The height-adjusting air suspension, numerous grab handles and large doors make access easy.
A few interior controls have steep learning curves. The climate control dials, for example, double as drive mode selectors and seat heating/ventilation adjustment. Large windows and appropriately sized mirrors make outward visibility a non-issue. On the downside, the leather, fabric and other materials in our test SUV showed early signs of wear, including stains and scuffs.
A few interior controls have steep learning curves. The climate control dials, for example, double as drive mode selectors and seat heating/ventilation adjustment. Large windows and appropriately sized mirrors make outward visibility a non-issue. On the downside, the leather, fabric and other materials in our test SUV showed early signs of wear, including stains and scuffs.
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 phone'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
8.0/10
How’s the storage? The four-door Defender has a generous amount of storage space, 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.
With the air suspension, you can also lower the Defender's ride height from the cargo area, which makes loading 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 because of 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 handbag. The sheer size of the second row makes car seat installation easy, as does the obvious location of the attachment points. 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.
With the air suspension, you can also lower the Defender's ride height from the cargo area, which makes loading 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 because of 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 handbag. The sheer size of the second row makes car seat installation easy, as does the obvious location of the attachment points. 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? The Defender 110 equipped with the 3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder is rated by the EPA at 19 mpg combined (17 city/22 highway mpg). 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, but 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, but it's hard to argue with the seamlessness of the Defender's approach.
Which Defender does Edmunds recommend?
Land Rover is rolling out the Defender slowly, starting with the Defender 110. The SE trim level is likely a good way to go since it comes with the more powerful six-cylinder engine and a useful collection of features. This midlevel trim is also highly customizable if you want to add even more features.
2020 Land Rover Defender models
The 2020 Land Rover Defender is offered in six trim levels: base, S, SE, HSE, First Edition and X. Land Rover initially said both the four-door Defender 110 and two-door Defender 90 would be available. However, a pandemic-related delay pushed the Defender 90's debut to the 2021 model year. All 2020 Defenders are the 110.
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.
Power comes from either a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (296 horsepower, 295 lb-ft) or a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine (395 hp, 406 lb-ft of torque) with mild hybrid capability. All Defenders come standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission, a two-speed transfer case and all-wheel drive.
Base
Standard feature highlights include:
- Adjustable air suspension (can raise or lower the Defender's ride height)
- 18-inch steel wheels
- LED headlights
- Cloth seating with leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Power-adjustable front seats
- 10-inch touchscreen
- Six-speaker sound system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
All Defenders also come with
- 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 monitor (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 has:
- 19-inch wheels
- Leather and cloth upholstery
- Upgraded power-adjustable front seats
SE
Adds on to the S with:
- V6 engine
- 20-inch wheels
- Power-adjustable steering column
- Premium sound system
- Digital rearview mirror (allows you to see out the back even with a fully loaded cargo area)
First Edition
This limited-production trim is equipped similar to the SE but has:
- Special paint and trim
- All-terrain tires
- Special off-road driving modes
- Torque-vectoring differential that can maximize available traction
- Heated front-row seats and heated steering wheel
- Refrigerator compartment in front center console
HSE
Compared to the SE, the HSE adds:
- Panoramic sunroof
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Premium leather upholstery
- Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the Defender and the car in front)
X
This top-of-the-line trim offers special styling and paint details. It also comes with just about everything that's otherwise optional on the lower trim levels, including:
- Special off-road driving modes
- Torque-vectoring differential that can maximize available traction
- All-terrain tires
- Heated second-row seats
- Head-up display
- Upgraded 15-speaker sound system
A variety of accessory packs are also available and include features such as wheel arch flares, a spare tire cover, a roof rack and even an integrated air compressor.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2020 Land Rover Defender.
5 star(49%)
4 star(8%)
3 star(2%)
2 star(13%)
1 star(28%)
39 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.
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
1 out of 5 stars
Great car; too bad they can't build it
swbones, 03/30/2021
2020 Land Rover Defender 110 P400 HSE 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A)
My 2020 Defender HSE was delivered in October 2020 and I immediately had issues. Within the first week I had a coolant warning issue, low battery issue multiple times and, best of all, windshield wipers that would not turn on. Yes, I have a video of the wiper incident but LR has told me they don't need to see it. I never took the car in hoping that the monthly (and they do appear to … be monthly) software updates will address all these issues. Then it got worse. Now the car shuts off while driving and I lose all throttle response. Fortunately it restarts, but it is pretty dangerous. I was at a red light last week and the car died as I pulled into the intersection. Engine warning light always comes on as and when the engine shuts off. So, I did take it in for this issue and they have had the car for over a week and can't fix it. They decided yesterday to replace the Powertrain Control Module but they can't get the part for 2 months. No guarantees that the PCM replacement will fix the issue. Other issues: flashing map on the instrument cluster when you advance a song, inability of the car to detect the key even when it is in the car, button on the door handle does not unlock the vehicle (probably related to the inability to detect the key), remote start from the App does not start the engine, auto high beams do not function and when I turn the feature back on in settings it turns off in seconds. I could go on but what is the point really.
On the plus side I actually do really like the car. The interior is very well designed and functional. My labs love the rear for our journeys, though I did have to buy the ramp for the older one as it is a bit of a jump for her now. The car is great in deep sand and I was astonished that I did not have to air down with the off road tires at 47 and 50 lbs of pressure. Highway manners are surprisingly good. The car feels heavy and planted which I kind of like.
So, great car, but JLR so far can't build it. I really wish they waited and got this car right rather than rush to release it. Right now it is only serving to reinforce JLR's poor reputation for reliability.
And the dealer is not communicating at all and they have me driving a loaner. I told them that I would not drive a loaner for the next 2.5 months but no word back. I called JLR USA and opened a case today and they were frankly pretty rude. Also checked my state's Lemon Laws.
My recommendation to anyone considering this vehicle is to avoid it. It is just not worth the trouble and both the dealer and JLR are making this worse by not communicating. Perhaps it gets better in subsequent model years - and I hope it does - but right now you are taking a big risk.
I found myself building Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro's and Ford Ranger Tremor's yesterday. I'd suggest you do the same.
2020 Land Rover Defender videos
2020 Land Rover Defender vs. Wrangler vs. 4Runner — The New Defender Goes Off-Road With the Big Boys
2020 Land Rover Defender vs. Wrangler vs. 4Runner — The New Defender Goes Off-Road With the Big Boys
In this video, see how the new Defender stacks up against the best off-roaders on the market. Our experts evaluate the new 2020 Land Rover Defender on the road and off-road with two of the best and most popular off-road vehicles, the Toyota 4Runner and the Jeep Wrangler. How does the… new Defender stack up? Find out in a good old-fashioned off-road comparison test.
2020 Defender Highlights
110 P300
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $49,900 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $312/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 34.0 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 aid 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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