The 2021 Land Rover Defender is an up-to-date SUV that combines style, functionality and luxury. Available in 90 and 110 body designs, it provides seating for up to six passengers.
It’s also much more comfortable than its Jeep-like predecessor, thanks to a sophisticated suspension system utilizing air spring technology and Adaptive Dynamics. This provides for an impressive long-distance responsive ride as well as off-road capability that’s surprisingly refined.
Safety
The 2021 Land Rover Defender is designed for rugged off-roading, yet also equipped with some cutting-edge safety technologies. From automatic emergency braking to rear collision and lane departure warning systems, the Defender offers all essentials necessary for safe driving.
ANCAP has awarded the Defender 110 with a five star crash test rating, making it highly recommended for families. This SUV features dual front, side chest and head airbags for driver and passenger as well as an active curtain headrest system to protect children in both front and rear seats.
In addition to safety technology, the Defender also has a variety of features designed to make driving more enjoyable. These include a rear parking monitor, traffic sign recognition, adaptive speed limiter and more for added enjoyment.
Choose between four- and two-door body styles with a range of powertrains to fit your lifestyle, such as a turbocharged four-cylinder or V-8. Furthermore, the new version of the SUV is equipped with an optional third row for up to eight passengers so you can comfortably transport friends and family in style.
An additional bonus, the Defender is equipped with LATCH points in the rear seating area for simple installation of car seats. Furthermore, its child locking systems are installed for its back doors so you can rest easy knowing your little ones are secure inside.
The Pivi Pro infotainment system features an easy-to-use user interface and offers several advanced safety features. In addition to standard cameras, the SUV also offers a surround view camera system and ClearSight Ground View for improved visibility when off roading.
Adaptive cruise control is an optional feature, but it’s worth having if you plan to tow a trailer or haul heavy cargo. Our tester didn’t have this feature, but Autotrader appreciated the Clear Exit Monitor that warns passengers not to exit if a pedestrian or other object approaches from behind.
Wade sensing is a helpful feature that utilizes ultrasonic sensors in the side mirrors to provide real-time information about water depth when wading. Furthermore, the Defender has eCall+ technology which sends an automated message to the vehicle’s emergency call center in case of a crash or collision.
Technology
Land Rover has long been known for creating tough, off-road-ready SUVs – and the 2021 Land Rover Defender lives up to this reputation. Not only does it come equipped with all the necessary features and equipment for any obstacle, but it has been designed with modern drivers in mind with an array of technology designed to keep you safe.
All-wheel drive is standard on every model, while a powerful 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine can be selected as an optional. This engine boasts a turbocharger and electric supercharger to produce 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It accelerates from 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, with enough power to tow up to 8,201 pounds with the appropriate accessories.
This version of the traction control system is more sophisticated, making it responsive to changing driving conditions. There are various settings available such as Normal, Wade, Rock Crawl, Mud & Ruts and Grass/Gravel/Snow that let you tailor your vehicle’s behavior according to surface type.
I drove the Defender over a range of terrain, from swampy trails to dry and rocky hills, and it always managed to handle the challenges ahead with minimal strain or tire slippage. During one test, I noticed that Terrain Response automatically adjusted for the slope of a rock wall so the Defender could get up and over it without any noise from its Goodyear tires.
Other technology features include a 360-degree camera and blind-spot monitoring, as well as the lane keep assist and rear cross traffic alert systems that come standard on all models. Furthermore, the car offers high beam assist and adaptive cruise control as optional extras.
Inside, the Defender’s cabin has been thoughtfully designed. Its styling echoes that of other SUVs in the brand’s lineup, featuring exposed rivets on doors and a magnesium beam running along the full width of the dashboard.
For a vehicle like this, the 10-inch touchscreen display offers an invitingly simple user experience. It runs Land Rover’s Pivi Pro multimedia system with user-friendly on-screen menus and crisp graphics.
Style
The 2021 Land Rover Defender is an off-road SUV designed with adventure in mind. With plenty of style features and a luxurious cabin, you can live out your wildest fantasies in comfort.
For 2021, two Defender models are available: a two-door Defender 90 and a four-door Defender 110. Both look nearly identical inside and out, though the 110 is slightly larger than its smaller counterpart.
Both Defender models come standard with a suite of driver-assist active safety features. These include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, 360 degree camera system and lane keep assist. In addition, these models offer adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert for added peace of mind.
Defenders are designed to handle harsh off-road conditions with a 4-wheel independent suspension system featuring double wishbones in front and an integral link design at the rear. Coil springs come standard, while electronic air suspension provides more comfortable and capable off-roading.
The Defender’s on-road performance is refined and predictable, while its steering feel is precise. Plus, it’s agile enough for parking maneuvers and maneuvering in tight spaces without feeling cramped.
The interior features a mix of textures that give off an air of style and toughness. While not as plush or luxury-inspired as other Land Rover models, there’s still an air of opulence here.
It features a single 10-inch dashboard touchscreen running the new Pivi Pro infotainment interface. It supports multiple apps, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
This interface is more responsive than the Touch Pro Duo on some Land Rovers, and it also supports over-the-air software updates for future releases. Furthermore, this model comes standard with Bluetooth connectivity, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and an in-dash navigation system.
There are also a few more techy features that can enhance your adventures. One such innovation is a semi-convertible roof, which allows part of the soft top to open and reveal a sky above. While not particularly practical, this fun addition helps prevent back seat cramping while out exploring trails.
Value
The 2021 Land Rover Defender is an off-roader that seamlessly blends tradition and innovation to meet the demands of 21st-century drivers. Its roots date back to 1948, and this all-new model maintains that connection while modernizing its design for contemporary use.
The new Defender is offered in two-door and four-door configurations, both equipped with an extensive range of engine choices. The base four-cylinder turbocharged and mild hybrid engines produce 296 horsepower each, while the supercharged V8 produces 518.
In the United States, the Defender is equipped with an array of safety features as standard equipment – automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert and traffic sign recognition. There’s also the option for automatic high beams and adaptive cruise control.
While some of these technologies may be more than most consumers require, they all play an integral role in providing an exceptional off-road driving experience. These systems enable drivers to stay focused while maneuvering safely and easily through Defender’s tight, challenging driving environment.
That, in turn, allows drivers to focus on their experience rather than trying to find a safe route – which is exactly the point of the Defender!
After only a short time with the car, I can confirm that it’s an impressive off-roader. It handles well and I was pleasantly surprised at how well it kept up in rough terrain – despite some minor bumps along the way.
I was expecting something more minimalist, but this interior has a lot of thoughtful details and uses materials well. Plus, there are plenty of storage compartments and an ample size.
If you have the money to spare, the Defender makes an attractive option as a family-friendly, capable off-roader. Its interior may not be quite as luxurious as that of the Range Rover, but it still has everything else needed to make it competitive with Jeep Wranglers and Ford Broncos – at just $46,100 base price! That’s almost half off what those vehicles start at!
