Land Rover Defender 110 review: big new-generation SUV

The new-generation Land Rover Defender 110 is a large five-door SUV for those who need more than just a tall body—something that feels equally at home on the highway, on a family trip, with a trailer, and on rough dirt roads. Its strength isn’t in a flashy image, but in the combination of a modern platform, a solid level of comfort, and genuine off-road geometry.

At the same time, it’s not a universal answer to every task. The Defender 110 is big, heavy, not cheap to run, and sensitive to the right specification: the difference between diesel, petrol, hybrid, and between five- and seven-seat versions is felt every day, not just in a brochure.

The model and its place in the market

The Defender 110 sits at the intersection of two classes: on one side, it’s a premium family SUV; on the other, it’s one of the few modern large vehicles truly designed for off-road driving, towing, and work beyond asphalt. That’s why it’s often compared not only with big crossovers, but also with body-on-frame off-roaders.

The 110 format is the most practical in the Defender lineup. The short 90 looks more dramatic, but the 110 is better suited to daily tasks, long trips, a no-compromise second row, and a proper trunk. For the city it’s already too big, but as a single vehicle for all occasions it looks more logical than many competitors.

Generations and model history

The story of the 110 goes back to the Land Rover One Ten of 1983. The Defender name came later, and the classic utilitarian generation was produced until 2016. It was an extremely simple, rigid, very mechanical off-roader.

The new-generation Defender with the L663 index was introduced in 2019, with main sales starting in 2020. This is the vehicle people mean when they talk about the new-generation Defender 110: an aluminum unibody structure, independent suspension, modern electronics, a rich set of safety systems, and a much higher level of on-road comfort.

Engines and transmissions

On the Defender 110, the powertrain lineup depends on year and market. At different times, diesel, petrol, plug-in hybrid, and V8 versions were offered. So before buying, it’s important to look not only at the variant name, but also at the specific model year.

The transmission on the modern Defender 110 is an 8-speed automatic, with permanent all-wheel drive. Low range, lockers, and some off-road options depend on trim, but overall the drivetrain is one of the model’s strongest points: the vehicle works well on slippery asphalt, broken climbs, and under load.

Body, dimensions, and chassis

The key difference between the new Defender and the old one is not styling, but engineering. Here you get a unibody structure, independent suspension, and much better high-speed stability. On asphalt, the 110 feels more composed than most classic body-on-frame rivals, but you can’t hide its weight and width.

For an owner, this means one simple thing: the Defender 110 is more comfortable day to day than it looks, but it still requires parking space, wide tires, and readiness for a not-cheap suspension. Air suspension adds versatility, but also raises service requirements.

Interior, comfort, and safety

Inside, the Defender 110 has nothing in common with the austere old Defender. The seating position is high, the second row is spacious, visibility is good, and the cabin architecture is built for active use: lots of shelves, handy storage, durable materials. Some versions have a third row, but for regular long trips with adults it’s less comfortable than in larger seven-seat SUVs.

Comfort comes from sound insulation, modern multimedia, cameras, driving assistants, and off-road modes. In safety terms, the Defender 110 is also firmly in the modern class: automatic emergency braking, lane keeping, surround view, hill descent control, and off-road electronics matter here no less than airbags. There’s only one weak point: the more complex the spec, the more small nuances in everyday use.

Everyday use

In daily life, the Defender 110 shines best in a mixed scenario: city, highway, trips outdoors, gear, kids, a dog, a trailer. If the vehicle is used like that, its size and capability are justified. If 90% of the time is short city runs and tight parking garages, the sense of excess will be constant.

Diesel versions are more practical for high mileage and towing-type tasks. Petrol versions are quieter and nicer in character, but more expensive on fuel. A plug-in hybrid only makes sense when it’s actually charged. In any case, consumables, tires, brakes, and large wheels here don’t cost like a mass-market SUV—and that needs to be built into the budget from the start.

Strengths and weaknesses

From an owner’s perspective, the Defender 110 is strong where you need one big vehicle for all tasks. It’s weak where people expect simplicity, low running costs, and compactness. In other words, it’s a great tool for an active lifestyle, but not the most rational choice for purely city driving.

Tuning and accessories

For the Defender 110, tuning makes sense primarily as protection and practical upgrades, not as a decorative kit. Before ordering accessories, it’s worth matching your configuration with the Defender 110 review, because the difference between the five- and seven-seat interior, the trunk shape, and the usage scenario matters here.

What to consider for this model

• Rubber floor mats — the first useful purchase for a vehicle that often sees mud, water, snow, and boots after dirt roads.
• Trunk mat — essential if the Defender carries gear, strollers, pets, or wet outdoor equipment.

In terms of practicality, protecting the cabin and cargo area gives the most benefit from day one. For a vehicle like this, it’s more important than cosmetic elements, because the real Defender 110 usage scenario is almost always tied to active use.

Conclusion

The new-generation Land Rover Defender 110 suits those who need a large, versatile SUV with real off-road ability, high towing capacity, and a proper level of everyday comfort. It doesn’t suit those looking for a more compact, simpler, cheaper-to-run vehicle without complex tech.

The best versions are usually the ones where body configuration, engine, and usage scenario match: diesel for high mileage and pulling, petrol for quieter running, hybrid only if charging is part of the owner’s routine. This material is based on real-world selection experience, practice, and real usage scenarios—not abstract brochure numbers.