The 2020 Land Rover Defender is a return to the U.S. for the boxy off-roader that helped start it all. This time with far more creature comforts.
Pros Back in the USA Boxy profile Upgraded interior Legendary capability Two body styles
Cons Turbo-4 for the big Defender 110? Pricey off-roader Odd looks at the rear Interior comfort is a question Pricey off-roader Odd looks at the rear Interior comfort is a question
Fully redesigned after many decades.Much more comfort and refinement.Lots of customization options.Part of the second Defender generation introduced for 2020.
Pros Strong off-road capabilities Numerous customization options High-tech safety and off-road features
Cons Not as tough-looking as the original
Land Rover reopens the book on one of its most iconic nameplates with the all-new 2020 Defender. Its boxy shape and retro details combine with design language found on modern Land Rovers to create an appearance that's both sophisticated and nostalgic. While the 2020 Defender looks like an ordinary crossover, it has serious off-road capabilities and rugged equipment that help it live up to its go-anywhere heritage.
Land Rover has given the Discovery a fairly thorough refresh for 2021 that includes two new turbocharged engines—a 296-hp four-cylinder and a 355-hp six-cylinder—as well as a new Pivi Pro infotainment system with an 11.4-inch display. A new grille, tweaked exterior lighting elements, and new wheel designs give the Disco a visual update, and a new R-Dynamic model—complete with glossy black exterior accents—joins the lineup. Land Rover has improved rear-seat comfort by adding additional padding to the second-row chairs. There's a new 12.3-inch digital gauge display and a full-color head-up display for the driver; a toggle-style gear selector is also new and all Discovery models now come standard with an adjustable air suspension.
PROS Legitimate off-road capability, stylish exterior, modern technology comes standard.
CONS Clumsy handling, cargo space suffers with third row in use, adults won't fit comfortably in the rearmost seats.
“A heroically talented go-anywhere, do-anything family SUV. Just be sure you *need* this much space and ability ”
PROS Unstoppable off-road, superb motorway manners, vast cabin space, improved interior tech
CONS Too damn big for the UK. Perhaps a little over-endowed for most of us. And now the Defender’s here, wouldn’t you sooner have that?
For 2021 Refreshed exterior styling,New infotainment system,New four- and six-cylinder gasoline engines; the diesel is discontinued.
PROS Smooth on-road driving manners Above-average capabilities off-road Luxurious interior with excellent materials Clever features in terms of utility and technology
CONS Infotainment system can be difficult to operate