2022 Land Rover Defender

The 2022 Land Rover Defender has added one new trim (SE) and two special editions trim (XS Edition and Trophy Edition) this time and with this, the trim count has grown up by a mind-boggling ten trims. All the trims are available in either a 2-door or 4-door configuration, the former is Defender 90 while the latter is Defender 110. Both the models get three engine options which include two gas-powered engines and one hybrid engine. The base Defender 90 trim starts at $47,700 and the base Defender 110 starts at $50,500. The topmost Defender 90 V8 Carpathian Edition trim costs around $104,000 and for the Defender 110, this trim comes at $107,200.

Apart from the standard features also available are Explorer Pack, Adventure Pack, Country Pack, Urban Pack, etc. The highlights of the Explorer pack include raised air intake, expedition roof rack, matte black hood decal, etc. The Adventure pack gets you a portable rinse system, bright rear scuff plate, front and rear mud flap, etc. The Country pack includes front and rear classic mudflap, full height cargo space partition, wheel arch protection, etc. The urban pack comes with bright metal scuff plates, bright rear scuff plates, spare wheel cover, front under the shield, etc.

As mentioned earlier, the 2022 Land Rover Defender when powered by the base turbo-four engine returns 18 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. The 2022 Defender when had with the P400 turbo-six engine returns 17 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. While the V8-powered Defenders see a gas mileage of 14 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway.

The Jeep Wrangler is the most fuel-efficient, with 21/24/22 MPG in city/highway/combined respectively. Next comes the Ford Bronco with 20/22/21 MPG of gas mileage. While the least efficient SUV of the lot is none other than the V6 powered Toyota 4Runner. 

The 2022 Defender is on a whole new level with regard to the interior of the car. For its interior, it gets a constructivist modular interior architecture, which on top of being nice looking, is highly functional as well. The whole dashboard and the center console have an ergonomic layout, clustered within the magnesium alloy frame to enable the installation of a front-row jump seat in place of the center-hand rest. While at the same time most of the interior is waterproof and you can hose down the cabin in case it gets dirty. Practicality was something the old Defender was known for, and the new one also carries forward the same approach.

Standard fit and finish along with the quality of materials used should be pretty satisfactory for most people, customers can always choose from a curated range of veneers and finishes. It includes a rugged rough-cut Walnut or Natural Smoked Dark Oak Veneer; both of which are open-pore to give a more natural feel. The premium HSE models feature high-grade Windsor Leather, while the Defender X features Windsor Leather in combination with Steelcut Premium Textile accent for enhanced durability. The relatively new X-Dynamic features unique interior materials which include highly durable and robust material.

Both the 2-door and the 4-door variants have 5 passenger seating capacity as standard. You have the option to equip a jump seat that fits between the two front seats to accommodate 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.

In terms of overall interior spaciousness, the 2022 Defender and most of its competitors are in a similar ballpark. That being said, it does have one of the better legroom in the competition for the rear seat passengers. Toyota 4Runner has compromised in the interior space especially in the rear to provide more cargo capacity. Speaking of cargo, the Toyota 4Runner gets the highest 47.2 cubic feet of cargo space followed by Ford Bronco with 38.3 cubic feet of cargo space. Next comes the Jeep Wrangler with 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender gets a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a larger 11.4-inch display is optional. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard, as is an in-dash navigation system, a six-speaker stereo, and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot. Both 10- and 14-speaker Meridian stereo systems are optional features and buyers of higher-end Defenders receive a digital gauge cluster and a head-up display. The digital gauge is a 10-inch Pivi Pro interactive driver’s display.

Interior Features:

• Power-adjustable front seats
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• An optional 11.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
• An optional 11- or 14-speaker Meridian premium audio setup

The 2022 Defender is probably one of the most unique-looking SUVs in the market since its launch for the 2020 model year. Both inside and out, it has a concept car looks and feel to it, and most of it has been carried forward to the 2022 model without any changes. The new Defender has an instantly recognizable silhouette that features signature Defender elements including short front and rear overhangs. It is developed on a new and durable D7x architecture engineered to take at any kind of terrain thrown at it.

Based on a lightweight aluminum monocoque chassis to create the stiffest body structure Land Rover has ever produced. It is capable of withstanding 6.5 tons snatch load through the recovery points. Beautifully sculptured fenders combined with squared wheel arches and strong shoulders give its overall rugged and tough appearance. The suspension setup has a similar layout as the OG Defender, but with all-new components. It is designed to withstand several off-road impacts while at the same time delivering a comfortable city ride.

Except for the length, the other exterior dimension of the 2022 Defender is the biggest among all. The Defender is 180.4-inches long, 79.1-inches wide, 77.7-inch tall, and gets 101.9-inches of wheelbase. The closest is the Toyota 4Runner which is 3-inch less wide and 5-inches shorter in height than the Defender. Next comes Jeep Wrangler which is 5-inches less wide and 4-inches shorter in height. That said, the 4Runner has the highest ground clearance of 9.6-inches followed by Defender’s 8.9-inch of ground clearance.

Exterior Features:

• 18-inch steel wheels
• LED headlights
• Power-folding side mirrors
• An optional panoramic sunroof
• An optional front and rear skid plates

Depending on the trim level and spec, the 2022 Defender is available with a comprehensive list of advanced safety features and driving aids, either equipped as standard or available as an option. The comprehensive list of driver assistance technologies includes Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Cruise Control, and Speed Limiter functions, a Driver Condition Monitor, and front and rear Parking Aids.

On top of that, a Driver Assist Pack is also available, including Adaptive Cruise Control and Rear Pre-Collision Monitor, along with Blind Spot Assist, Rear Traffic Monitor, and Clear Exit Monitor. The new Defender features a new and improved braking system that provides quicker and quieter responses than conventional systems, improving safety and the overall driving experience of the car. Although the 2022 Land Rover Defender has not been rated by NHTSA and IIHS yet.

Safety Features:

• 3D Surround-View Camera
• Front Collision Warning with Automated Emergency Braking
• Front And Rear Parking Sensors
• Blind Spot Monitoring with Cross-Traffic Alert And Trailer Detection
• Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Adaptive Cruise Control

2022 Land Rover Defender vs 2021 Jeep Wrangler (4-door)

The Jeep Wrangler is probably one of the closest and the toughest competitors to the new Land Rover Defender. One of the main reasons for the huge success of the Wrangler is its affordable price range, despite which it has the same off-roading prowess as its more expensive competitors, if not better.

Just like the Defender, it has extreme off-roading prowess, and that too at a very affordable price range. Wrangler just like the Defender is available in two and four-door variants.

2022 Land Rover Defender vs 2021 Toyota 4Runner (TRD Off-Road)

Where the regular 4Runner lacks with respect to the much premium Defender, the 4Runner TRD Off-Road competently makes up for it. Both are focused on off-road machines with decent on-road manners as well.

But the Defender does take the edge with a more powerful optional V8 engine, along with more luxury features, and a fresher, more unique styling to make it more relevant in the competition, and for a longer time as well.

2022 Land Rover Defender vs 2021 Ford Bronco (4-door)

The Ford Bronco is a more affordable alternative to the much-expensive Land Rover Defender which costs almost double its price. While its smaller sibling, the Bronco Sport is more of a soft-roader, the Ford Bronco is more of a thoroughbred off-roader.

It was designed to compete with the likes of Jeep Wrangler, Toyota 4Runner, and even the more expensive Defender in terms of off-roading prowess. It might not be as posh and luxurious as the Defender, but its price does justify that very well.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender competes in a very competitive segment of the market with regards to the prowess and price. But Land Rover has done a great job keeping their legendary car relevant in the market; at least for a few more years to come. Its pricing puts it in a unique position in the market, and its segment as well. It might just be one of the most value-for-money luxurious off-roaders you can get at the moment.

It ticks most of the boxes to be a proper off-roader, and that too in a competent manner as well. The Defender has the potential to give the other cars in its segment a serious run for their money. So if you are looking for a proper 4x4, which can also be used as a daily driver without any complaints, then the 2022 Defender might just be the car for you.