2020 Land Rover Defender First Look

• Long-awaited return of Land Rover’s iconic off-roader
• First full redesign of the Defender since 1948 launch
• On sale in U.S. for the first time since 1997
• Available as 2-door Defender 90 and 4-door Defender 110
• 296-hp 4-cylinder turbo and 395-hp 6-cylinder hybrid offered
• Defender 110 pricing starts from $49,900 plus $1,025 delivery

When someone says, “Land Rover” what most people picture is a Defender. The iconic model launched the Land Rover brand back in 1948 (although the Defender nameplate didn’t arrive until 1990). That mental image will be changing, with the debut of the all-new 2020 Land Rover Defender, as the off-roader has undergone its first major redesign—ever. Land Rover promises the new Defender retains its legendary off-road prowess while bringing its efficiency, its technology, and its on-road driving demeanor into the 21st century. Land Rover also will be bringing the Defender to the United States for the first time since 1997.

Defender design

The all-new Defender strives to maintain design continuity with its predecessor via its squared-off shape, slab sides, and upright greenhouse. An available white roof with narrow side windows in addition to a large fabric sunroof is another familiar element. Up front is a slotted grille and round headlights that are just clipped at the top. The hood has DEFENDER spelled out across the front. At the rear, the model’s characteristic side-hinged tailgate reappears, and on it is mounted the spare tire. Wheel diameters range from 18 to 22 inches.

The interior features grab handles integrated into the top and ends of the dashboard, which also houses a 10-inch central touchscreen and an available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. More grab handles can be found on the pillars and the sides of the console. The shift lever is located in a pod that protrudes from the center of the dash, which also houses the climate controls. Models with front bucket seats can be equipped with a wide, two-level center console with multiple charge outlets and available wireless device charging or without it for walk-through capability.

Also available is 3-across front seating—another Defender tradition—with the center section a separate jump seat whose backrest folds forward to function as a center armrest with cupholders when the seat is not occupied by a passenger. This configuration will be available in the U.S. Design-wise, the cabin exposes structural elements such as screw heads and the cross-car magnesium beam in the deash and painted-metal surfaces are visible. A rubberized floor covering is used, on top of which are removable carpeted mats.

How many passengers does the Defender seat?

Two body styles will be offered. The 2-door Defender 90 rides on a 101.9” wheelbase and has seating for five, or six with the 3-passenger front seat. The 4-door Defender 110 is a-foot-and-a-half longer overall and has a similarly stretched wheelbase. The longer body allows Land Rover to squeeze in a small, 2-passenger third row for what it calls 5+2 seating for seven. It is also available with 2-row seating for six using the front jump seat.

Cargo space in the Defender 90 is 15.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 58.3 with the rear seats folded. The larger Defender 110 has 10.7 cubic feet of space behind its third row, 34.0–34.6 cubes behind its second row, and a max of 69.0 cubic feet in 3-row models or 78.8 cubic feet in 2-row versions.

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Defender model lineup and engines

Beyond the two body styles, the new Land Rover Defender also offers two powertrains and multiple trim levels. The base powertrain setup, called P300, is available only in the Defender 110 base and S trim levels, and comprises a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 paired with an 8-speed automatic. This is the higher-output version of Land Rover’s 2.0-liter turbo (as seen in other models such as the new Discovery Sport), and it makes 296 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque from 1,400 to 4,000 rpm.

The step-up option, the P400, is a turbocharged and supercharged 3.0-liter inline-6 bolstered by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The 3.0L MHEV is standard on the Defender 90 and on the higher-spec versions of the Defender 110—the SE, HSE, X, and First Edition. This powertrain makes a combined total of 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft from 2,000 to 5,000 rpm. It, too, uses an 8-speed automatic. A plug-in hybrid will join the lineup a year after launch.

Whereas the turbo four is claimed to send the Defender 110 from 0 to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds, the 6-cylinder hybrid chops roughly 2 seconds off that time, boasting a 5.8-second performance in the Defender 110 and a 5.7-second sprint in the Defender 90. The maximum tow rating for all powertrains/body styles is an impressive 8,267 pounds (with trailer brakes), and with Land Rover’s Advanced Tow Assist, the driver when reversing can use the infotainment system’s knob controller and display screen to aim the trailer, and the system will steer automatically.

Off-road credentials

Off-road capability was critical to the new Defender, and Land Rover appears to have delivered. Four-wheel drive is of course standard and includes Land Rover’s Terrain Response System, which can be optimized for various on- or off-road driving conditions. Terrain Response 2 is optional on most 110 models and standard on the X and First Edition. An optional locking center differential and active-locking rear differential also can be had, for the ultimate off-road setup (they’re standard on the X).

Ground clearance starts out at 8.5/8.6 inches (90/110) but with the air suspension in its highest setting can be increased to 11.5 inches. Maximum wading depth is just a hair under three feet at 35.4 inches—and Land Rover’s Wade Sensing system can measure the depth of the water.

Another neat bit of off-road tech is the brand’s ClearSight Ground View system, in which the vehicle’s exterior cameras can stitch together a view of the terrain directly in front of the vehicle. The effect is as if the driver is looking through the front structure of the truck.

Features and safety technology

Models equipped with the center jump seat come standard with a rear camera mirror, which can show a video feed from a rear-facing camera on the inside rearview mirror. Blind-spot monitoring is standard, while forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist are available.

Among the more intriguing options is a roof rack with a deployable ladder, a 1.7-gallon pressurized water rinse system with a hose and shower attachment and raised air intakes for the engine. An electric winch mounted on the front bumper and an inflatable awning also are on the list of available accessories.

How much will the 2020 Defender cost?

The 110 model should reach showrooms first next spring, followed by the Defender 90 later in summer. Pricing will start at $49,900 for the P300 Defender 110 with the 2.0-liter turbo I4 when it goes on sale next spring. The P300 S Model 110 will start at $53,350. The P400 Defender with the 400-horsepower hybrid powertrain starts at $62,250 for the SE trim level, while the HSE trim level will be $68,350. A first Edition variant carries a $68,650 price tag while the range topping Defender 110 X will be $80,900. All prices exclude $1,025 delivery. The Defender 90 First Edition will be priced from $65,100. Standard models will start at about $50,000.

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