This week I am taking a look at the new 2023 Land Rover Defender 110, an iconic SUV that has been around since 1983, but was introduced in the U.S. in 2019.
Exterior
Outside the Defender is square and boxy like the original, but with beautiful 22” wheels, a bulging hood with decorative grills, and quad exhaust. The tall roof has safari windows at the top on the sides. There are plates on the rear side windows. If you choose some of the optional side accessory packs, they attach there.
There are many ways to configure a new Defender. My tester is the 110, which is the length in inches and signifies it is a 4-door. There is a Defender 90 available, which is a 2-door version.
Performance
This Defender 110 has the optional 5.0-liter V8 Supercharged engine that is putting out 518-horses, and 461-pound feet of torque. It is mated to an 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters. As always, Rovers only come all-wheel drive, and they have one of the best systems on the road.
Interior
Moving to the interior, it is very cleanly laid out but not the luxury interior I’ve come to know as a long-time Range Rover owner myself. The screws that hold the door panels and the center console are exposed and I have to say, it is cool.
Everything inside looks nice and is soft to the touch. Center dash is an 11.4” touchscreen that operates the Meridian sound system, navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa.
There is a page of apps with some pretty cool stuff including the dimensions of the Defender, a page to show you how much water you are driving through, and a trailer towing app.
The gearshift handle is just below the screen and to the right are all the air conditioning controls, the heated and cooled seats, height control, and the button to turn off the start/stop.
There are a couple of cup holders, a wireless charger, a couple of USBs and a power port. There is a large area under the console for storage.
The gauge cluster is 12.3” and is configurable from the steering wheel. You can change many of vehicle settings there.
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The backseat leg and headroom is spacious, and passengers get A/C temperature controls, air vents, rear heated and cooled seats, a fold down armrest, USB-C ports and a power port.
Utility
The cargo area is large and particularly tall. You open the rear tailgate to the side, and it has a matching wheel and tire mounted to it. You can lower the Defender from the cargo area and there is storage underneath.
Features
My tester is well equipped with suede seating and a heated power adjusting steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, panoramic moon roof, power seats on both sides, keyless entry system, a rearview mirror camera, and a built-in refrigerator in the center console that really cools.
Safety
On the safety front, you get emergency braking, 360-degree surround view camera, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, a head-up display with traffic sign recognition, and rear cross traffic alert.
Ride and Drive
The Defender drives fantastic, acceleration with the big Supercharged engine is strong, and it feels substantial and heavy, which it is. The ride quality is great thanks to the terrific air suspension system that Rovers are known for.
Verdict
Fuel economy is rated at 14 in town, 19 on the highway, and overall 16. MSRP as this one is equipped is $111,020 which is a lot of money, but this an amazing off-roader as well as fantastic on the pavement. It will top out at 150-miles per hour and will tow 8,000 pounds.
- What I liked most: The way it drives and performance of engine.
- What I would change: Have the tailgate open from the right, not the traffic side.
- MSRP: Base price $107,700. As equipped $111,020 with transportation.
- Fuel Economy: 14 city/19 highway/16 combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 3,900 miles.
- Weight: 5,735 Pounds/GVWR 7,120 pounds.
- Spare Tire: Full-sized with matching wheel.
- Length-Width-Height: 197.6” long/82.9” wide/77.4” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 19.8 gallons with filler on the passenger side.
- Official Color: Carpathian Grey.
- Towing Capacity: 8,000 pounds.
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2023 Land Rover Defender 110 in a few words: Great driving SUV with a ton of power and amazing off-road capability.
- Warranty: 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper with roadside assistance.
- Final Assembly Location: Nitra, Slovakia.
- Manufacturer's website: Land Rover
