Land Rover Defender 110 (2024) Review

The Defender is the most complete piece of design in this file. The exterior manages to reference the original without pastiche, the interior exposes structural elements and magnesium beams in a way that looks purposeful rather than decorative, and the driving position is commanding. It is astonishing off road, with air suspension that lifts to almost twelve inches of clearance, a wading depth of nearly a metre, terrain response software that does the thinking for you and genuine articulation, and it is quiet and comfortable on the motorway in a way that no ladder frame rival manages.

The mild hybrid inline six is strong and smooth. Then the ownership record, which is dismal. Land Rover consistently finishes at or near the bottom of dependability surveys, and Defender owners report air suspension faults, electrical gremlins, infotainment failures and sensor problems at rates far above the industry norm. Dealer labour is expensive, out of warranty repairs are worse, and parts are not cheap. Values have held up because demand is strong. Buy one with a warranty and a plan.