Verdict
A
Large SUV · UK · 1948-2016, 2020-Present
Land Rover Defender
Land Rover Defender — spec data and generation history.
Years
1948-2016, 2020-Present
Generations
2
Segment
Large SUV
Two distinct Defenders covered: Classic Defender (post-1996 to 2016) — body-on-frame, leaf/coil rear, 2.5 / 2.4 TDCi / 2.2 TDCi diesel. 90 (short), 110 (long), 130 (extra-long) wheelbase. Discontinued 2016 after 68 years. L663 (2020-Present) — fully reimagined, monocoque body. 2.0 / 3.0 / 5.0 V8 SC, PHEV P400e (2.0 turbo + e-motor). 90, 110, 130. These are very different vehicles — same name, totally different platforms.
Generations
Click any generation for the full deep dive
1996-2016
Classic
→
2.4 TDCi 110 Station Wagon — 122 bhp, 0-62 in 14.7s.
Verdict
B
BHP
122
0–60
14.7 s
Top
90 mph
MPG
25.0 mpg
Used
£8,000-£42,000
- + Body-on-frame
- + Permanent 4WD
- − Rust
- − Slow
2020-Present
L663
→
Defender V8 — 518 bhp, 0-62 in 4.9s.
Verdict
A
BHP
518
0–60
4.9 s
Top
149 mph
MPG
20.0 mpg
Used
£42,000-£105,000
- + Monocoque body — modern dynamics
- + V8 SC option
- − Pivi Pro freezes
- − Air suspension cost
Known issues by generation
Common faults reported on each generation — useful when shopping the used market.
pre-2016 · Classic
- Rust everywhere
- Specialist parts
- 2.4 / 2.2 Puma timing belt
- Weather sealing
2020-Present · L663
- Pivi Pro infotainment freezes
- 8AT mechatronic
- Air suspension cost
- V8 SC nose bearings
Rivals
Mercedes G-Class · Jeep Wrangler · Ineos Grenadier · Range Rover