2024 Land Rover Defender: Engines, Tech & Off-Road Review

The 2024 land rover defender brings adventure to your driveway. This SUV mixes old-school toughness with new-age comfort. You get a vehicle that handles city streets and mountain trails equally well.

Land Rover built this model for real-world use. It’s not just another pretty face in the parking lot. The Defender works hard when you need it. It also pampers you during daily drives.

Bold Design That Stands Out

The 2024 land rover defender looks different from other SUVs. Its boxy shape catches eyes everywhere. This design isn’t just for looks though. Every angle serves a purpose.

What Makes The Exterior Special:

• The front grille stands tall and proud. It has a mesh pattern that lets air flow through easily.
• Round LED headlights sit on each side. They light up the road ahead brilliantly.
• The hood opens wide like a clamshell. This makes engine checks simple.
• Body panels use aluminum material. This keeps weight down while staying strong.
• Side windows have a unique alpine design. They sit high on the roof for better views.
• The doors have exposed hinges. These remind you of classic Defender models.
• Wheel sizes range from 18 to 22 inches. You can pick steel or alloy options.
• The back door swings to the side. An optional spare tire mounts on it.
• Color choices include over twelve options. Popular picks are Fuji White and Santorini Black.

The design works perfectly for both work and play. You won’t mistake it for anything else on the road.

Size And Space Details

The 2024 land rover defender comes in two body styles. The 90 has two doors. The 110 has four doors. Each offers different space.

Defender 110 Measurements:

• Length measures 197.6 inches total
• Width spans 82.9 inches with mirrors
• Height reaches 77.4 inches from ground
• Wheelbase stretches 119.0 inches long
• Ground clearance sits at 8.9 inches
• It can ford through 35.4 inches of water
• Approach angle hits 38 degrees
• Departure angle reaches 40 degrees
• Cargo space holds 34.9 cubic feet normally

Weight Numbers:

• Vehicle weighs between 4,900 and 5,500 pounds
• It can tow up to 8,201 pounds when equipped right
• Payload capacity handles 1,500 to 1,800 pounds

These numbers help you decide which model fits your needs. The 110 works better for families. The 90 suits couples or solo adventurers.

Engine Power Options

The 2024 land rover defender offers three engine choices. Each delivers different performance levels. Pick based on your driving style.

Base P300 Engine:

• Uses a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder design.
• Makes 296 horses under the hood.
• Delivers 295 pound-feet of twist.
• Pairs with an 8-speed automatic gearbox.
• Powers all four wheels constantly.
• Hits 60 mph in about 7.7 seconds.
• Gets 18 mpg city and 21 mpg highway.
• Needs premium gas for best results.

Mid-Level P400 Engine:

• Features a 3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder motor.
• Includes mild hybrid technology for efficiency.
• Produces 395 horsepower total.
• Generates 406 pound-feet of torque.
• Uses 48-volt electric assist system.
• Reaches 60 mph in roughly 5.8 seconds.
• Achieves 17 mpg city and 21 mpg highway.
• Responds instantly when you press the gas.

Top P525 V8 Engine:

• Packs a 5.0-liter supercharged V8.
• Cranks out 518 horsepower.
• Twists out 461 pound-feet.
• Blasts to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds.
• Tops out at 149 mph electronically.
• Returns 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway.
• Sounds amazing when you accelerate.

All engines connect to four-wheel drive systems. They work with Terrain Response technology automatically. This adjusts power delivery based on surface conditions.

Inside Comfort Features

The cabin of the 2024 land rover defender balances tough and plush. Materials feel premium but handle abuse well. Everything sits within easy reach.

Seating Details:

• Five people fit comfortably in standard setup.
• Seven can squeeze in with optional third row.
• Front seats heat and cool on upper trims.
• They adjust up to 16 different ways.
• Second row offers bench or captain chairs.
• Third row works best for kids.
• Front headroom gives you 40.2 inches.
• Rear headroom measures 40.0 inches.
• Front legroom provides 42.3 inches.
• Back legroom offers 38.9 inches.

Material Quality:

• Base models use strong textile fabric.
• Higher trims get grained leather seats.
• Top versions feature semi-aniline leather.
• Dashboard shows exposed magnesium beam.
• A rubberized grab handle runs across dash.
• Door panels pop off easily for cleaning.
• Floor comes in rubber or carpet.
• Steering wheel wraps in leather.

Storage Spots:

• Center console holds large items securely.
• It has a waterproof removable liner.
• Door pockets fit big water bottles.
• Overhead storage keeps small things handy.
• Cargo area has adjustable tie-downs.
• An air compressor hides in back.
• Optional roof ladder deploys when needed.

The interior design thinks about real adventures. You can hose it down after muddy trips. Yet it still feels special for date nights.

Tech And Entertainment

The 2024 land rover defender packs serious technology inside. Everything works smoothly and quickly. The system doesn’t make you wait.

Main Screen System:

• Features an 11.4-inch curved touchscreen.
• Responds immediately to finger touches.
• Has its own battery for instant power.
• Includes navigation with 3D maps.
• Shows traffic updates in real time.
• Updates software over the air automatically.
• Connects phones wirelessly for Apple CarPlay.
• Also works with Android Auto devices.
• Understands natural voice commands.
• Lets you talk normally to control it.

Driver Display:

• Shows info on a 12.3-inch screen.
• Sits right behind the steering wheel.
• Changes layout based on your preference.
• Can show classic gauge designs.
• Displays full-screen navigation maps.
• Provides detailed trip computer data.
• Shows off-road angles and position.

Sound Systems:

• Standard setup has 6 speakers.
• Upgraded Meridian uses 10 speakers.
• Premium Meridian features 14 speakers.
• Top system delivers 700 watts of power.
• Creates 3D sound throughout cabin.

Connection Options:

• WiFi hotspot connects 8 devices.
• Multiple USB ports charge phones.
• USB-C connections available too.
• Wireless charging pad in console.
• Two phones pair via Bluetooth together.

Technology enhances driving without overwhelming you. Everything stays intuitive and user-friendly.

Safety Protection Systems

The 2024 land rover defender keeps you safe actively. It watches the road constantly. The vehicle helps prevent accidents before they happen.

Active Safety Tools:

• Emergency braking stops for cars and people automatically.
• Lane keeping gently steers you back if drifting.
• Driver monitor watches for tiredness signs.
• Blind spot warning shows vehicles beside you.
• It even helps steer away from danger.
• Rear cross traffic alerts to approaching cars.
• Adaptive cruise maintains safe following distance.
• Speed limit signs get recognized and displayed.

Built-In Protection:

• Aluminum frame creates a strong safety cage.
• Multiple airbags deploy from various locations.
• Electronic stability keeps the vehicle controlled.
• Roll stability reduces tipover chances.
• Terrain systems adjust for maximum grip.

Safety features work invisibly in the background. They only intervene when truly necessary.

Off-Road Abilities

The 2024 land rover defender excels where pavement ends. Its off-road skills separate it from competitors. Few vehicles can follow where it leads.

Terrain Response System:

• Automatically detects surface conditions.
• Adjusts all vehicle systems accordingly.
• Manual modes include Comfort setting.
• Grass, Gravel, and Snow mode available.
• Mud and Ruts mode for sticky situations.
• Sand mode floats over loose surfaces.

Four-Wheel Drive Features:

• Power goes to all wheels all the time.
• Center differential locks when needed.
• Two-speed transfer case switches ranges.
• Low range gives 2.5 times more torque.
• Rear differential locks both wheels together.
• This ensures maximum traction possible.

Air Suspension Benefits:

• Normal height works for everyday driving.
• Off-road height raises 1.6 inches higher.
• Extended height maxes out ground clearance.
• Access height drops 1.6 inches lower.
• Makes getting in and out easier.
• Automatically lowers at highway speeds.

Other Off-Road Gear:

• Wades through 35.4 inches of water.
• Steep angles prevent bumper scrapes.
• Skid plates protect important parts underneath.
• Custom terrain modes save your settings.
• Electronic aids maximize wheel traction.

These capabilities make the Defender virtually unstoppable. It handles terrain that stops other SUVs cold.

Available Trim Levels

The 2024 land rover defender comes in multiple versions. Each adds more features and comfort. Choose based on your budget and wants.

Defender 90 Options:

• Base model includes P300 engine
• Gets 18-inch wheels standard
• Has cloth seat covering
• Comes with 10-inch screen
• S trim adds better audio
• Includes heated front seats
• Gets LED headlights with signatures
• SE trim upgrades to leather
• Adds power seat adjustments
• Includes 11.4-inch touchscreen
• Provides wireless phone charging
• X-Dynamic trim focuses on sport
• Features unique exterior styling
• Includes 20-inch black wheels

Defender 110 Options:

• Base matches 90 base equipment.
• Adds more cargo room naturally.
• S trim includes three-zone climate.
• SE trim mirrors 90 SE features.
• HSE trim brings premium leather.
• Adds Meridian premium audio.
• Includes advanced safety features.
• X trim focuses on luxury.
• Gets Windsor leather material.
• Includes 22-inch wheel options.

Special Edition Models:

• X-Dynamic versions emphasize performance.
• Carpathian Edition offers unique colors.
• Trophy Edition prepares for extreme adventures.
• Limited editions appear occasionally.

Pick the trim that matches your lifestyle. Higher trims add luxury without losing capability.

What Makes It Different

The 2024 land rover defender stands apart from rivals. Its unique combination proves hard to match. Several factors create this distinction.

Compared To Mercedes G-Class:

• Defender costs significantly less money.
• Rides on a newer platform design.
• Handles better on regular roads.
• Uses less fuel per mile.
• Looks less flashy and more purposeful.

Compared To Jeep Wrangler:

• Interior feels much more premium.
• Drives more smoothly on highways.
• Technology works more intuitively.
• Tows heavier loads when equipped.
• Resists rust better with aluminum body.

Toyota Land Cruiser:

• Styling looks more modern overall.
• Engine choices offer more variety.
• Customization options exceed Toyota’s.
• Technology updates more frequently.
• Infotainment responds faster to inputs.

Compared To Range Rover Sport:

• Character feels more adventurous.
• Interior cleans up more easily.
• Off-road ability surpasses Sport significantly.
• Price starts lower for entry.
• Personality appeals to different buyers.

The Defender carves its own space. It doesn’t try copying anyone else.

Ownership Costs And Care

The 2024 land rover defender requires planning beyond purchase price. Understanding total ownership helps you budget properly. Premium vehicles need premium maintenance.

Warranty Protection:

• Basic coverage lasts 4 years or 50,000 miles.
• Powertrain gets same 4 year coverage.
• Corrosion warranty runs 6 years unlimited.
• Roadside help included for 4 years.
• Coverage applies to all major components

Maintenance Schedule:

• Service needed every 16,000 miles.
• Oil changes required annually minimum.
• Uses synthetic oil exclusively.
• Brake service intervals run longer.
• Air suspension needs periodic checks.
• Parts cost more than mainstream brands.
• Labor rates reflect premium positioning.

Fuel Requirements:

• Requires premium unleaded gas always.
• Minimum 91 octane rating needed.
• Tank holds 19.8 gallons standard.
• Extended tank option adds 4 gallons.
• Real-world mileage varies by driving.

Budget for higher operating costs than average SUVs. Quality and capability justify the expense.

Real-World Performance

The 2024 land rover defender performs impressively in actual use. Testing proves its capabilities match the claims. Owners report high satisfaction levels consistently.

Daily Driving Experience:

• City traffic feels manageable and easy.
• Parking takes practice due to size.
• Visibility stays good from driver seat.
• Ride quality impresses on smooth roads.
• Bumps get absorbed well by suspension.
• Noise levels stay reasonable at speed.
• Highway cruising feels stable and confident.

Off-Road Reality:

• Trails that stop others pose no challenge.
• Water crossings happen with full confidence.
• Mud and sand get conquered easily.
• Rock crawling proceeds methodically and safely.
• Hill climbs never feel sketchy or dangerous.
• Descent control works brilliantly on steep slopes.

Long Trip Comfort:

• Seats support passengers for hours.
• Climate control maintains perfect temperature.
• Entertainment system prevents boredom.
• Storage holds everything families need.
• Fuel stops come every 350-400 miles.

Weather Performance:

• Snow and ice handling inspires confidence.
• Rain barely affects grip or stability.
• Hot weather cooling works efficiently.
• Cold starts happen without issues.

The Defender delivers on promises across all conditions. It truly works as advertised.

Common Questions Answered

Does it fit in normal garages?

Most home garages accommodate the Defender fine. The 110 measures under 200 inches long. Height stays under 80 inches total. Check your specific garage dimensions first.

Is maintenance expensive?

Yes, upkeep costs more than average vehicles. Premium parts and specialized service drive expenses. Budget accordingly for ownership.

Can it tow my boat?

The 2024 land rover defender tows up to 8,201 pounds. This handles most boats and trailers easily. Ensure proper hitch and equipment installation.

How reliable is it?

Modern Defenders show improved reliability over predecessors. Initial quality ratings look positive. Long-term data still develops for this generation.

Does it need premium gas?

All engines require minimum 91 octane fuel. Using regular gas risks engine damage. Premium fuel also optimizes performance.

Is the third row usable?

The optional third row suits children best. Adults fit for short trips only. It’s not for regular adult passengers.

How often does it break?

Current models demonstrate good durability overall. Complex systems require proper maintenance. Follow service schedules religiously.

Final Thoughts

The 2024 land rover defender delivers authentic adventure capability wrapped in modern comfort. It doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. This SUV genuinely works both on pavement and trails. The combination of heritage design, advanced technology, and proven off-road systems creates something special. While ownership costs run higher than average, the experience justifies the expense for many buyers. Choose this vehicle when you value capability, uniqueness, and adventure-ready design over pure luxury or economy.