My 2020 D7X 110 now has approximately 12,000 miles on the odometer. I took possession of my P400 in early September. It has been in 19 states and has tackled plenty of challenging terrain. From Moab, to Telluride and Ouray, crossing 5 - 13K passes in Colorado, and 2 dozen 12K summits - you name the Pass, and my Defender has been through it, including Cinnamon Pass in the dark of night after a 16 hour trek through Creede. It has been in the sands of Coskata Woods in Nantucket, and Cape Fear on the OBX. My Defender hauled a Series IIa (6000 lbs on the hauler) over 4,000 miles - up and over the Rockies. It hauls my wife's 25' Airstream effortlessly. Having owned over 30 Land Rovers, don't be so quick to sell this vehicle short. I was one of those Series owners who howled when LR came out with a V8, coil sprung, disc brake Defender and look how that turned out? Time will tell.
@@amm2472 Thank you for asking. I rarely take photos, let alone videos though perhaps I should? Plenty of dear friends in our small Land Rover world have documented me on challenging terrain. While I am old school, having seen first hand what the Defender can do, I encourage everyone to keep an open mind. If you have travelled Poughkeepsie Gulch, Imogene, Black Bear, or Mineral Creek, you would understand what the 2020 Defender is capable of traversing. Imagine?
@@donewhiskey It is always a healthy conversation of the badging and nomenclature chosen by Land Rover. One I have enjoyed around many a camp fire and over far more brown waters with my Land Rover friends. I ponder regularly my Range Rovers, a 1978 2 DR, 1995 soft dash, 2006 Westminster and 2016 LWB Autobiography - is any more entitled to the Range Rover badge? Are they all Range Rovers? All part of life's sweet pageant!
I am picking my defender 110 in August. I really want to do Imogene Pass, Black bear pass, and Engineer's pass in Colorado. I am hoping it is doable in a bone stock (plus lucky 8 sliders). I would enjoy your thoughts on those trails.
There are a few elements that remind me of my old Defender. But it’s a different car for a different age. What I really like about the new Defender is that a cross-country road trip can now be as enjoyable on the tar as it is on the dirt, without compromising either. I think it is a perfect all-rounder. And the looks have grown on me.
And no, I don't think it retains the heritage. The old Defender was a workhorse that you can mod and work on. The new one is just another fancy Range Rover with a few more capabilities.
From a bunch of Land Rover nuts, I think you nailed Ronny, a honest straight-up review as always. It is impossible to compare the new Defender to the old Defender, they are made from two completely different sets of technology. Is a horse the same as a camel? No.
"made from two completely different sets of technology." Indeed, but both made for the same purpose. However, the Land Rover made using older technology will still be going strong long after the electronic festooned Land Rover soft-roader has bitten the dust.
That was a good honest review, Ronny. No mockery. Speaking as an ex-Tdi Defender owner, no, it's not a direct replacement for the old Defender but that doesn't bother me. Landy owners love their trucks, even the ones that leak, rust and rattle but they can't expect JLR to keep making 'em like that.
I’ve only had mine since August but I have nearly 2,000 miles and three short off road trips to get to know the vehicle. It’s been flawless so far and I really enjoy driving it. I agree with the comments related to the lack of heritage and tech but I think the 2020 Defender makes up for that in comfort and capability. If, and it’s a big if, long-term reliability is there, this is a winner!
There is no heritage to the old Defender other than a couple of visual clues. The old defender was a go anywhere vehicle which could be repaired easily with whatever you had to hand. I can't imagine this on the Gibb River Road, one sensor goes on the suspension and your in limp mode for the rest of the journey. I think Land Rover have shot themselves in the foot here. Using the new Jimny as an example, Suzuki cannot make enough of the quick enough to meet supply demands. Most people love the Jimny for it's simplicity, cheap price and real off road ability, which are 3 things missing from the new Defender.
I completely agree. There is a market for a utilitarian suv. Most companies are going full tech with rounded lines. They are either trying to appease the EPA or they just don't understand their market. The new Bronco is about as close to utilitarian as we can get right now here in the States.
In terms of off road ability, the new one is in most ways far superior to the old one. And that's coming from a proper Defender owner that's extremely unlikely to own any other Land Rover product.
Yep agree, the rubicon is much the same, basic tech compared to this and the JL is much more reliable than people give it credit for. The early JKs were bad, hence the bad name
@@tomcardale5596 that's a very subjective matter, straight from the showroom for a novice it's probably correct because it's quicker for a novice to learn the tech than to learn how to drive off road without it. Where you like to drive it is another consideration, if you like playing in the tough stuff, the old defender will walk all over the new one because you can modify the old one to suit where you want to take it.
@@shazbot2357 Holden betrayed it's customers, the stole our money then cut our jobs. It would have failed even if they still made us a 4 door v8 rear drive sedan. That was merely the straw. Also, I'm sure the 70 would have been replaced by a hilux had it not been for the mining market.
Have owned 8 Landrover’s, my D240 SE is amazing and carry’s the brand well into the 21st century.All new cars are high tech now, like everything, information is all online, would have been a better review with 5 minutes research, but still a good review.
I saw that video too , terrible - can't believe Landrover would release vehicles without proper testing.... globally to ensure reliability - but we are talking Landrover here 😕
Amazing review - no bias, no B.S. Just good reporting. And you are 100% correct - the old vs the new are from two different technical eras. This is a good all-arounder, whereas the old one is a no-nonsense off-roader weapon. As much as I love and respect the original, I DO like the new one, though.
Great video Ronny! I am a fan of yours from Canada and I'm happy to see you testing the new Defender. As a Range Rover owner for the past 14 years, I've learned a thing or two about those magnificent beasts ( took me a while though). I'm not sure what the trim level of your Defender was, but it may or may not have had the electronically controlled (locking) rear differential.Some lower spec models only have centre diff lock. In Off Road Mode you can watch on the screen the diff locks at work in real time .They come on and off as needed. The breaks work hard to stop any spinning wheel , but the electronics can only do so much without the rear diff lock option which would have made a big difference in Rock Crawl mode (had you turned the dial to the correct setting). Also, Land Rovers although they are full time all wheel drive, under normal drive, (i.e. not activating the Terrain Response System) are driving with open differentials (centre and rear) and they will not lock unless they are set by the driver through the TRSystem . Thus, if you're not aware of that , one can easily get cross axelled and the vehicle will get stuck (seen that a few times). Unless you activate the Snow, Sand or Rock Crawl mode the vehicle is useless off-roading . Also the gas and break pedals modulate differently when the programs are activated. Once you get familiar with the modern Land Rover 4WD system and learn how to use it properly, they are very capable vehicles off road, but not really meant for Off Roading. Expensive to fix if they break down, but if you maintain them properly they are good trucks ( I don't care what others say, I love my Rover). Hope you get another chance to drive the Defender and play with it again. Have fun! :)
RRS HSE your response was what I was thinking too. It was a learning curve when we got our LR Disco3 and at first wasn’t sure it was such a good choice. It is not like a regular 4x4 but after a few times out with our club and talking experts I started seeing its true capabilities. Have a D4 now and it is a top off road vehicle and if you get the right rims and tyres it is unstoppable. It tackles the most hardcore stuff out despite what people keep saying. If you’re willing to scuff and dent it, which is what stops most LR owners, it will do the job, tow the heavy loads and then relax on the drive home.
Folks brought a Discovery Sport and we attended a Landrover drive day which was fantastic in teaching all the tech. Each to their own. Little too much tech for my liking but if the Ineos Grenadier (based on the old defenders) ever goes into full production... now that could be an interesting 4x4.
Very good report unbiased and true observation, being an old def owner i belong to the "its not a defender" brigade, but youve just convinced me its a new up to date defender and very practical, thanks
great review Ronny! cheers i love my 2020 110, just over 3000km now all the rivers and sand it breezed through (mates fully decked out original 110 kept up) granted it is not as simple as an original but its a dam sight nicer to drive not quite the street cred at landy days as my series 3 but LR fans still love the new one when they see it. it is nice when my wife drives it though, a couple of extra safety features are always good
Great Question Ronny, of course the world is full of choices and thank goodness for that. I think this is a good start for Land Rover to re invent their relationship with the wilderness in the 21st C. Keep up the great reviews.
Good to see something new like this on the channel - in saying that not a fan. I bet you're looking forward to seeing what the ineos grenadier is going to be like though. I recon (subject to price) it will be a serious contender for anyone who is keen on y62s, 79s etc
I bought it being aware that it's a different animal than the old Defender (which I had too 20 years ago). My idea of this car, which works for me if time will prove it, is that it's a nice comfortable SUV very suitable for road traveling, having at the same time much better capabilities than an average SUV. Reliability has to be proven, I just got it and not yet tested due to Covid19 lockdown...
As a previous td5 defender owner, in my opinion the new version is only defender by name. I've also experienced the ongoing frustration of failed electronics in a 2a disco. More electronics = more problems off road. Now happily driving a 76 series LandCruiser and loving my return to a more traditional and less techy vehicle. No more oil puddles either 🤙.
Really impressed with the quality of the review on this one, it's too easy for people to say something stupid about reliability, then say it's not a real defender and done. Looking forward to seeing more of your videos
I quite like it. Grew up on a farm driving the old skool defenders and although they were fine in the field they sucked when you actually had to take them on to the road to be perfectly honest. The new one does both. I actually think its a vehicle I could use and want to use every day.
I dont see a lot of “old” Defender owners talking about getting one but a LOT of Disco 3 and 4 owners are. They dont want outright offroad performance just enough to get them were they want (usually towing something huge)
As a D3 owner , I most definitely use mine off road . There are quite a few of us here in Aus that actually enjoy the capability of the D3/D4 . Having said that , I've owned mine for 2 Years and I'm still learning the vehicle . It's almost like having to learn how to off-road again .
@@Just_A_Simple_Country_Boy hi, also a D3 owner but in the UK. Havnt done any real of road, just a bit of work in fields including towing car transporter trailers out of muddy places (for motorsport). Disco 3/4 excels at on road comfort and then off road capability.
Most of the people in the comments have never driven this defender or any defender, if you had (like me who owns both) you’d know this ain’t a cushy luxury Range Rover with some tech, this is much more of an off-road beast than the old defender and way more capable than any car on sale today, plus it has the added bonus of being very nice on the road
And anyone that ‘doesn’t trust’ all this tech, you can legit turn it all off and drive it just you and the car, reviews of cars are mostly pointless cos this guy hasn’t driven thousand of k’s in one
It's definitely not hard core off roader, but something which was not mentioned was its on road handeling and comfort which would make it good choice for most people who just do the odd trip up the beach for camping.
It's basically the next generation LR3 and LR4(Discovery 3 and 4).Once the kinks of the first editions are ironed out, I think it is going be an epic overlanding rig. We have an LR3 with 250,000 medium to hard KMs on it in Northern Canada, and it has been great. Nothing comes remotely close for the great road manners, and great offroading. My old series, and willys jeep are probably better in certain offroad conditions, and our BMW X5 is better on the highway, but the Landrover is hands down the best all around overlanding rig. Defenders are not great if you are a true overlander that puts on 10-60,000 km a year. Most of this driving is on good roads. It's all about compromise.
Has a disco 2, that's about it. I think your review is excellent from a 4x4 point of view. It's a new model with new tech. You would be a fool if you purchased any vehicle without learning how to properly use it before putting it through its paces. Any 4x4 has its own quarks; this is no different. Great points on the rims...guess if you can afford this you should be able to afford another set of rims that will do the offloading thing. Thank you
The price makes it not a replacement for the old one for me. There is a huge jump in price from the old to the new, even taking into account the 4 years of non-production between them. I wanted a no-nonsense utilitarian vehicle at a low price point. Instead we got given another Discovery - with computers everywhere. Good luck trying to get them diagnosed and fixed in the middle of the Sahara. Roll on the Grenadier.
The new model is more expensive but don't go around saying the other was sold at a low price. Even now for a 2016 model your looking at $90K-100k they were already massively overpriced for what you get and people complain about the price of the 70 series for how basic it is(which I think is overpriced aswell)
@@tcmx712 the price that old defenders are going for now is massively inflated trying to see if any tragics are willing to pay that much for one. Before it was announced that production was going to be stopped, the 110 in Australia was around the $50k mark, that was the price when I bought my ute and was tossing up on getting the defender
@@pantherdean84 ah ok cheers for the info mate. I've only been looking at them for the last couple of years hoping the prices will drop but I guess that ain't happening haha. That means the new one's are almost triple the price holy moly!!!!
I work in a related field to car sales ( finance ) and had the opportunity to have a candid conversation with a sales rep about these vehicles. The consensus is God help you if any of these automated systems break out of warranty. Repair costs are staggering.
Hi Ronny Great, accurate and fair-minded review. Insightful comments re learning about the off-road systems and electronics and the tyre sizes. Too bad you did not engage rock crawl, also did you use the view that shows the wheel articulation and the level of slip-on each wheel? For the record, I don’t work for JLR, and I have the new one and replaced it with my Defender 90 2013 Puma. For the haters lets just unpack a few comments: Firstly the look, aka the design aesthetic, does it look like the old one? No, the old one was a classic of twentieth-century design, so why try and replicate it? Does the new design make reference to this older design aesthetic? Yes, it does a bit with the vertical lines and overhead windows. But it is nonetheless a distinctive design in its own right. Does it look like Disco? The implication being it is a trumped-up Disco or a Disco with a few more electronics. Manufacturers will bake in common attributes across their product range, so nothing wrong with that? But the car’s obviously different to a Disco, for example in terms of chassis and underbody protection; even the oh so critical wheel sensors are protected; unlike the D4. So, it’s an odd assertion to say it is just a Disco in disguise as if it needs to be quite different. In fact, this comment is bizarre given that in Australia we are a country of sheep who are too risk-averse to drive anything but HiLuxes and Landcruisers. I am thinking this car is more like a Landcruiser, a reasonable comparison given its size, and that is perhaps where JLR is pitching this product at. It's absolutely ludicrous to compare this to a Jiminy. For the record, the off-road geometries are the same as the old Defender. Another contention from the haters is you can't fix this, due to too many electronics, unlike the old one, when it breaks down in remote areas. A fair point, as this is yet to be tested in real conditions, but JLR claims the car will limp home no matter what. It will also sit in water for 1.5 hours before the electrics crap out. The Puma could not tolerate water in it is electrics and when it did break down the crammed in Ford Duratorq ZDS engine meant components were extremely difficult to access. Can you just bolt on stuff to this car like the old one? The answer is no. My biggest problem with the old Defender was not the car but the aftermarket add-ons. My old Defender was set up for remote area touring. It had a compressor (now built-in as an accessory), extra 45 l fuel tank (tank is now 85l), TPMS system (now built-in), and a dual battery system. But why would you add a dual battery system when portable lithium and solar are becoming cheaper and more efficient each year? Does it need a bull bar, maybe? But I think a roo hitting the monocoque body if the sensors don't stop you beforehand, is an acceptable risk. Yep, I do need to figure out how to install a UHF aerial and install a sand flag off the roof rack. Arguably the Ingenium engine development is more advanced because of EU standards than Japanese designed engines. The JLR design team on this car said they wanted to create a new legend and icon and time will tell if that is correct. This car has been closely designed with integrated engineering. More importantly, some of us in life are early adopters, we take calculated risks, and having one of the first of these is one of those risks. For all, you sheep with your same old, same old, unnecessary jacked-up suspensions, bolted-on bits of crap, constant know-it-all arguments about whose got the best mods, big dick carbon burning six-cylinder turbos and eights, and that constant need to tinker and fill up. I will see you on the French Line in the Simpson. Out there I am pretty sure I know which car has the least potential to have something go wrong with it.
Ugh, didn't one of the US magazines which has one of these on long term review achieve a frankly pathetic 12 US MPG? That was in the P400 which is a plug in mild hybrid. That's shockingly bad so those old dinosaurs aren't any thirstier.
Ronny over here in the UK there are loads at dealership's with problems from ABS light, engine management lights on, air suspension not working and computer crash going into limp mode lol
Pretty good review Ronny. Everyone who gets in a Landy with the tech gets stuck on sand until they figure the system out. It's been happening since the Disco 3.
It's a disco not a Defender,all that tech is going to be a nightmare when it starts to play up...starts at 69,990 + better more basic 4x4s out there....If and when the Ineos Grenadier comes out I think it will be a winner..
However it's a low volume vehicle so parts are going to be tricky, and it's got BMW engines which aren't known for their longevity and reliability. Axles and running gear look good though. And they've fixed the Defender rear door problem!
@@tomcardale5596 the engine is being used in the Toyota Supra. I’m hopefully that Toyota chose it for a reason and that it’s more reliable than other BMW engines. It might be serviceable at Toyota dealerships. The fact that the BMW engine can be had in gas and diesel and meets many market requirements around the world, I’m hopeful.
Who cares if it retains the “heritage” of the old defender. If you want heritage buy the old one! If you want a modern capable 4WD with all the tech you need, and then some, then buy this one! I reckon it looks great and is the perfect balance of comfort with off road ability (once you’ve read the manual) Love your videos Ronny and your decision not to say if you would or wouldn’t buy it as it does come down to the owner and their experience level. I don’t doubt Ronny could get a 1974 Corolla up that sand dune but running it up there disabling some of the features obviously doesn’t work you need to use the correct settings and in the absence of skill the functions will help you if you use them.
Great review Ronny. Solid, no bs facts. Hopefully reliability holds up, chances are slim but it just might. If it does then it's great for every consumer because competition is always a good thing, keeps the manufacturers on their toes
Curious to know how much time you've spent driving defenders. They're horrible to drive on road, or long distance and stock, without locking diffs (because that was never a factory option) they aren't any better off-road than you're average Ute.
Except comfort refinement traction safety etc etc. The old defender was a dinosaur that needed thousands spending on after market extras to make it acceptable
@@mattmanix5104 but the point is, because of the basis of design, the old defender is a 5 grand away from being better offroad than the new one could ever dream of being. Independent suspension fails more often in extreme conditions. Air suspension fails more often in any condition. Combining the two and telling us it's a defender instead of a discovery is insulting.
So I now have my new Defender, and I have kept my old Defender. The only similarity is the appeal of their versatility. Luckily you get an off-road day at the LR centre when you buy a Defender and they teach you the tech - so no excuses for driver error like your dune experience, Ronny. I downgraded to the 19inch, so let’s see how those work. Still love your work.
Hi Ronnie. Interesting review. A few things. When you say you’re turning off the traction control...you’re not. What you’re turning off is the Electronic Stability Control (ESC). It is very important to turn off the ESC, particularly in sand, as it will rob the engine of power. Also, the secret to the air suspension’s success is that in low range it cross-links the air suspension so when one wheel is pushed up, the opposing wheel is pushed down to mimic a live axle and maintain ground clearance. Cheers!
Ronny, I respect you a lot but honestly I feel you easy and soft with this one. We trust you to say things as they are. Your public is wise and critical enough to know this car is not a viable off roader.
@@checkmilu that’s fine, I don’t think Ronny will suffer without it. Is worst to compromise it’s reliability just to drive a car a lot of us already know is pure electronic crap. There is a good reason Land Rover haven’t give one to Andrew Saint Peter. He is crude as hell.
@@checkmilu Not true at all actually. Ronny has openly said in previous videos that he’ll only review things honestly. If some brands want him to sample or review things, he tells them he will but he does it how he wants to - no agreement
@@checkmilu Yes 100%. In other people’s, uncut footage as well. Personally I think he’s difficult to watch sometimes, and I watch most of the content in 2x speed because it drags on way too much at times, however if there is one thing I do admire about Ronny, it’s his transparency. You’ve been watching too much 4WD 24/7
We refer to these as Costco Assault Vehicles. Mom and dad can get to the store in a blizzard, but they would never go the places Ronnie goes, at least without many changes of undies. The upscale demographic is more interested in looking good and showing they can afford one than in actually going to rugged places, and I think LRD has nailed that group. For the people that love to bolt things on and modify their vehicles as a hobby, not so much. Would I trust it up a remote trail in Death Valley? Nope, too complicated. Good review, Ronnie.
Hi Guys. I think for the money of new Defender you can buy any entry level ( ute , truck ) like a 2.4 GD6 Hilux. It has a rear diff lock. Good fuel consumption. Very reliable vehicle. Use the money you are saving and build a awesome overlanding vehicle or even something that can drive the hardest tracks.
Love the review Ronny. Seems to have a lot of hate on it for its tech and electronic gizmo's. Like every car, it's all good until it breaks and that includes vehicles without the tech and electronics. If people didn't want tech to evolve we'd still all be getting 100 miles to the bale of hay. Pricey it may be but you get what you pay for. Even a farm spec 79 series needs money thrown at it to get a decent amount of luxury. Each to their own. Nobody's forcing you to buy it. Loving the cameras. Always handy to be able to see what's going on around you. Wish there was a decent after market option for vehicles. I think the rim size suits it for looks but it may not be practical if you were somewhere with a popped tyre tyring to get a spare. Looks very comfy inside. Nice review
@@braydenhjort6736 means nothing, they will be impossible to maintain in Australia with the limited service network and the cost of new parts (after warranty). Land Rover Pretender.
@@nnoddy8161 depends where you live, plenty of land rover specialists and dealers around me. Cost of parts are expensive but like all land Rovers independent companies will supply alternate parts cheaper. Like all cars these days though, never going to last as long as they used to, unfortunately that's the way the world has gone and everything is treated with a certain life. Not made for people who like the old defender or 70 series land cruisers. Much more for those who drive on the road to work everyday and do a trip a couple of times a year.
Buy an old beater then. Bush trucks will always be beaters. Who is going to want to scratch a $100k vehicle of any type? Also, with new regulations the old style trucks are going to be getting rare.
There would have been a night and day difference if the Rock Crawl mode would have been selected in Terrain Response. And this particular car didn't seem to have (at least based on the quick glance of the 4x4i screen) the optional active rear locking diff, which makes things even better.
You'd spend 100 grand, and couldn't be bothered finding the rock or sand button. I mean, review the friggin car or get an old defender and get out of the way.
@@2011blueman I know...that sucks. I would definitely be interested in the Jimny. I think if Suzuki came back to the states now they would make a killing with it.
I am starting to see this vehicle in Florida, USA - it is good looking just like the older one. It is definitely a luxury vehicle coming in around $55K USDs (starting) with a high total cost of ownership. Reliability is worrisome at this price point so I don't trust its longevity 5-10 years from now. This brand has a bad reputation of spending a lot of time at the dealer and that is a value destroyer for such an expensive SUV. Solid work Ronny!
In terms of comparison to the original Defender, its night and day, the original was a post WWII design, how can something designed 60-70 years later ever compare. That said I think they should have gone the same route as the Ineos Grenadier, which looks set to be true to the original Defender, the new Land Rover defender is defender in name only.
I’ve done 20K km in my new Defender 240D mainly off - roading in the Sth Island of New Zealand. It is a fantastic powerful comfortable highway tourer and extremely capable off road. It’s “push- icon” touch screen 4WD system is very simple to use you just have to learn it before going off-road. Pity Ronny D didn’t do his home- work first. I have a Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series and a TD5 Landrover Discovery neither of which are as good as my new Defender either on or off road. My car has been 100% reliable. The only two things I don’t really like are the over servo’d brakes (‘touchy’ as Ronny says) but you soon learn to be more gentle with the right foot. The headlights have huge black spots to the right and left such that when driving narrow winding roads at night( lots of these in NZ!) you can’t see the inside edge of the road…..very disconcerting. Some wide beam fog lights mounted low down would solve the problem. Overall I’m extremely pleased with this technological marvel ! Martin Rees Auckland NZ
The Vw system on my ancient 2007 Touareg is miles better . After owning the V-dub for a year . It's a stunner . I'm a uk motorsport Rally marshal . Until covid it did the job . Fantastic tow car with our twin axle caravan. Vw offer an outstanding 4x4 system . I know I sound biased but I've had landys . Rough ride etc . My Touareg has heated seats and steering wheel . Fantastic navigation too . Yes I'm a Brit
Ineos, one of the largest chemical companies in the world, is building a new defender called the Grenadier since their owner/founder was a fan of them and hated the new defender. The new Grenadier was engineered by the same team that manufacturers and designed the Mercedes G Class, Magna Steyr of Austria. Don't buy this unreliable hunk of plastic air suspension, wait for the Grenadier to come out. Apparently, they designed the Grenadier with the only electrical features being a aftermarket style 2 din infotainment, cameras, speakers, and power windows/seats. They decided to go with the same BMW i6 engine found in the new Toyota Supra, and a Zf-8 transmission. From what I can tell, that engine and drivetrain has so far been reliable.
Great review Ronny, I'm just having a guess, not your type of 4WD. It's certainly got some great stuff, but I could see you getting frustrated with the tech and those 20" wheels. A similar look on the out side and same interior with solid front and rear axles (same track size thou) with coils and lockers front and rear would be great.
The thing is that JLR's customer base is now totally different so the focus of the car is different. They will sell far more of these for towing caravans and boats than they would if they made it more utility focused. The pickups have got that market covered and are far cheaper so no point going after that market any more. It's a shame as I loved the old defender.... This evolution is a business decision pure and simple ☹️
I have been looking at a lot of Ronnys videos lately and I am so impressed at his progression in terms of speaking infront of a camera and presenting in general. Great stuff! Keep up the good work!
As a previous Defender owner, no this doesn't appeal. Part of the joy was/is the simplicity, the purity of design and purpose. That's totally gone with this - more like a Discovery. Recent reliability appalling too.
Land Rover, please make one of these without the electronics and the air suspension. Give us a simple version, coil springs, larger wheels (smaller rims) and real lockers.
I'm a bit late to the conversation. I have a D300 110 Defender owned for 2 years. I have owned a 2008 classic Defender since it was new. Each has been driven off-road. There is no doubt that the new one takes some getting used to but familiarity brings with it an appreciation of what it can do. The new Defender is a far superior vehicle as it should be. WRT tyres/wheels an 18" aftermarket solution is available for those who want to drive terrain that requires lower tyre pressures.
In Australia we might as well call the roo-bars. I don’t have one for off road protection. I have it for protection from pesky kangaroos on the highways
As Land Rover nuts, we like it. Dad owns a 2006 TD5 Defender 130, I own a 1974 Series 3 and now a Freelander as a runabout. It was Mum who really wanted the New Defender to begin with, but we kind of all do now. Pity you can't find any for under $100k. Barbagallo's is our dealer too!
It reminds me so much of when Range Rover Classic came out in 1970 - its practical has a commercial nuts n bolts aura about it yet its a pleasure to drive!- the 300hp should be a fun car!, the 240 is a tad underpowered imo- though i'm use to my Disco 4 255 HP which goes like the wind
Had mine since end June and share it with the rest of my family for holidays and trips (as best we can with C-19). Only done 3,000 miles so far. We all think it is a great vehicle. Re the manual, the main manual is downloadable not a print manual. The model you drove did not appear to have a lockable rear diff or Terrain Response 2, both options and an obvious pick for anyone intending to do lots of off road driving - together with 18 inch steel wheels and off road tyres. TR2 offers configurable settings so that you can adapt the vehicle more closely to the conditions you drive in. (Of all the journalists who went on the Namibia trip, Scott Brady of Overland Journal, is the only one I am aware of who used the configurable settings). You also appeared to stay in auto and not explore the use of the S mode which enables fast manual shifts. I have yet to see or read a review by someone who has had the time or taken the trouble to explore the off road permutations possible with this vehicle. One day there may be a comprehensive review but that is more likely to come from a long term owner such are the time pressures for publication. But at least you were honest about the time pressures on you. I enjoy your channel and choice of topics - and it is a good way to see parts of Australia I will never experience.
That’s a Disco not a Defender. Defenders were the cheap, basic, simple, easy to repair, workhorse of the Land Rover range; this is none of those.....and that’s before you start looking at it from an Overlanders point of view.....
Nothing at all like the old defender, strange how a off road vehicle only brand doesn't really make even one hard core offroader like jeep does. Really think they messed this one up.
Like an old Defender you mean? Unfortunately hardly anyone was buying them. In the last year of Defender production they shifted just 4,000 units in Europe. In the same period they sold 100,000 Evoques. Sadly the hard core off road type is such a niche market that it's a loss leader. Only massive car makers like Mercedes with the G-Wagon can afford to do it.
3 things about new Defeder. 1. It should have a discovery badge, that's what the car is. 2. It's probably the best of the shelf 4x4 to buy, very capable car from the start. 3. Limited options when it comes to customising it for off roading. It's meant to be kept stock pretty much.
I hear you on the tech end of things. The guys from TFL just bought one and have less than three hundred miles on it and it’s already thrown codes, went back to the dealer, and now they can’t get the cameras and a lot of the other tech to work after the dealer flashed it to clear the code. So glad I don’t own anything less than 20 years old!
One thing that rarely gets spoken about is how nice these are to drive when getting form a to b. Capable off road, but in reality, how much time are we spending off road? 10%? 5%? The rest is getting to and from the spots. Drive a land rover and you'll quickly see how refined, smoother and more pleasant they are to handle
Ronny added something important. You can't just get in and drive this. You have to spend a fair bit of time learning how the four wheel drive system in this works. There's a huge gap between the old an new Defenders. Yes, the new one is a technological marvel, but add front and rear cross axle diff locks (either the Australian ARB Air Locker or the American Eaton eLocker) to the previous Defender and off-road it will out-perform this one. As an off-road vehicle, the old Defender is superb, and for around 4 grand, cross axle diff locks will outperform the electronics in every low traction and cross axle terrain. The New Defender is without doubt, an exceptional vehicle. The electronics in it possibly the best in the world. But, as an off-road vehicle, the older Defender is still the (UK's) "King off the road". The new Defender is a tech marvel, and a brilliant example of how modern electronics can provide tremendous assistance in traversing all manner of terrain. It also compensates for lack of driver skill, and that's where this one is a brilliant win in the market place. And I don't believe its intended place in the market is 4wders, like the older one. It's a middle class Range Rover, aimed fair and square at the market segment that drives other marques like Landcruiser (and Prado), and all the other wagons living on tarmac that are colloquially, the "Toorak Tractor". That's the market segment this is aimed at (IMHO).
Get an 07-11 Freelander 2, exactly the same traction control system, driving modes and hill assist, but it comes with a handy wheel to change modes and a button for the hill assist, 2.2 turbo and is less than 10,000 😘🤣
Anyone who regularly trails a new Defender is asking for trouble. It’s like the divers watch that works at 200m depth - it’s a great talking point but I doubt most owners will ever need it’s capability. Ignore the name Defender and imagine it’s a new Discovery then it makes sense. Great review.
I owned 3 LR Defenders. My latest is 2014 model year 110. I dont trust the new Defender with all its tech to take it on a long journey. My Defenders I serviced my self at home and on the road. I dont understand why LR doesnt offer air suspension as an option??? The new LR Defender has way to much tech for an "OVERLAND GO ANYWHERE VEHICLE". As Richard Hammond said the new LR Defender is the best LR Discovert that LR made 😎. Keep up the videos. Great job.
all that tech... nooooo, let me drive not it drive me and when it gose wrong. its going to cost. ow and whats that spinning under the bonnet? the flux capasitor eh lol
Expected a more honest review from you Ronny. You went far too easy on the LR. Please dont sell out to the likes of JLR, they aint worth it mate. Edit: You loosing your voice at the end, says it all. Its a subtle warning to what will happen if you start going easy on powerful companies. Dont loose your voice mate!! Youve come to far for that.
“Don’t sell out”? Did I try to sell you this vehicle? That’s the most honest review on the net about this vehicle. The platform is I take it out use it and you guys decide. My opinions are portrayed during the test there is no need for me to slam a vehicle if you can clearly see it doesn’t perform to my liking. Also if I carry on like I totally hate a vehicle and slam it it looses credibility and I doubt I’d ever get to borrow a vehicle again from anyone.
haha, the new def will outperform any stock and lightly modified Toyota in any discipline. Why hate a car if you haven't even seen it? That's just stupid.
Finally a sand dune test in English language. Well mate, yes I agree with you computer could be confusing. But think about it, it's a heavy car with tires not ment for sand driving.. Sand off-roaders never approach to any dune from that close, unless you have huge tyres and less weight. But as we all can see, this car can go through dunes even without sand tires if done correctly. Nice video!
Yeaa why not, lets face it, it is a very capable 4x4....Many would buy it for its name & heritage (Defender) and the luxury status for what it is perceive now. LR knows its target audience $$$. Cannot imagine seeing many buying it with idea for heavy duty 4 x 4 stuff on weekends or trail.
The expression on your face when you hit the side step.....priceless.
which min and sec is this?
@@StefanPickl 9:20
@@scottyyy3608 thanks
😳
My 2020 D7X 110 now has approximately 12,000 miles on the odometer. I took possession of my P400 in early September. It has been in 19 states and has tackled plenty of challenging terrain. From Moab, to Telluride and Ouray, crossing 5 - 13K passes in Colorado, and 2 dozen 12K summits - you name the Pass, and my Defender has been through it, including Cinnamon Pass in the dark of night after a 16 hour trek through Creede. It has been in the sands of Coskata Woods in Nantucket, and Cape Fear on the OBX. My Defender hauled a Series IIa (6000 lbs on the hauler) over 4,000 miles - up and over the Rockies. It hauls my wife's 25' Airstream effortlessly. Having owned over 30 Land Rovers, don't be so quick to sell this vehicle short. I was one of those Series owners who howled when LR came out with a V8, coil sprung, disc brake Defender and look how that turned out? Time will tell.
do you have any videos of your trips to watch
@@amm2472 Thank you for asking. I rarely take photos, let alone videos though perhaps I should? Plenty of dear friends in our small Land Rover world have documented me on challenging terrain. While I am old school, having seen first hand what the Defender can do, I encourage everyone to keep an open mind. If you have travelled Poughkeepsie Gulch, Imogene, Black Bear, or Mineral Creek, you would understand what the 2020 Defender is capable of traversing. Imagine?
@@robertsteele8875 thanks for the reply enjoy your ride
@@donewhiskey It is always a healthy conversation of the badging and nomenclature chosen by Land Rover. One I have enjoyed around many a camp fire and over far more brown waters with my Land Rover friends. I ponder regularly my Range Rovers, a 1978 2 DR, 1995 soft dash, 2006 Westminster and 2016 LWB Autobiography - is any more entitled to the Range Rover badge? Are they all Range Rovers? All part of life's sweet pageant!
I am picking my defender 110 in August. I really want to do Imogene Pass, Black bear pass, and Engineer's pass in Colorado. I am hoping it is doable in a bone stock (plus lucky 8 sliders). I would enjoy your thoughts on those trails.
There are a few elements that remind me of my old Defender. But it’s a different car for a different age. What I really like about the new Defender is that a cross-country road trip can now be as enjoyable on the tar as it is on the dirt, without compromising either. I think it is a perfect all-rounder. And the looks have grown on me.
And no, I don't think it retains the heritage. The old Defender was a workhorse that you can mod and work on. The new one is just another fancy Range Rover with a few more capabilities.
@Ricky cheap? These are 100k here
@@sexatica the look at the other Rovers.
@@sexatica Here in the UK you can buy the new range rover evoque for 10K less. same with the disco sport.
@@sexatica the badge is probably worth 98k
@@LTAJWLU nah
From a bunch of Land Rover nuts, I think you nailed Ronny, a honest straight-up review as always. It is impossible to compare the new Defender to the old Defender, they are made from two completely different sets of technology. Is a horse the same as a camel? No.
well said..this is new era..sir and you can sense it
"made from two completely different sets of technology." Indeed, but both made for the same purpose. However, the Land Rover made using older technology will still be going strong long after the electronic festooned Land Rover soft-roader has bitten the dust.
@@albertdesalvo7273 Then buy an old defender then, welcome to 2020.
@@JohnnyZenith nah, just by a Toyota land cruiser, Nissan patrol or Mitsubishi pajero
I'm actually quite surprised.... that it didn't break down for this entire 20 minute video! Impressive!
Hahahahaha... true
@@vinaynams Just goes to show it’s not one of the old Defenders!
That was a good honest review, Ronny. No mockery. Speaking as an ex-Tdi Defender owner, no, it's not a direct replacement for the old Defender but that doesn't bother me. Landy owners love their trucks, even the ones that leak, rust and rattle but they can't expect JLR to keep making 'em like that.
Then don't call it a Defender.
Ineos, via the Grenadier will make us a new, improved Defender....the one which LR should have built.
I’ve only had mine since August but I have nearly 2,000 miles and three short off road trips to get to know the vehicle. It’s been flawless so far and I really enjoy driving it. I agree with the comments related to the lack of heritage and tech but I think the 2020 Defender makes up for that in comfort and capability. If, and it’s a big if, long-term reliability is there, this is a winner!
There is no heritage to the old Defender other than a couple of visual clues. The old defender was a go anywhere vehicle which could be repaired easily with whatever you had to hand. I can't imagine this on the Gibb River Road, one sensor goes on the suspension and your in limp mode for the rest of the journey. I think Land Rover have shot themselves in the foot here. Using the new Jimny as an example, Suzuki cannot make enough of the quick enough to meet supply demands. Most people love the Jimny for it's simplicity, cheap price and real off road ability, which are 3 things missing from the new Defender.
I completely agree. There is a market for a utilitarian suv. Most companies are going full tech with rounded lines. They are either trying to appease the EPA or they just don't understand their market. The new Bronco is about as close to utilitarian as we can get right now here in the States.
In terms of off road ability, the new one is in most ways far superior to the old one.
And that's coming from a proper Defender owner that's extremely unlikely to own any other Land Rover product.
Agree 100%
Yep agree, the rubicon is much the same, basic tech compared to this and the JL is much more reliable than people give it credit for. The early JKs were bad, hence the bad name
@@tomcardale5596 that's a very subjective matter, straight from the showroom for a novice it's probably correct because it's quicker for a novice to learn the tech than to learn how to drive off road without it.
Where you like to drive it is another consideration, if you like playing in the tough stuff, the old defender will walk all over the new one because you can modify the old one to suit where you want to take it.
Please get your hands on the Ineos Grenadier when it comes out!
Your colleague at TFL have one: broken 2 times in 300 miles and less than a month of ownership. All issues have been related to the electronics...
I think that is just a one off and let's be honest if we where talking about the new bronco that wouldn't have been brought up
I must have missed the third time it’s broken as last count it was twice.
This is the true colour of Land Rover --- unreliable.
Common with new models during the first few production batches
Yes there is a defender heritage there (breakdowns) LOL
Big no for me!!! Its like if Toyota said the new Hilux was the new 70series, it’s just so wrong
hahaha that's a great way of putting it mate!! Long live the 70!
Well said !
Ha ha ha best comment of the lot. Up the 70 🤙🏼🤘🏼
or like how Holden named their front wheel drive insignia the new Commodore...
@@shazbot2357 Holden betrayed it's customers, the stole our money then cut our jobs. It would have failed even if they still made us a 4 door v8 rear drive sedan. That was merely the straw.
Also, I'm sure the 70 would have been replaced by a hilux had it not been for the mining market.
Have owned 8 Landrover’s, my D240 SE is amazing and carry’s the brand well into the 21st century.All new cars are high tech now, like everything, information is all online, would have been a better review with 5 minutes research, but still a good review.
TFL cars just got theirs and within 300 miles had 2 issues.
Not trusting so much electrical tech when I’m out in the middle nowhere.
I saw that video too , terrible - can't believe Landrover would release vehicles without proper testing.... globally to ensure reliability - but we are talking Landrover here 😕
I was just about to say that. The second issue still hasn't been solved yet and it is the camera's not working.
Absolute disaster when you are traveling into the outback.
Exactly and that’s what others warned about before. You couldn’t trust it in the middle of know where.
TFL are nupties please dont go there for 4wd info
Finally a real trusty reviwer!!!! THANK YOU THNAK YOU THANK YOU
Amazing review - no bias, no B.S. Just good reporting. And you are 100% correct - the old vs the new are from two different technical eras. This is a good all-arounder, whereas the old one is a no-nonsense off-roader weapon. As much as I love and respect the original, I DO like the new one, though.
Great video Ronny! I am a fan of yours from Canada and I'm happy to see you testing the new Defender. As a Range Rover owner for the past 14 years, I've learned a thing or two about those magnificent beasts ( took me a while though). I'm not sure what the trim level of your Defender was, but it may or may not have had the electronically controlled (locking) rear differential.Some lower spec models only have centre diff lock. In Off Road Mode you can watch on the screen the diff locks at work in real time .They come on and off as needed. The breaks work hard to stop any spinning wheel , but the electronics can only do so much without the rear diff lock option which would have made a big difference in Rock Crawl mode (had you turned the dial to the correct setting). Also, Land Rovers although they are full time all wheel drive, under normal drive, (i.e. not activating the Terrain Response System) are driving with open differentials (centre and rear) and they will not lock unless they are set by the driver through the TRSystem . Thus, if you're not aware of that , one can easily get cross axelled and the vehicle will get stuck (seen that a few times). Unless you activate the Snow, Sand or Rock Crawl mode the vehicle is useless off-roading . Also the gas and break pedals modulate differently when the programs are activated. Once you get familiar with the modern Land Rover 4WD system and learn how to use it properly, they are very capable vehicles off road, but not really meant for Off Roading. Expensive to fix if they break down, but if you maintain them properly they are good trucks ( I don't care what others say, I love my Rover). Hope you get another chance to drive the Defender and play with it again. Have fun! :)
RRS HSE your response was what I was thinking too. It was a learning curve when we got our LR Disco3 and at first wasn’t sure it was such a good choice. It is not like a regular 4x4 but after a few times out with our club and talking experts I started seeing its true capabilities. Have a D4 now and it is a top off road vehicle and if you get the right rims and tyres it is unstoppable. It tackles the most hardcore stuff out despite what people keep saying. If you’re willing to scuff and dent it, which is what stops most LR owners, it will do the job, tow the heavy loads and then relax on the drive home.
@@marym9529 but what are the right rims and tyres ?
Folks brought a Discovery Sport and we attended a Landrover drive day which was fantastic in teaching all the tech. Each to their own. Little too much tech for my liking but if the Ineos Grenadier (based on the old defenders) ever goes into full production... now that could be an interesting 4x4.
Great review Ronny, I think the soccer mums will love it!
Very good report unbiased and true observation, being an old def owner i belong to the "its not a defender" brigade, but youve just convinced me its a new up to date defender and very practical, thanks
great review Ronny! cheers
i love my 2020 110, just over 3000km now all the rivers and sand it breezed through (mates fully decked out original 110 kept up)
granted it is not as simple as an original but its a dam sight nicer to drive not quite the street cred at landy days as my series 3 but LR fans still love the new one when they see it. it is nice when my wife drives it though, a couple of extra safety features are always good
Does it breakdown now?
Great Question Ronny, of course the world is full of choices and thank goodness for that. I think this is a good start for Land Rover to re invent their relationship with the wilderness in the 21st C. Keep up the great reviews.
Good to see something new like this on the channel - in saying that not a fan.
I bet you're looking forward to seeing what the ineos grenadier is going to be like though.
I recon (subject to price) it will be a serious contender for anyone who is keen on y62s, 79s etc
I bought it being aware that it's a different animal than the old Defender (which I had too 20 years ago). My idea of this car, which works for me if time will prove it, is that it's a nice comfortable SUV very suitable for road traveling, having at the same time much better capabilities than an average SUV. Reliability has to be proven, I just got it and not yet tested due to Covid19 lockdown...
the only guy on youtube that I would trust on for offroad reviews xD
As a previous td5 defender owner, in my opinion the new version is only defender by name. I've also experienced the ongoing frustration of failed electronics in a 2a disco. More electronics = more problems off road. Now happily driving a 76 series LandCruiser and loving my return to a more traditional and less techy vehicle. No more oil puddles either 🤙.
Should of named this the new DISCOVERY and developed the DEFENDER to what the INEOS GRENADIER is...
Exactly!
Agreed!
You hit it on the nail
Seems so obvious.
Really impressed with the quality of the review on this one, it's too easy for people to say something stupid about reliability, then say it's not a real defender and done. Looking forward to seeing more of your videos
Land Rover should be adopting the KISS principle imo
They never did lol look at the p38 range rover utter garbage
I quite like it. Grew up on a farm driving the old skool defenders and although they were fine in the field they sucked when you actually had to take them on to the road to be perfectly honest. The new one does both. I actually think its a vehicle I could use and want to use every day.
I dont see a lot of “old” Defender owners talking about getting one but a LOT of Disco 3 and 4 owners are. They dont want outright offroad performance just enough to get them were they want (usually towing something huge)
As a D3 owner , I most definitely use mine off road . There are quite a few of us here in Aus that actually enjoy the capability of the D3/D4 .
Having said that , I've owned mine for 2 Years and I'm still learning the vehicle . It's almost like having to learn how to off-road again .
@@Just_A_Simple_Country_Boy hi, also a D3 owner but in the UK. Havnt done any real of road, just a bit of work in fields including towing car transporter trailers out of muddy places (for motorsport). Disco 3/4 excels at on road comfort and then off road capability.
Most of the people in the comments have never driven this defender or any defender, if you had (like me who owns both) you’d know this ain’t a cushy luxury Range Rover with some tech, this is much more of an off-road beast than the old defender and way more capable than any car on sale today, plus it has the added bonus of being very nice on the road
And anyone that ‘doesn’t trust’ all this tech, you can legit turn it all off and drive it just you and the car, reviews of cars are mostly pointless cos this guy hasn’t driven thousand of k’s in one
Ronnie, we know what you would have done because you've already done it. You bought the Hilux :)
It's definitely not hard core off roader, but something which was not mentioned was its on road handeling and comfort which would make it good choice for most people who just do the odd trip up the beach for camping.
It's basically the next generation LR3 and LR4(Discovery 3 and 4).Once the kinks of the first editions are ironed out, I think it is going be an epic overlanding rig. We have an LR3 with 250,000 medium to hard KMs on it in Northern Canada, and it has been great. Nothing comes remotely close for the great road manners, and great offroading. My old series, and willys jeep are probably better in certain offroad conditions, and our BMW X5 is better on the highway, but the Landrover is hands down the best all around overlanding rig. Defenders are not great if you are a true overlander that puts on 10-60,000 km a year. Most of this driving is on good roads. It's all about compromise.
Has a disco 2, that's about it. I think your review is excellent from a 4x4 point of view. It's a new model with new tech. You would be a fool if you purchased any vehicle without learning how to properly use it before putting it through its paces. Any 4x4 has its own quarks; this is no different. Great points on the rims...guess if you can afford this you should be able to afford another set of rims that will do the offloading thing.
Thank you
The price makes it not a replacement for the old one for me. There is a huge jump in price from the old to the new, even taking into account the 4 years of non-production between them. I wanted a no-nonsense utilitarian vehicle at a low price point. Instead we got given another Discovery - with computers everywhere. Good luck trying to get them diagnosed and fixed in the middle of the Sahara.
Roll on the Grenadier.
Good luck replacing the grenadier auto slush box in the desert. And good luck with the 80 plus ECU's. Shame, i wanted one so bad.
@@bigjimnycub9582 Well yes quite - and I don't see the final price of the Grenadier being what has been 'suggested' at this point either.
The new model is more expensive but don't go around saying the other was sold at a low price. Even now for a 2016 model your looking at $90K-100k they were already massively overpriced for what you get and people complain about the price of the 70 series for how basic it is(which I think is overpriced aswell)
@@tcmx712 the price that old defenders are going for now is massively inflated trying to see if any tragics are willing to pay that much for one. Before it was announced that production was going to be stopped, the 110 in Australia was around the $50k mark, that was the price when I bought my ute and was tossing up on getting the defender
@@pantherdean84 ah ok cheers for the info mate. I've only been looking at them for the last couple of years hoping the prices will drop but I guess that ain't happening haha. That means the new one's are almost triple the price holy moly!!!!
Best discovery Land Rover ever built
I work in a related field to car sales ( finance ) and had the opportunity to have a candid conversation with a sales rep about these vehicles. The consensus is God help you if any of these automated systems break out of warranty. Repair costs are staggering.
THANK YOU Chris.
2015 Discovery motor vs V8vdj. Land Rover cheaper 😉
Got to love that toy bar and toy sliders...looks a bit like Lego
Hi Ronny Great, accurate and fair-minded review. Insightful comments re learning about the off-road systems and electronics and the tyre sizes.
Too bad you did not engage rock crawl, also did you use the view that shows the wheel articulation and the level of slip-on each wheel?
For the record, I don’t work for JLR, and I have the new one and replaced it with my Defender 90 2013 Puma. For the haters lets just unpack a few comments: Firstly the look, aka the design aesthetic, does it look like the old one? No, the old one was a classic of twentieth-century design, so why try and replicate it? Does the new design make reference to this older design aesthetic? Yes, it does a bit with the vertical lines and overhead windows. But it is nonetheless a distinctive design in its own right.
Does it look like Disco? The implication being it is a trumped-up Disco or a Disco with a few more electronics. Manufacturers will bake in common attributes across their product range, so nothing wrong with that? But the car’s obviously different to a Disco, for example in terms of chassis and underbody protection; even the oh so critical wheel sensors are protected; unlike the D4.
So, it’s an odd assertion to say it is just a Disco in disguise as if it needs to be quite different. In fact, this comment is bizarre given that in Australia we are a country of sheep who are too risk-averse to drive anything but HiLuxes and Landcruisers. I am thinking this car is more like a Landcruiser, a reasonable comparison given its size, and that is perhaps where JLR is pitching this product at. It's absolutely ludicrous to compare this to a Jiminy. For the record, the off-road geometries are the same as the old Defender.
Another contention from the haters is you can't fix this, due to too many electronics, unlike the old one, when it breaks down in remote areas. A fair point, as this is yet to be tested in real conditions, but JLR claims the car will limp home no matter what. It will also sit in water for 1.5 hours before the electrics crap out. The Puma could not tolerate water in it is electrics and when it did break down the crammed in Ford Duratorq ZDS engine meant components were extremely difficult to access.
Can you just bolt on stuff to this car like the old one? The answer is no. My biggest problem with the old Defender was not the car but the aftermarket add-ons.
My old Defender was set up for remote area touring. It had a compressor (now built-in as an accessory), extra 45 l fuel tank (tank is now 85l), TPMS system (now built-in), and a dual battery system. But why would you add a dual battery system when portable lithium and solar are becoming cheaper and more efficient each year? Does it need a bull bar, maybe? But I think a roo hitting the monocoque body if the sensors don't stop you beforehand, is an acceptable risk. Yep, I do need to figure out how to install a UHF aerial and install a sand flag off the roof rack.
Arguably the Ingenium engine development is more advanced because of EU standards than Japanese designed engines.
The JLR design team on this car said they wanted to create a new legend and icon and time will tell if that is correct. This car has been closely designed with integrated engineering.
More importantly, some of us in life are early adopters, we take calculated risks, and having one of the first of these is one of those risks. For all, you sheep with your same old, same old, unnecessary jacked-up suspensions, bolted-on bits of crap, constant know-it-all arguments about whose got the best mods, big dick carbon burning six-cylinder turbos and eights, and that constant need to tinker and fill up. I will see you on the French Line in the Simpson. Out there I am pretty sure I know which car has the least potential to have something go wrong with it.
spot fucking on
Ugh, didn't one of the US magazines which has one of these on long term review achieve a frankly pathetic 12 US MPG? That was in the P400 which is a plug in mild hybrid. That's shockingly bad so those old dinosaurs aren't any thirstier.
Like you said buddy...its a new cheaper Discovery. Yes I would buy it.
Ronny over here in the UK there are loads at dealership's with problems from ABS light, engine management lights on, air suspension not working and computer crash going into limp mode lol
Pretty good review Ronny. Everyone who gets in a Landy with the tech gets stuck on sand until they figure the system out. It's been happening since the Disco 3.
It's a disco not a Defender,all that tech is going to be a nightmare when it starts to play up...starts at 69,990 + better more basic 4x4s out there....If and when the Ineos Grenadier comes out I think it will be a winner..
However it's a low volume vehicle so parts are going to be tricky, and it's got BMW engines which aren't known for their longevity and reliability.
Axles and running gear look good though. And they've fixed the Defender rear door problem!
yeah the Ineos Grenadier looks good doesnt it.
for me its the new freelander
@@tomcardale5596 the engine is being used in the Toyota Supra. I’m hopefully that Toyota chose it for a reason and that it’s more reliable than other BMW engines. It might be serviceable at Toyota dealerships. The fact that the BMW engine can be had in gas and diesel and meets many market requirements around the world, I’m hopeful.
@@woolengrappler I hope I'm wrong :)
Who cares if it retains the “heritage” of the old defender. If you want heritage buy the old one! If you want a modern capable 4WD with all the tech you need, and then some, then buy this one! I reckon it looks great and is the perfect balance of comfort with off road ability (once you’ve read the manual) Love your videos Ronny and your decision not to say if you would or wouldn’t buy it as it does come down to the owner and their experience level. I don’t doubt Ronny could get a 1974 Corolla up that sand dune but running it up there disabling some of the features obviously doesn’t work you need to use the correct settings and in the absence of skill the functions will help you if you use them.
The death of an icon!! RIP Defender (real Defender)
Great review Ronny. Solid, no bs facts. Hopefully reliability holds up, chances are slim but it just might. If it does then it's great for every consumer because competition is always a good thing, keeps the manufacturers on their toes
LR and reliability do not go hand in hand.😂
I still recon that the old defender is better in every way.....
It's not better at transporting eggs or sleeping children. I guess that's what people buy defenders for now 🤦♂️
@@Shakshuka69 it has been for decades, how precious are your kids?
Curious to know how much time you've spent driving defenders. They're horrible to drive on road, or long distance and stock, without locking diffs (because that was never a factory option) they aren't any better off-road than you're average Ute.
Except comfort refinement traction safety etc etc. The old defender was a dinosaur that needed thousands spending on after market extras to make it acceptable
@@mattmanix5104 but the point is, because of the basis of design, the old defender is a 5 grand away from being better offroad than the new one could ever dream of being. Independent suspension fails more often in extreme conditions. Air suspension fails more often in any condition. Combining the two and telling us it's a defender instead of a discovery is insulting.
So I now have my new Defender, and I have kept my old Defender. The only similarity is the appeal of their versatility. Luckily you get an off-road day at the LR centre when you buy a Defender and they teach you the tech - so no excuses for driver error like your dune experience, Ronny. I downgraded to the 19inch, so let’s see how those work. Still love your work.
Good unbiased review
Hi Ronnie. Interesting review. A few things. When you say you’re turning off the traction control...you’re not. What you’re turning off is the Electronic Stability Control (ESC). It is very important to turn off the ESC, particularly in sand, as it will rob the engine of power. Also, the secret to the air suspension’s success is that in low range it cross-links the air suspension so when one wheel is pushed up, the opposing wheel is pushed down to mimic a live axle and maintain ground clearance. Cheers!
Ronny, I respect you a lot but honestly I feel you easy and soft with this one. We trust you to say things as they are. Your public is wise and critical enough to know this car is not a viable off roader.
They wouldn't lend him the car if he didn't promise to be a bit "soft" 😉
@@checkmilu that’s fine, I don’t think Ronny will suffer without it. Is worst to compromise it’s reliability just to drive a car a lot of us already know is pure electronic crap. There is a good reason Land Rover haven’t give one to Andrew Saint Peter. He is crude as hell.
@@checkmilu Not true at all actually. Ronny has openly said in previous videos that he’ll only review things honestly. If some brands want him to sample or review things, he tells them he will but he does it how he wants to - no agreement
@@TheUnstoppableMoron and you believe in that? 😅
@@checkmilu Yes 100%. In other people’s, uncut footage as well. Personally I think he’s difficult to watch sometimes, and I watch most of the content in 2x speed because it drags on way too much at times, however if there is one thing I do admire about Ronny, it’s his transparency.
You’ve been watching too much 4WD 24/7
We refer to these as Costco Assault Vehicles. Mom and dad can get to the store in a blizzard, but they would never go the places Ronnie goes, at least without many changes of undies. The upscale demographic is more interested in looking good and showing they can afford one than in actually going to rugged places, and I think LRD has nailed that group. For the people that love to bolt things on and modify their vehicles as a hobby, not so much. Would I trust it up a remote trail in Death Valley? Nope, too complicated. Good review, Ronnie.
Hi Guys. I think for the money of new Defender you can buy any entry level ( ute , truck ) like a 2.4 GD6 Hilux. It has a rear diff lock. Good fuel consumption. Very reliable vehicle. Use the money you are saving and build a awesome overlanding vehicle or even something that can drive the hardest tracks.
Or a Prado or 4Runner depending on what market you are in.
This vehicle is only going to make my VDJ76 even more valuable, thank you Land Rover
Love the review Ronny. Seems to have a lot of hate on it for its tech and electronic gizmo's. Like every car, it's all good until it breaks and that includes vehicles without the tech and electronics. If people didn't want tech to evolve we'd still all be getting 100 miles to the bale of hay.
Pricey it may be but you get what you pay for. Even a farm spec 79 series needs money thrown at it to get a decent amount of luxury. Each to their own. Nobody's forcing you to buy it. Loving the cameras. Always handy to be able to see what's going on around you. Wish there was a decent after market option for vehicles. I think the rim size suits it for looks but it may not be practical if you were somewhere with a popped tyre tyring to get a spare. Looks very comfy inside. Nice review
Finally, a proper 4x4 review for the Defender
Its basically just nice grocery getter that occasionally gets taken to the beach. Just not built for the tough stuff
That's why they did over a million km of off-road testing when they developed the car 😂
@@braydenhjort6736 means nothing, they will be impossible to maintain in Australia with the limited service network and the cost of new parts (after warranty). Land Rover Pretender.
@@nnoddy8161 depends where you live, plenty of land rover specialists and dealers around me. Cost of parts are expensive but like all land Rovers independent companies will supply alternate parts cheaper. Like all cars these days though, never going to last as long as they used to, unfortunately that's the way the world has gone and everything is treated with a certain life. Not made for people who like the old defender or 70 series land cruisers. Much more for those who drive on the road to work everyday and do a trip a couple of times a year.
@@braydenhjort6736 are you sure its not a 1 billion mile? stop believing the marketing team.
Buy an old beater then. Bush trucks will always be beaters. Who is going to want to scratch a $100k vehicle of any type? Also, with new regulations the old style trucks are going to be getting rare.
There would have been a night and day difference if the Rock Crawl mode would have been selected in Terrain Response. And this particular car didn't seem to have (at least based on the quick glance of the 4x4i screen) the optional active rear locking diff, which makes things even better.
You'd spend 100 grand, and couldn't be bothered finding the rock or sand button. I mean, review the friggin car or get an old defender and get out of the way.
I prefer the new Suzuki Jimny instead of that expensive LR which is NOT a real of road car
it is REAL for sure but not even close good enough for this price.....I'd also take Suzuki and save ton's of waste money
Sadly not available in the USA.
@@2011blueman I know...that sucks. I would definitely be interested in the Jimny. I think if Suzuki came back to the states now they would make a killing with it.
I am starting to see this vehicle in Florida, USA - it is good looking just like the older one. It is definitely a luxury vehicle coming in around $55K USDs (starting) with a high total cost of ownership. Reliability is worrisome at this price point so I don't trust its longevity 5-10 years from now. This brand has a bad reputation of spending a lot of time at the dealer and that is a value destroyer for such an expensive SUV. Solid work Ronny!
In terms of comparison to the original Defender, its night and day, the original was a post WWII design, how can something designed 60-70 years later ever compare. That said I think they should have gone the same route as the Ineos Grenadier, which looks set to be true to the original Defender, the new Land Rover defender is defender in name only.
I’ve done 20K km in my new Defender 240D mainly off - roading in the Sth Island of New Zealand. It is a fantastic powerful comfortable highway tourer and extremely capable off road. It’s “push- icon” touch screen 4WD system is very simple to use you just have to learn it before going off-road. Pity Ronny D didn’t do his home- work first. I have a Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series and a TD5 Landrover Discovery neither of which are as good as my new Defender either on or off road. My car has been 100% reliable. The only two things I don’t really like are the over servo’d brakes (‘touchy’ as Ronny says) but you soon learn to be more gentle with the right foot. The headlights have huge black spots to the right and left such that when driving narrow winding roads at night( lots of these in NZ!) you can’t see the inside edge of the road…..very disconcerting. Some wide beam fog lights mounted low down would solve the problem. Overall I’m extremely pleased with this technological marvel !
Martin Rees
Auckland NZ
The Vw system on my ancient 2007 Touareg is miles better .
After owning the V-dub for a year .
It's a stunner .
I'm a uk motorsport Rally marshal .
Until covid it did the job .
Fantastic tow car with our twin axle caravan.
Vw offer an outstanding 4x4 system .
I know I sound biased but I've had landys .
Rough ride etc .
My Touareg has heated seats and steering wheel .
Fantastic navigation too .
Yes I'm a Brit
Nah I stick with old steel defender rather than plastic defender
Ineos, one of the largest chemical companies in the world, is building a new defender called the Grenadier since their owner/founder was a fan of them and hated the new defender. The new Grenadier was engineered by the same team that manufacturers and designed the Mercedes G Class, Magna Steyr of Austria. Don't buy this unreliable hunk of plastic air suspension, wait for the Grenadier to come out. Apparently, they designed the Grenadier with the only electrical features being a aftermarket style 2 din infotainment, cameras, speakers, and power windows/seats. They decided to go with the same BMW i6 engine found in the new Toyota Supra, and a Zf-8 transmission. From what I can tell, that engine and drivetrain has so far been reliable.
*Steel
Great review Ronny, I'm just having a guess, not your type of 4WD. It's certainly got some great stuff, but I could see you getting frustrated with the tech and those 20" wheels. A similar look on the out side and same interior with solid front and rear axles (same track size thou) with coils and lockers front and rear would be great.
The thing is that JLR's customer base is now totally different so the focus of the car is different. They will sell far more of these for towing caravans and boats than they would if they made it more utility focused. The pickups have got that market covered and are far cheaper so no point going after that market any more. It's a shame as I loved the old defender.... This evolution is a business decision pure and simple ☹️
Look up the Ineos Grenadier.
Ronny sending proper respect from Ontario Canada
09.23 ...Ronny's O'f*ck look...what have I done
I have been looking at a lot of Ronnys videos lately and I am so impressed at his progression in terms of speaking infront of a camera and presenting in general. Great stuff! Keep up the good work!
As a previous Defender owner, no this doesn't appeal. Part of the joy was/is the simplicity, the purity of design and purpose. That's totally gone with this - more like a Discovery. Recent reliability appalling too.
Look up the Ineos Grenadier
An awesome review with pros and cons. Thank you.
Land Rover, please make one of these without the electronics and the air suspension. Give us a simple version, coil springs, larger wheels (smaller rims) and real lockers.
You'll find the Ineos Grenadier fits your requirements and that of most, if not all, practical 4x4 customers. Land Rover PLC...rest in pieces.
I'm a bit late to the conversation. I have a D300 110 Defender owned for 2 years. I have owned a 2008 classic Defender since it was new. Each has been driven off-road. There is no doubt that the new one takes some getting used to but familiarity brings with it an appreciation of what it can do. The new Defender is a far superior vehicle as it should be. WRT tyres/wheels an 18" aftermarket solution is available for those who want to drive terrain that requires lower tyre pressures.
I love how every off-roader gets a bullbar in Australia.
In Australia we might as well call the roo-bars. I don’t have one for off road protection. I have it for protection from pesky kangaroos on the highways
Same in Central Texas 😂 deer everywhere
Protects the car from roo strikes as well as the most mainstream way to add a winch to a vehicle
@@drunkpolack7612 We have them in the UK for pesky midgets.
1,234,567,890 kangaroos 🦘 in Australia..
Jump over a fence and straight into your new 🚗 car 🤷♂️
As Land Rover nuts, we like it. Dad owns a 2006 TD5 Defender 130, I own a 1974 Series 3 and now a Freelander as a runabout. It was Mum who really wanted the New Defender to begin with, but we kind of all do now. Pity you can't find any for under $100k. Barbagallo's is our dealer too!
I see why they are making this but they shouldn't call it a Defender.
Its defender and its definitely better than old defender for sure.
It reminds me so much of when Range Rover Classic came out in 1970 - its practical has a commercial nuts n bolts aura about it yet its a pleasure to drive!- the 300hp should be a fun car!, the 240 is a tad underpowered imo- though i'm use to my Disco 4 255 HP which goes like the wind
I have a hard time thinking defender when I see that. Looks range rover to me... 🤷♂️🍻
Had mine since end June and share it with the rest of my family for holidays and trips (as best we can with C-19). Only done 3,000 miles so far. We all think it is a great vehicle. Re the manual, the main manual is downloadable not a print manual. The model you drove did not appear to have a lockable rear diff or Terrain Response 2, both options and an obvious pick for anyone intending to do lots of off road driving - together with 18 inch steel wheels and off road tyres. TR2 offers configurable settings so that you can adapt the vehicle more closely to the conditions you drive in. (Of all the journalists who went on the Namibia trip, Scott Brady of Overland Journal, is the only one I am aware of who used the configurable settings). You also appeared to stay in auto and not explore the use of the S mode which enables fast manual shifts. I have yet to see or read a review by someone who has had the time or taken the trouble to explore the off road permutations possible with this vehicle. One day there may be a comprehensive review but that is more likely to come from a long term owner such are the time pressures for publication. But at least you were honest about the time pressures on you. I enjoy your channel and choice of topics - and it is a good way to see parts of Australia I will never experience.
That’s a Disco not a Defender. Defenders were the cheap, basic, simple, easy to repair, workhorse of the Land Rover range; this is none of those.....and that’s before you start looking at it from an Overlanders point of view.....
Fantastic review Ronny, only review I've seen worthy of watching so far on the Defender.
Much appreciated!
Nothing at all like the old defender, strange how a off road vehicle only brand doesn't really make even one hard core offroader like jeep does. Really think they messed this one up.
They messed Discovery up and tried to compensate.
Like an old Defender you mean? Unfortunately hardly anyone was buying them. In the last year of Defender production they shifted just 4,000 units in Europe. In the same period they sold 100,000 Evoques. Sadly the hard core off road type is such a niche market that it's a loss leader. Only massive car makers like Mercedes with the G-Wagon can afford to do it.
@@nscwcrft99 Have you seen how many G-wagens get sold in the UAE? All of them are G63s. It is not likely to be a loss leader.
3 things about new Defeder.
1. It should have a discovery badge, that's what the car is.
2. It's probably the best of the shelf 4x4 to buy, very capable car from the start.
3. Limited options when it comes to customising it for off roading. It's meant to be kept stock pretty much.
I hear you on the tech end of things. The guys from TFL just bought one and have less than three hundred miles on it and it’s already thrown codes, went back to the dealer, and now they can’t get the cameras and a lot of the other tech to work after the dealer flashed it to clear the code. So glad I don’t own anything less than 20 years old!
I love that extra fitted bar upfront
🤢🤢 thats not a defender that's more like a disco. They really ruined the defender 😔
Dont disrespect the disco like that. This is a freelander
One thing that rarely gets spoken about is how nice these are to drive when getting form a to b. Capable off road, but in reality, how much time are we spending off road? 10%? 5%? The rest is getting to and from the spots. Drive a land rover and you'll quickly see how refined, smoother and more pleasant they are to handle
Well Ronny, you’ve just bought a Hilux, while the 2020 Defender was already available.
Your preference has been expressed before this review.
Ronny added something important. You can't just get in and drive this. You have to spend a fair bit of time learning how the four wheel drive system in this works.
There's a huge gap between the old an new Defenders. Yes, the new one is a technological marvel, but add front and rear cross axle diff locks (either the Australian ARB Air Locker or the American Eaton eLocker) to the previous Defender and off-road it will out-perform this one. As an off-road vehicle, the old Defender is superb, and for around 4 grand, cross axle diff locks will outperform the electronics in every low traction and cross axle terrain. The New Defender is without doubt, an exceptional vehicle. The electronics in it possibly the best in the world. But, as an off-road vehicle, the older Defender is still the (UK's) "King off the road". The new Defender is a tech marvel, and a brilliant example of how modern electronics can provide tremendous assistance in traversing all manner of terrain. It also compensates for lack of driver skill, and that's where this one is a brilliant win in the market place.
And I don't believe its intended place in the market is 4wders, like the older one. It's a middle class Range Rover, aimed fair and square at the market segment that drives other marques like Landcruiser (and Prado), and all the other wagons living on tarmac that are colloquially, the "Toorak Tractor". That's the market segment this is aimed at (IMHO).
I'd like to get a previous model but old used ones are more expensive than some of the new models...
Get an 07-11 Freelander 2, exactly the same traction control system, driving modes and hill assist, but it comes with a handy wheel to change modes and a button for the hill assist, 2.2 turbo and is less than 10,000 😘🤣
Anyone who regularly trails a new Defender is asking for trouble. It’s like the divers watch that works at 200m depth - it’s a great talking point but I doubt most owners will ever need it’s capability. Ignore the name Defender and imagine it’s a new Discovery then it makes sense. Great review.
The old defender: I can fix almost anything myself. The new one: call the tow truck and pray 😅
I owned 3 LR Defenders. My latest is 2014 model year 110.
I dont trust the new Defender with all its tech to take it on a long journey. My Defenders I serviced my self at home and on the road. I dont understand why LR doesnt offer air suspension as an option??? The new LR Defender has way to much tech for an "OVERLAND GO ANYWHERE VEHICLE". As Richard Hammond said the new LR Defender is the best LR Discovert that LR made 😎. Keep up the videos. Great job.
all that tech... nooooo, let me drive not it drive me and when it gose wrong. its going to cost. ow and whats that spinning under the bonnet? the flux capasitor eh lol
I saw that thing spinning too , I'm curious was it is ?
All in all a Superb vehicle👌🏼👌🏼This is 2020😎
Expected a more honest review from you Ronny. You went far too easy on the LR.
Please dont sell out to the likes of JLR, they aint worth it mate.
Edit: You loosing your voice at the end, says it all. Its a subtle warning to what will happen if you start going easy on powerful companies.
Dont loose your voice mate!! Youve come to far for that.
“Don’t sell out”? Did I try to sell you this vehicle?
That’s the most honest review on the net about this vehicle.
The platform is I take it out use it and you guys decide. My opinions are portrayed during the test there is no need for me to slam a vehicle if you can clearly see it doesn’t perform to my liking. Also if I carry on like I totally hate a vehicle and slam it it looses credibility and I doubt I’d ever get to borrow a vehicle again from anyone.
haha, the new def will outperform any stock and lightly modified Toyota in any discipline. Why hate a car if you haven't even seen it? That's just stupid.
@@romantkachuk168 because he is a toy ota fan boy who swallows their tripe willingly, that answer your question?
Finally a sand dune test in English language.
Well mate, yes I agree with you computer could be confusing. But think about it, it's a heavy car with tires not ment for sand driving.. Sand off-roaders never approach to any dune from that close, unless you have huge tyres and less weight.
But as we all can see, this car can go through dunes even without sand tires if done correctly.
Nice video!
It s horrible
what you say to the mirror every morning xD
@@yepitsme431 hehehe that’s worse even ;)
Look up the Ineos Grenadier.
Yeaa why not, lets face it, it is a very capable 4x4....Many would buy it for its name & heritage (Defender) and the luxury status for what it is perceive now. LR knows its target audience $$$. Cannot imagine seeing many buying it with idea for heavy duty 4 x 4 stuff on weekends or trail.