Should you buy one?

Quite possibly because it’s spacious, highly polished, and simply oozes desirabiity. In short, Land Rover has done an outstanding job with the Defender – and that’s why it won the Best Off-Roader gong in the Parkers New Car Awards 2022.

The design hints at the original while being modern, off-road performance is brilliant and on-road refinement and agility is excellent. The firm really has created a car that nails long-distance comfort effectively. It’s also a car you’ll struggle to find rivals for – the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is brilliant, but twice the price, and the Toyota Land Cruiser is significantly cheaper.

The P400e plug-in hybrid – which can easily achieve vastly greater fuel economy than any of the diesels on offer to you if you use it properly – is probably the one to have if you’re a business user thanks to the tax breaks. But for those who love a bit of fun, the Defender V8-powered P525 is a riot.

It may be outperformed by similar SUVs like the Audi SQ7 and Porsche Cayenne Turbo, but neither offer as much off-road prowess. It also handles better on-road than the much more expensive Mercedes-AMG G63. But be in no doubt: you’re getting a lot of 4×4 capability for the money.

What we like

The Defender hits the mark perfectly whatever is demanded of it. It’s practical for family duties in town, has a roomy and friendly interior, and is kitted out with the latest tech, which is simple to use and effective. And unlike a classic Defender, it offers all the modern features and creature comforts that today’s SUV (such as the Land Rover Discovery) buyer demands.

What we don’t like

Shame it’s on the pricey side, and ticking the options sheet adds to how expensive it is. Some deft finance offers should help ease the sting, but there’s no point looking for a Defender-shaped bargain – there aren’t any. There’s still also a question mark hanging over its dealer experience and overall reliability, while running costs will be high.

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Further reading

• Read our Range Rover Evoque review
• How good is Mercedes’ off-road icon, the G-Class?
• Our Parkers star ratings explained