The Land Rover Defender is a hardy SUV known for its exceptional drivability and off-roading performance. It has come a long way since it first hit the streets in 1984, known then as the Land Rover One Ten.
It officially changed names in 1990 when it was marketed as the Land Rover Defender. While it didn’t sport a new or innovative design, it was unique in how it had coil springs in the front and the rear, making for a smoother driving experience.
If you love going on outdoor adventures, you can’t go wrong with the Land Rover Defender. But if you want the best of the best from this lineup, these models are worth keeping an eye out for.
1997 Land Rover Defender 90 300TDi
Though the 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 300TDi is one of the oldest Defender models, it’s arguably one of the greatest. It’s a solid vehicle that’s withstood the test of time due to its robust and durable build, reliable engine, and timeless design.
The 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 300TDi can comfortably seat up to six people without compromising legroom and passenger safety. On top of that, it stood out from its predecessors thanks to its robust and utilitarian 300TDi engine, making it an excellent choice for tackling rough and rocky terrain.
- Engine: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine
- Weight: 3,787 lbs
- Power: 111 hp
- Torque: 195 lb-ft
- Top Speed: 84 mph
2006 Land Rover Defender 110 TD5
Another exceptional model worth keeping an eye out for is the 2006 Land Rover Defender 110 TD5 — a powerful SUV lauded by drivers for its balance of power and durability. It comes equipped with a dependable 2.5-liter TD5 engine.
The 2006 Land Rover Defender 110 TD5 has an excellent transmission system, equipped with a 5-speed manual gearbox and an all-wheel drive system. It’s a beast designed for off-roading, possessing a ground clearance of 215 mm.
Much like other Defender models, the 2006 Defender 110 TD5 has robust suspension, helping it traverse challenging landscapes with ease.
- Engine: 2.5-liter turbocharged diesel engine
- Weight: 4,359 lbs
- Power: 122 hp
- Torque: 221 lb-ft
- Top Speed: 98 mph
2016 Land Rover Defender 110 (4×4)
Before the Defender’s redesign and its return to the market in 2020, the 2016 Land Rover Defender 110 (4×4) was the last of its line, the end of a six-decade production run. It’s lauded by car aficionados for its powerful 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel engine, giving it solid power and performance both on the road and away from it.
- Engine: 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel engine
- Weight: 4,440 lbs
- Power: 121 hp
- Torque: 266 lb-ft
- Top Speed: 130 mph
2025 Land Rover Defender 110 X-Dynamic SE
As one of the latest models of this series, the 2025 Land Rover Defender 110 X-Dynamic SE is one of the most impressive SUVs in the 21st century.
Few vehicles can match its off-roading ability thanks to its four-wheel drive, electronic air suspension, and terrain response systems. It’s optimized to perform exceptionally well in wilderness driving, and it’s equipped with numerous safety features, namely a 360-degree camera and adaptive cruise control.
It comes equipped with a powerful D350 engine, a direct upgrade from the D300 that offers more power and torque.
- Engine: 5.0-liter V8 engine
- Weight: 5,735 lbs
- Power: 493 hp
- Torque: 450 lb-ft
- Top Speed: 149 mph
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