If you’re looking for a used SUV that can go anywhere in the world, the Land Rover Defender 90 is an excellent choice. It has the right balance of off-road capabilities and on-road refinement that other luxury SUVs can’t match.
Why is the Defender so popular?
The land rover defender 90 for sale is a hardcore all-terrain vehicle, but it’s still more refined than competing SUVs such as the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler. That’s thanks to a sophisticated traction control system, advanced steering precision and a well-tuned transmission.
Our test car was a 2022 two-door, short-wheelbase model that came with the top-of-the-line P400 X trim. Its 5.0-liter supercharged V8 makes 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque, which helps it get from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. The X also comes with more sophisticated off-road equipment, including an electronic active differential and height-adjustable air suspension.
In the interior, we liked the utilitarian, rugged feel of the cabin, which is referred to as “constructivist” by Land Rover. It features bold horizontal lines, metal trim and rubber flooring, and numerous grab handles and bins.
While there are a few things we’d change in this car, it’s a lot of fun to drive. The powertrains are smooth and responsive, the steering is precise, the brakes are easy to control, and the transmission has imperceptible gear changes.
We’d recommend getting rid of the front center jump seat since it takes up valuable cargo space, but otherwise, the car is an excellent choice for exploring all sorts of off-road terrain. Its smaller size allows it to more easily maneuver on rough surfaces, but you’ll need a cargo carrier if you’re hauling five adults and a dog.