LAND ROVER DEFENDER 110 X-DYNAMIC D300 MODEL YEAR 2022 IN ACTION ON AND OFF ROAD CLOSE LOOK LUXE 4X4

Land Rover is introducing a V-8 engine into the Defender lineup for 2022: the 518-hp Supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 that's found in the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models. The V-8 will be available on both the two-door 90 and four-door 110 models; a high-end Carpathian Edition model will also sport the V-8 engine. The package enhances the Defender with Carpathian Gray exterior paint with a black-painted roof and tailgate, black-painted tow hooks, Xenon Blue brake calipers, and special Carpathian Edition badging. A new XS trim is available on 110 models and bundles a host of luxury and convenience features together including heated-and-cooled front seats, leather-and-cloth upholstery, three-zone automatic climate control, an adjustable air suspension, and adaptive cruise control. Land Rover is also introducing a new, optional 11.4-inch infotainment display this year and will offer even more accessory exterior packages for customization. An even larger, three-row Defender 130 model is on the horizon, but we aren't sure when that SUV may debut.

As much as we like the look of the two-door 90 model, the four-door 110 is more practical for most buyers. The base P300 powertrain—a 296-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder—seems peppy enough for day-to-day driving, so we'd stick with that; those who plan to tackle serious off-road trails may find the optional six-cylinder or V-8 engines to be better choices. We'd suggest the SE trim level as it adds a number of desirable features to the Defender's spec sheet, including 19-inch aluminum wheels, automatic high-beam headlamps, 12-way power-adjustable front seats, and a digital gauge display. Land Rover offers several accessory packages, each of which outfit the Defender with specifically themed features. There's also a bevy of personalization options available, but we'll leave the customization to you.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 2022 Defender is powered by a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Of course, every model features four-wheel drive and locking differentials for navigating treacherous terrain. The Defender is also available with a 3.0-liter inline-six which utilizes an electric supercharger and 48-volt hybrid system. Buyers looking for additional performance can opt for the 518-hp supercharged V-8, which Land Rover claims can hustle the Defender to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds. Unlike its predecessor, the Defender has a unibody construction versus a body-on-frame setup, and it replaces the old solid axles with a fully independent suspension. The base suspension utilizes coil springs, but it can be upgraded with an air springs that enable adjustable ride height. The Defender has 11.5 inches of ground clearance and the ability to ford through 35 inches of water, which exceeds both the Jeep Wrangler's maximum clearance and its wading ability.