2021 Land Rover Defender

Land Rover invented the luxury SUV when it started importing the Range Rover to the U.S. in the 1980s. Before that, rugged and capable Land Rovers were going where no vehicles had gone before, from the desert to the Arctic. Despite off-road prowess, the brand gained notoriety for building SUVs that broke down frequently and expensively. Even today, the brand retains its reputation, as Consumer Reports’ reliability data confirms. Used Land Rovers are risky purchases. Still, the Land Rover Discovery, Range Rover, and Range Rover Sport offer comfortable interiors, powerful engines, and a presence that makes them popular choices for Hollywood stars and British aristocrats alike. The Defender has matured into a luxe off-roader, losing some charm but gaining creature comforts. The brand is now part of Jaguar Land Rover, which is owned by Tata, a conglomerate based in India.

The Defender SUV evokes the charm of the original classic in a modern form. It comes with a choice of four- or six-cylinder turbocharged engines, two- or four-door body styles, and seating configurations from five to seven passengers. A comprehensive list of off-road-ready features includes various driving modes to adapt the vehicle to the situation. With the six-cylinder, acceleration is plentiful. The ride is steady but firm, though handling is a bit ponderous. The front seats are very comfortable and the interior ambience evokes a safari expedition. The new infotainment system is distracting to use. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, and lane departure warning are standard. Adaptive cruise control is optional. A supercharged V8 powered version is new for 2022.