Sunday Drive: A modern icon with rugged heritage — 2024 Land Rover Defender 110
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- Craig used the Defender to help haul things to the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds to set up for a concert in the arena.
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- The 2024 Land Rover Defender 110.
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- The inside of the 2024 Land Rover Defender 110.
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- The 2024 Land Rover Defender 110.
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- The inside of the 2024 Land Rover Defender 110.
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- The 2024 Land Rover Defender 110.
The 2024 Land Rover Defender proved to us over the week to be a masterful blend of tradition and innovation, offering a rugged, go-anywhere capability with the refinement and technology we expected from Land Rover.
The Defender, a name synonymous with adventure and resilience, has evolved significantly since its introduction in 1984, but it still retains much of its original DNA that has made it an icon. The 2024 Defender 110 S, with its robust engineering and contemporary design, continued its legacy, catering to both off-road enthusiasts and those seeking a stylish, versatile SUV for daily driving.
Design: The perfect balance of form and function
At first glance, the Defender commanded attention with its bold and purposeful design. The vehicle’s boxy silhouette was a nod to its heritage, while the smooth, rounded edges and modern LED lighting brought it firmly into the 21st century. The Defender’s design was not just about aesthetics; it was deeply functional, with a raised ride height, short overhangs and high ground clearance, all contributing to its off-road abilities.
The Defender was slightly larger than its predecessor, with a wheelbase that provided ample interior space without compromising its 4×4 capabilities. The combination of aluminum and high-strength steel in its construction ensured that the vehicle was both lightweight and exceptionally durable.
The front fascia, with its iconic grille and round headlights, was unmistakably Defender, while the rear featured a side-hinged tailgate with a full-size spare tire mounted. About our only negative with the Defender were the white wheels included in the package; we would have opted for something more modern to round out the look.
Interior: Rugged luxury
Getting inside the 2024 Defender was awesome as we were greeted with a cabin that balanced ruggedness with luxury. The interior was practical, yet premium, featuring materials that were both durable and comfortable. The dashboard design was simple yet functional, with intuitive controls and a layout that felt robust and built to withstand the elements. We loved the exposed metal screws that held things together throughout the cabin.
One of the standout features of the Defender was its versatility. The 5+2 seating configuration allowed for a third row, making it a great option for families or those needing extra seating capacity. The seats were upholstered in a combination of durable fabric and leather that provided us comfort on long journeys and resilience against wear and tear in the long run.
The cabin was filled with clever storage solutions, including a deep center console and under-seat compartments, which would be perfect for stowing gear for an off-road adventure.
Despite its rugged intentions, the Defender 110 S did not skimp on luxury. Heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a premium sound system were standard, making the cabin a comfortable place to spend time no matter where our outings took us during the week. The panoramic sunroof, a feature that enhanced the feeling of space and light inside the cabin, was perfect for taking in the scenery on a Sunday Drive of our own.
Technology: Modern convenience meets adventure
The 2024 Defender 110 S was equipped with Land Rover’s latest Pivi Pro infotainment system, which was displayed on a 10-inch touchscreen. The system proved to be responsive, intuitive and supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing us seamless integration with our smartphones.
The navigation system was designed with off-road use in mind, offering awesome features such as waypoint marking and breadcrumb trails to help most anyone navigate the most challenging terrains and then get back home again at the end of the day.
In addition to the infotainment system, the Defender came with a suite of driver assistance technologies that enhanced both safety and convenience. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and a 360-degree camera system made driving in any environment easier and safer. The ClearSight Ground View feature, which displayed a virtual view of the area beneath the front of the vehicle, would be eminently useful when navigating tricky off-road obstacles.
Performance: Power and capability
Under the hood, the 2024 Defender was powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six engine paired with a mild-hybrid system that delivered a combined output of 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain offered a perfect balance of performance and efficiency as we made our way throughout the week of our test drive.
The mild-hybrid system enhanced fuel efficiency by capturing energy during braking and redeploying it during acceleration, providing a boost when needed and improving overall fuel economy. Despite its size and rugged build, the SUV managed an impressive 0-60 mph time of just 5.8 seconds.
Off-road capability has always been the Defender’s hallmark, and the 2024 model was no exception. The vehicle’s all-wheel-drive system, coupled with a two-speed transfer case, ensured that power would be delivered to the wheels with the most traction, allowing the Defender to conquer most any terrain.
The Defender’s wading depth of 35.4 inches meant that river crossings and deep puddles would be handled with ease, while the advanced traction control system would help to maintain stability on slippery surfaces.
On-road comfort: A refined ride
While the Defender was undoubtedly an off-road beast, it did not compromise on-road comfort. The vehicle’s independent suspension setup, combined with the optional air suspension, provided a smooth and composed ride, even on uneven surfaces. The steering was precise, with just enough weight to give us confidence without feeling overly burdensome.
The Defender’s cabin remained remarkably quiet, with minimal road and wind noise seeping in, thanks to the vehicle’s excellent sound insulation. This made it a pleasure to drive wherever we went during the week.
At the end of the week
The 2024 Land Rover Defender 110 S proved to be a testament to Land Rover’s ability to blend heritage with modernity. It was a vehicle that stayed true to its roots while embracing the latest in technology and comfort. Whether you’re seeking a reliable and capable SUV for off-road adventures or a luxurious and versatile vehicle for daily driving, the Defender 110 S offers the best of both worlds.
Base price: $67,900
Destination charge: $1,475
Price as driven: $82,053
