Codenamed L663, the current Land Rover Defender is very different from its iconic predecessor. There is no ladder frame and there are no live axles. In place of the frame, the L663 uses two strengthened Range Rover sub-frames that are attached to a stout unibody. All four wheels are suspended individually. Double wish-bone front suspension ensures a good on-road ride and handling. Utility remains the true goal of the Defender, and its nearly 2000-pound payload capacity and 8200-pound maximum towing capacity (in the 130 model) speak to that.

Note: After fifteen years of writing car reviews, I have decided to venture into video. I am starting off slowly and rather amateurishly, so please bear with me. These videos can only get better (maybe). These are one-take videos. I’ll only discuss the vehicle, and you won’t even have to look at me. Additionally, whatever I miss or get wrong in a video, I will supplement it in writing. -KK

The functional and utilitarian deign continues inside. The floor is lined in soft rubber, making clean-ups easy. The interior, which is styled after the old Defender has a rugged, but high quality feel. There are handy cubbies throughout the interior and the rear seat folds easily to create a large, flat load floor. The Defender does not give up on opulence or comfort, offering many choices of seat fabrics, finishers, and a plethora of available amenities.

Like the original Defender, the new vehicle retains its unique Land Rover commanding sitting position, with a big windshield and side windows. This alone, combined with the comfortable seats, could sway many buyers from competitive models. The great visibility does not carry to the rear of the vehicle where thick pillars create large blind spots. Looking rearwards, the large door-mounted spare tire also obstructs the view. Fortunately, a 360-degree camera system is available.

In time when the term overlanding has replaced hiking, the Defender finds itself in an interesting position. It is more expensive than comparable off-roaders, such as the new Toyota Land Cruiser, but it is also more capable. At the same time, it remains less expensive than a similarly compatible but more luxurious Mercedes G550. Its closest competition (for the common 110 model with six-cylinder engine), in terms of price, utility, and power is the new Lexus GX 550 or Rivian, if you can live with a plug.

The two-door Defender 90 starts at $56,900. From there, prices can increase significantly as the Defender is available in three chassis lengths and with four different engines. The 110 model shown here retailed for $81,106. The Defender 130 V8 starts at $122,560 before options. For 2024, the 110 model is available with a County Pack, which provides a throwback design to 1990’s models, and 130-based Defender Outbound model that is specifically targeting the overland crowd.

If you’re a fan of Bell & Ross watches timepieces, you’ll love the gauge cluster that seems to have been heavily inspired by them.