The Old Defender Was An AMAZING, Utilitarian Jewel. Is The All-new One Just A Land Rover PRETENDER?

Land Rover is a company that really owes its humble beginnings to its Series I truck. It wasn't exactly pretty to look at nor was it comfortable.

But, it got the job done.

Much like the Willys Jeep, these vehicles were designed to be rugged and take on harsh terrain. They were utilitarian's dream come true. Soon the Land Rover Series I gave way to the Series II and Series III. Eventually, it would be named the Defender.

And, finally, Land Rover has given the U.S. market an all-new Defender. After years of conversation and speculation, it's arrived.

As expected, it's been greeted with controversy. Looking like a mix of other products, it certainly is missing that certain iconic Defender-ness to it. It's not awful, it's just not lighting a fire either.

Having said that, we've got to ask: Is the all-new Land Rover just a PRETENDER?

MDarringer - 9/18/2019 12:16:59 AM

-2 Boost

Pretender.

Section_31_JTK - 9/18/2019 2:07:25 AM

+3 Boost

It's the real deal and probably way more capable. But style wise it's a little lacking. It could have used a lot more retro elements.

valhallakey - 9/18/2019 2:42:28 AM

+3 Boost

Lots of suspension bits from the Discovery, lacks suspension articulation, exposed diff etc... this is not a real rough and tough rock crawler like the original, although I am sure it will go farther more capably than almost anything out there short of a Wrangler.

wilfred - 9/18/2019 5:30:30 AM

+3 Boost

Agree with above comments and starting at just $50k with many standard equipment I found it a good deal. Land Rover should shelf the current Discovery and Discovery Sport which are overlapping in style and price of the other Range Rovers.

MDarringer - 9/18/2019 8:16:40 AM

-2 Boost

Except for $50K it's really a $35K product.

TomM - 9/18/2019 6:20:48 AM

+5 Boost

If you were to put a current Jeep Wrangler next to a Willy's Original Jeep - they really do not compare as well. That is because they were designed for the purpose of WAR originally - and today - there are considerations and equipment that were not part of the original designs that they would not be acceptable without - especially at %50,000 and up. They really are NOT comparable vehicles - and as such - serve different purposes. THe original Jeep - for instance - was not factory fitted with a heater - it did have an OPTIONAL heater kit though.

Today - retro is now running out of steam - and the idea that it would be acceptable (Look again at the original Land Rover) really does not cut the mustard as well. The design had to take into consideration the platform available for the vehicle. I doubt there are that many that even remember what the original Land Rover looked like - they may THINK they do - but it varies by age.

MDarringer - 9/18/2019 9:01:05 AM

-3 Boost

Yeah the new one is far superior in every way.

carloslassiter - 9/18/2019 2:29:35 PM

-1 Boost

Except for $50K it's really a $35K product.

— MDarringer
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
What's your assessment of the Defender vs the Wrangler? A "stripped" 90 will be $50K, and a similarly equipped Wrangler 2 door would be around 35.

skytop - 9/18/2019 4:20:58 PM

+1 Boost

Driving the out Defender was like driving inside of a blender.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 9/18/2019 9:10:28 PM

+2 Boost

Our opinions are shaped because were are getting the Western markets vehicle and options. Wait to see what is sold in Africa, Asia and South America. When configured for a safari, B2B, farming or military use, I think you will find a much more stripped down offering that may be closer to the original intent of the vehicle.