The 2022 Land Rover Defender is a throwback SUV with top level capabilities and modern technology. Versatility is the Defender’s ace of spades, but the price tag could send some interested parties running for the hills.
The 2022 Defender is in the same class as other unibody SUVs like the Jeep Wrangler and the Ford Bronco. However, both the Wrangler and the Bronco seem to fall just a step behind the Defender in nearly every category. The 2022 Land Rover Defender effortlessly crosses the bridge of urban dwelling for adventurous forays into just about anything that the wilderness can throw at it.
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What’s New for the 2022 Land Rover Defender?
The 2-door Defender gets two model trims that were previously only available for the 4-door body style – the X-Dynamic SE and X-Dynamic HSE. There are two new special edition trims. There’s the XS Edition which provides a style remix to the Defender both inside and out. There’s also the new flagship Defender. It’s called the V8 Carpathian.
There are a few other infotainment upgrades, but everybody is talking about the new V8 powertrain for the 2022 Defender. The addition of a V8 powertrain for the Defender is certainly big news. In a company press release, Iain Gray, the senior manager of the powertrain advanced engineering department gave some key insights into the new engine option.
“The 5.0-liter V8 supercharged engine further enhances the unique character of the Defender. It sounds fantastic and delivers incredible performance – providing new levels of driver appeal.” Gray went on to comment, “Our engineering focus has been to optimize powertrain calibration for Defender to deliver both responsive on-road performance and fine control off-road – all without compromising the Defender vehicle’s all-terrain capability and wading ability.”
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Why Are There So Many Different Types of Defender SUVs?
The different types of Defender models can be a bit confusing; there are just so many options and trims. On the one hand, that speaks to the versatility of the Defender, but it can also put-off casual consumers who want a more streamlined buying experience.
So, here is a simplified description of what Land Rover has available. First, there are two different body styles for the Land Rover Defender. There’s the 2-door variant called the 90 and the four door, full-sized Defender called the 110.
Furthermore, these two variants get broken down into different model trims. For 2022, there are 9 model trims, and the prices cover a wide lane. Just so that you have a quick reference of the different 2022 Land Rover Defender models, check out this list.
- Base Model 90 and Base Model 110
- S and SE
- X-Dynamic SE and X-Dynamic HSE
- The XS Edition and the X
- The V8 and V8 Carpathian Edition
There are subtle differences as you climb the ladder, but the biggest difference is the price. You can’t just look at the base price for a 2-door Defender and assume that this is a bargain-priced vehicle. Each model trim offers new features and amenities that might leave interested buyers wondering if this stairway truly leads to heaven or to yet another paywall.
The 2-door 2022 Land Rover Defender 90 has an MSRP of $47,700 and the four-door 110 costs $50,500. Not too bad, right? Well, the top-of-the-line Defenders cost $104,100 and $107,200 respectively. If you are interested in purchasing or leasing a 2022 Land Rover Defender, then it’s best to focus on two things: your budget and the type of activities you expect to do in your new SUV.
The Base Model 2022 Land Rover Defender
The base model Defender 110 is an ideal choice for growing families. It has seating for five to seven passengers and plenty of safety features. It comes with a surround view camera and a 360-degree parking aid. The onboard sensors turn their attention to monitoring the driver for signs of fatigue. The base model has emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition.
The exterior has 18-inch wheels and LED lighting. The interior has fabric seats. The front seats are even heated. The powertrain isn’t that amazing though. The base model comes with a 2.0 Liter turbocharged inline four. It’s capable of achieving 296 horsepower but its saving grace is the standard all-wheel drive with terrain response and a two-speed transfer case. It’s a Defender alright.
A 2022 Land Rover Defender That Focuses on Performance
If you’re interested in off-road prowess or simply want the most powerful Land Rover ever constructed, then you should set your sights on the new V8 powertrain. It’s equipped in the 2-door Defender 90 V8, and the 90 V8 Carpathian Edition. You can also select a V8 powertrain for the 4-door body style, as well.
This thing roars and rumbles in such a satisfying way. It’s a 5.0 Liter, Supercharged V8 engine that produces 518 horsepower and 461 pound feet of torque. It also comes with some transmission and handling upgrades. You get custom suspension and springs with an electronic active rear differential.
The V8 model also has new style upgrades for 2022. It comes with signature badging, quad exhaust and 22-inch wheels. The front brake calipers are painted blue, and they gorgeously complement the Santorini Black paint finish.
The Most Stylish 2022 Land Rover Defender
The new V8 Carpathian model is the clear winner. Perhaps, it’s best viewed on the 4-door body style just because there’s more surface area to appreciate. The Carpathian model has grey premium metallic paint with a satin protective film. It’s like something you would see on a modified Bentley Bentayga or Rolls Royce Cullinan.
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22-inch gloss black wheels fill out the fenders and a sliding panoramic roof opens the sky. Illuminated floorplates and satin chrome trim can be found inside the cabin along with suede or Windsor leather upholstery. The steering wheel is wrapped in Alcantara. There is also a 14-speaker premium sound system, but the updated 11-inch touchscreen display will still cost you a bit extra.
The Best Value Option for the 2022 Land Rover Defender
The 2022 Defender 90 X-Dynamic HSE hits the sweet spot for value, especially if you’re not that big on off-roading but you like the style of the Defender. The X-Dynamic HSE rides in the middle of the model trim pack.
It comes with the 3.0 Liter P400 hybrid powertrain all-wheel drive and adaptive cruise control for improved fuel economy. The exterior has fog lights, 20-inch wheels, and attractive silicon silver accents. The interior has leather seating and a leather steering wheel. You also get all those amazing safety features from the base model as standard equipment. This model has an MSRP of $69,600.
At the Finish Line
The 2022 Land Rover Defender is equal parts icon and innovator. It has tremendous versatility and off-road capability. To get the most out of the platform, you need to spend some time at the build out to ensure that you get all the best features.
The turbo four-cylinder engine is skippable. The hybrid powertrain and the new V8 engine are impressive, but for different reasons. The hybrid boosts the Defender’s fuel economy while the V8 maximizes the Defender’s capabilities.
The base model comes with remarkable safety equipment as standard offerings. Yet, the different model trims start to get pricey in a hurry. One thing is for certain though – the new Defender puts the Jeep Wrangler out to pasture and brings rugged outdoor proportions to the sophisticated urban jungle.
Enjoy the ride.