Review & Photos by: Len Ingrassia
Automotive columnist

Shopping for a rugged SUV for off-roading and dry pavement use? Jeep comes to mind for many unless you live across the pond.

Uncoupling perfectly good doors, windshield and top sections for trailblazing is not what the Brits consider a proper mud-womper and they tout three Land Rover Defender models to make their case.

These luxury SUVs have stood out since their 2020 launch. During our week with the top-of-the-line Carpathian Edition, we got lots of ‘thumbs up’ from admirers while on and off road.

We were impressed with its off-road handling as we conquered muddy trails, topped small boulders, traveled creek beds and plunged through sandy beaches. While some rivals have camera views for off-roading, our Carpathian trim added underneath cameras to view what’s below.

You may not want to venture over some terrains though since this edition will set you back nearly $120,000 giving pause to some buyers. Take heart though, the base S trim starts at just over $54,000. Other Defender 90 trims include mid-range X-Dynamic SE ($68,400) and the Defender V8 ($108,200)

For the big bucks, you also get an exterior body film that includes a unique dark grey matte finish, suede cloth seats, 700-watt Meridian sound system, all-terrain Progress control and an adaptive air suspension system that greatly improves handling on and off road.

Interior space is amplified with a nearly dashboard length shelf suitable for tablets, cell phones and other flat items. Center console storage is respectable and houses a refrigerator for cool drinks.

Front seats are well-cushioned, fully adjustable with lumbar, arch and thigh support. We’re glad to see Land Rover has finally developed an easy-to-use infotainment system to control audio, climate, navigation and other apps through a modern 11.4-inch curved touchscreen.

The 90 is one of three available Defender trim levels with a mid-size 110 and larger 130 trim. Our two-door tester is right size for those wanting a tight turning radius and off-the-line performance.

The 110 and 130 models will suit your needs better if second or third row seating is a priority.

There are five engine choices (two diesel and three gas-hybrid versions) that go a long way in determining overall price, performance, and fuel economy.

The diesels – D250 and D300 six cylinders develop 246 and 296 ponies respectively. Four-cylinder 2.0-liter or 3.0-liter six-cylinder gas engines deliver 296 or 395 horsepower – all practical choices under $90k with zero to 60 mile-per-hour-times of 5.6 – 7.8 seconds.

The supercharged all-wheel drive V8 Carpathian develops a stunning 518 horsepower, emitting a howling quad exhaust note while reaching the 60-mph mark in just 4.1 seconds in our independent test runs – very impressive from a nearly three-ton SUV.

We found the Carpathian delivers a smooth ride around town – easy to park and maneuver mall lots. Highway travel is surprisingly quiet with optional 22-inch wheels. Braking is firm and steering precise.

For comparison, we recommend a test drive with the more expensive Mercedes G Class.

(Contact independent automotive columnist Len Ingrassia at editor@ptd.net)

What was reviewed:

2024 Land Rover Defender 90 Carpathian Edition

Engine: 5.0-liter supercharged V8, 518 horsepower, 461 lb.-ft torque

EPA rated mileage: 15 city, 19 highway, 16 combined

MSRP/ as tested: $115,300/ $118,285

Assembled: Assembly of the Defender 90 in Nitra, Slovakia. U.S. /Canadian parts content – 1 percent; major source of foreign parts, United Kingdom – 31 percent, Germany – 19 percent; country of origin, engine – United Kingdom, transmission – Germany

Crash test rating: Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had evaluated the Defender 90 as of this writing.

Warranty: 4 year/50,000-mile bumper to bumper warranty, no complimentary scheduled maintenance

Contact independent automotive columnist Len Ingrassia at: editor@ptd.net