Versatility is really what sets the new Defender apart from the huge crowd of SUVs on the market. The 2021 Land Rover Defender 90 is just as composed and comfortable traversing a muddy, rocky, 45-degree side slope as it is cruising down the highway or sitting in stop and go city traffic. This two-door SUV is the perfect companion for the urban executive as well as the off-road adventurer.
2021 Land Rover Defender 90 Pricing
Lets cut right to the chase. The new Defender 90 is an expensive vehicle. Pricing, including destination and delivery fees, is going to start at $47,450. That price quickly climbs to well north of $80,000 when fully optioned. That’s right, there is a Jeep Wrangler‘s price tag worth of upgrades and options between a base D90 and a fully optioned one.
Here’s a rundown of the 2021 Defender 90 model options and pricing:
Defender 90 / 2.0L I4 / $47,450
Defender 90 S / 2.0L I4 / $50,750
Defender 90X-Dynamic S / MildHybrid 3.0L I6 / $59,150
Defender 90 First Edition / MildHybrid 3.0L I6 / $65,450
Defender 90X / Mild Hybrid 3.0L I6 / $81,850
(Prices Include destination and delivery fee of $1,350)
2021 Defender 90
We already know that the Land Rover off-road capability is baked into the new Defender. The legendary nameplate requires it. You get full-time 4wd, a twin-speed transfer case, center locking differential, and Terrain Response 2 all as standard equipment. You can even option a rear locking differential. You also get a .8-inch higher ride height than any other current Land Rover vehicle, as well as shorter front and rear overhangs. Of course, this means increased ground clearance and better entry and departure angles (38 and 40 degrees respectively).
The D90 gets two engine options, both backed by an 8-speed automatic transmission. Yep, no rowing your own gears in the new Defender. The base engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder that puts out 296 hp and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. The more powerful powertrain, with 395 hp and 406 lb.-ft. of torque, is a mild-hybrid 3.0-liter turbocharged inline 6-cylinder. Both should have plenty of power to propel this little aluminum off-road machine over whatever gets in its way.
Speaking of aluminum, the Defender is made of a super-stiff aluminum monocoque construction. Not only does it improve the on-road manners of this SUV, but also ensures it can take a beating in any environment. That stiff chassis does require a sophisticated suspension system to ensure a comfortable ride, no matter the terrain. The legendary Land Rover Electronic Air Suspension is standard on the Defender 90 First Edition and X models, while coil spring suspension is an option across the line.
One party trick that competitors can’t claim is seating for up to 6 people. The Defender 90 can be optioned with room for 3 upfront and 3 in the second row. That’s a handy option when you need to get all your friends or family across town and don’t want to bring a much larger vehicle.
Would You, Should You?
Obviously the Jeep Wrangler JL is a formidable off-road machine at a reasonable price. It could be argued until all involved are blue in the face which vehicle, the Wrangler or Defender 2, is more off-road capable, and even reliable. What can’t be argued is the true on-road dominance of the Land Rover Defender platform over the Jeep Wrangler. That on-road comfort and refinement does come with a steep price tag, however.
Then, there is the forthcoming Ford Bronco 2-Door. The new Bronco should fall in line just between the Wrangler and Defender on many fronts. The Bronco should be a bigger vehicle overall however, both to its detriment and advantage.
If you were going to buy a 2-door off-road capable SUV in 2021 which of this new bread would you buy? If the 2021 Land Rover Defender 90 is your choice you should get your order in soon, as they will go fast and ordering just opened. You can configure the new Defender to your liking now at LandRoverUSA.com.
