For 2022 Land Rover is bringing back the V8 Defender. Not only do we get a four-door 2022 Defender 110 with a V8, but also a two-door Defender 90 V8. Add in some new tech, lots of new appearance packages, and a new range-topping Carpathian Edition and you’ve got a new Defender that should fit the needs of anyone remotely interested in the vehicle. Is a 2022 Land Rover Defender destined for your driveway?
“The introduction of our V8 powertrain adds a new dimension of driving engagement and off-road capability to Defender. Fast and fun to drive, it represents the pinnacle of the Defender family and is as rewarding on the road as it is capable off it,” said David Hemming, Chief Product Engineer, Jaguar Land Rover. “We’ve also broadened the appeal of the entire Defender lineup with new derivatives, option packs and enhanced connectivity, so there really is a Defender for everyone.”
The V8 Defender is Back!
The 2022 Defender will be the fastest and most powerful production Land Rover Defender ever made, when optioned with the new 5.0L supercharged V8. This new V8 puts down 518 hp and 461 lb.-ft. of torque. That power is good enough to get the 2022 Defender 90 to 60 mph from a standstill in 4.9-seconds, and able to hit a top speed of 149 mph.
Vehicles outfitted with the new supercharged V8 also get suspension and transmission tuning, new spring and damper rates, a larger anti-roll bar, and a new electronic active rear differential. The new V8 Defender models also get a new Dynamic program within the Terrain Response system, which optimizes the steering, suspension, and transmission for optimal on-road performance.
You can quickly identify a Defender with the new V8 motor through the exterior badging, quad exhausts, unique 22-inch wheels, and 15-inch front brake discs with Xenon Blue calipers. The 2022 V8 Defenders also only come in 3-colors; Carpathian Grey with Narvik Black roof, Yulong White with Narvik Black roof, or Santorini Black.
The Defender V8 is also unique on the inside, with illuminated V8 door sill plates the first giveaway. Seats are trimmed in an Ebony Windsor leather with Miko Suedecloth and Robestec accents. The exposed Cross Car Beam on the Defender is also finished in Satin Black. The steering wheel is wrapped in Alcantara and features satin chrome gearshift paddles. Somehow this interior combo combines a sporty and luxury feel.
If the V8 isn’t your jam, the 2.0L turbocharged I4 (295 hp, 295 lb.-ft.) and the 3.0L turbocharged I6 mild-hybrid (395 hp 406 lb.-ft.) are both engine options still available in the Defender.
2022 Defender 90 Models
The Defender 90 two-door vehicles will come in a wide range of models and trim levels for 2022, after hitting the U.S. market for the first time as 2021 models this Spring. The 2022 Defender 90 comes in the following configurations: D90, D90 S, D90 X-Dynamic S, D90 X-Dynamic SE, D90 X-Dynamic HSE, D90 X, D90 V8, and the range-topping D90 V8 Carppathian Edition.
The standard and S D90s get the I4 engine. The SE, all X-Dynamic models, and X model Defender 90 get the I6 mild-hybrid engine. The Defender 90 V8 and V8 Carpathian Edition of course get the new supercharged V8.
Land Rover Defender V8 Carpathian Edition
The top-dog on the Defender ladder is now the V8 Carpathian Edition, available in both D90 and D110 configurations. This supercharged V8 has all the power and good look for the city, and all the power and rugged capability for the trail.
The Carpathian Edition Defenders are all finished in Carpathian Grey premium metallic paint with Narvik Black roof, hood, and tailgate. Additionally, the Carpathian trucks have Satin Black tow eyes as well as Carpatian Gloss skid pans and front grille bar. To finish off the exterior is bespoke badging and a recyclable PU-based wrap, called ‘Land Rover Satin Protective Film.’ This protective wrap gives the truck a unique semi-matte look.
More Shiny Defender Options
The Defender 110 XS Edition replaces the First Edition. The XS has body-colored lower cladding and lower wheel arches and Satin Grey 20-inch wheels. Inside the XS Edition Defender, you’ll find lots of leather, unique illuminated treadplates, and the Cross Car Beam in a Light Grey powder coat brushed finish. Standard features on the XS Edition include nearly every major option, except the V8.
More shiny black Defender options are headed our way as well. With a new Bright Pack, Extended Bright Pack, and Extended Black Pack options. These packs add lots of Noble Chrome and/or Gloss Black finish to exterior components like skid plates and the grille.
Bigger Tech
Of course, each year brings new standard tech features and ever-growing and improving screens and infotainment systems. The 2022 Defender now has wireless device charging, with integrated signal boosting, as standard. The new SUV also has an optional larger infotainment screen. The optional curved screen is now 11.4-inches.
2022 Land Rover Defender Pricing & Availablity
We’ll start to see the 2022 models hitting dealer lots this summer with pricing starting at $47,700. That is for a base D90, but the top-spec V8 Defender 110 Carpathian Edition will start at $107,200. The cheapest 2022 Defender V8 is the D90 V8 at $97,200, with a base D110 V8 just cracking one-hundred thousand ($100,400). That’s a lot of coin for a mid-sized SUV, but this one will work just as well on Rodeo Drive as it will off-road in remote Africa, and now has the sound and power of a supercharged V8 to give it even more presence.
To find a dealer near you and order up your own 2022 Land Rover Defender, click HERE.
