Land Rover Defender Hybrid 2022 Review

Combining classic Land Rover styling, a luxurious interior and enviable off-road performance, the new Land Rover Defender has quickly become one of our higher-ranked midsize luxury SUVs. But Land Rover isn't content to sit back and bask in its success — the automaker is introducing a host of updates for the 2022 Defender.

Headlining the changes for the 2022 Land Rover Defender is the addition of a supercharged V8. Available in both two-door (Defender 90) and four-door (Defender 110) body styles, the eight-cylinder produces an impressive 518 horsepower and 461 lb-ft of torque. It should endow the Defender with muscular acceleration and make it a worthy rival to V8-powered German SUVs or even the new V8-powered Jeep Wrangler.

A handful of new trim levels also offer Defender buyers a deeper level of customization. The XS Edition effectively replaces the 2020 model's First Edition trim, which ticked nearly every option box and added a few details not found on any other model. There's also the new range-topping Carpathian Edition that starts with the V8 engine and includes a custom-look gray paint scheme as well as a limited-edition Trophy Edition inspired by another limited edition of the classic Defender SUV (the Works V8 Trophy).

Overall, we think the Defender is a solid pick for a midsize luxury SUV, and especially so if you want one with genuine off-road capability and lots of ways to customize it. Check out our Expert Rating below to get our team's full analysis of its performance, comfort and more.

Which Defender does MatoCar recommend?

The 2022 Defender is available in two body styles: the two-door Land Rover Defender 90 and four-door Land Rover Defender 110. There are a variety of trim levels depending what basic model you choose. There are also one of three available engine options.

That engine lineup includes:

• P300: turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (296 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque)
• P400: turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine (395 hp, 406 lb-ft)
• P525: supercharged 5.0-liter eight-cylinder engine (518 hp, 461 lb-ft)

All Defenders come standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission, a two-speed transfer case (with low-range gearing) and all-wheel drive.

Five-passenger seating is standard. An available jump seat that fits between the two front seats boosts capacity to six passengers. The Defender 110 can also be had with a two-person third-row seat, but it cannot be combined with the jump seat.

Base Standard feature highlights include:

• P300 engine
• 18-inch steel wheels
• LED headlights
• Power-adjustable, heated front seats
• 10-inch touchscreen
• Power-folding, heated side mirrors
• Six-speaker sound system
• Proximity keyless entry
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
• Wireless smartphone charging pad

All Defenders also come with these safety features:

• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
• Blind-spot monitoring (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
• 360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Defender and its surroundings for parking or off-roading situations)

S Similar to the base but with:

• 19-inch wheels
• Two-tone leather and cloth upholstery
• Upgraded power-adjustable front seats
• 11-speaker Meridian sound system

The X-Dynamic trims add the more powerful six-cylinder engine and the following features:

X-Dynamic S (Defender 90 only) Based on the S trim and adds:

• P400 engine
• Silver and black exterior trim
• Dark-painted 19-inch wheels
• Illuminated scuff plates
• Special interior trim and upholstery

SE and X-Dynamic SE Further equips the Defender with:

• P400 engine
• Upgraded LED headlights
• Panoramic sunroof
• 20-inch wheels
• Driver's seat memory settings and power-adjustable steering column
• 15-speaker Meridian surround-sound system
• Silver and black exterior trim; special interior trim and upholstery (X-Dynamic SE)

Trophy Edition Based on the Defender 110 X-Dynamic SE, this limited-edition model has:

• Black-and-orange exterior paint wrap inspired by the classic Defender Works V8 Trophy
• Collection of the Defender's features that enhance off-road capability that are otherwise typically optional

X-Dynamic HSE Compared to the X-Dynamic SE, the HSE version adds:

• Different 20-inch wheels
• Ventilated front seats
• Premium leather upholstery
• Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the Defender and the car in front)

XS Edition (Defender 110 only) This trim is equipped similar to the Dynamic HSE but adds:

• Body-colored lower body cladding and wheel arches
• Heated steering wheel
• Ambient cabin lighting
• Digital rearview mirror (allows you to see out the back even with a fully loaded cargo area)

X This is the top-of-the-line trim with the V6. It offers unique styling and improved off-road capability. Compared to the X-Dynamic HSE, it also comes with:

• Black contrast roof and hood
• Head-up display
• Digital rearview mirror
• Adjustable air suspension (can raise or lower the Defender's ride height)
• Terrain Response 2 (vehicle can automatically select what off-road driving mode to be in)
• All-Terrain Progress Control (automatically maintains a set speed during off-road driving to maximize traction)
• Electronic active differential
• Configurable powertrain, steering, differentials and traction control settings
• Heated second-row seats

V8 New for 2022 is the V8 trim. It is based on the X trim and as the name suggests, adds a supercharged V8 engine. This trim takes you into the six-figure price range and adds:

• Quad exhaust pipes
• 22-inch wheels
• Microfiber-wrapped steering wheel
• Activity key (shockproof and fully waterproof wristband that can lock and unlock your vehicle, reducing the need to carry a conventional key fob)
• Advanced Tow Assist (allows the driver to reverse a trailer using the rotary controller on the center console to guide the vehicle)

V8 Carpathian Edition The Carpathian Edition is the absolute top-of-the-line Defender trim. It comes in a unique gray paint color and darkened exterior elements. It also comes with just about everything that's otherwise optional on the lower trim levels, including:

• Special gray paint with satin protective film
• Graphite-color exterior trim pieces
• Black contrast tail door
• 22-inch gloss black wheels

Many features on the upper trims are available on the lower trims as options. Other significant options for the Defender include:

• 11.4-inch touchscreen
• Towing package (extra off-road drive modes, tow hitch, electronic towing assist)
• Third-row seat
• Front jump seat

A variety of accessory packs are also available and include features such as wheel arch flares, a spare tire cover, a roof rack and an underbody shield.