Our 2021 Land Rover Defender 110's Most Comment-Worthy Features? Jump Seats, Capability, and More

We've covered lots of territory in our 2021 Land Rover Defender 110 long-term updates. During its year with us, we talked about the fact that our 2021 SUV of the Year winner is the perfect all-weather alternative to a pickup truck, plus we hit the beach, raided the accessories catalog, and even encountered a few, well, problems along the way. Before we officially wrap up our Defender's time with us, we want to share with you some logbook highlights that haven't yet been covered in earlier updates. So here we go:

"Jump seat is nice, but it makes for a mediocre center console. "

I drove the Defender 1,000 miles from Los Angeles to Tucson, Arizona. The roof rack is super loud at any speed above 78 mph; it makes for a roaring, droning noise. [It subtly vibrates the rearview mirror, too.—Ed.] The lack of adaptive cruise is sorely missed, as well.

The middle front-row jump seat is nice in a pinch when you have six passengers, but it makes for a mediocre center console when it's collapsed. —Visual assets manager Brian Vance, at 12,000 miles

"Wish I had borrowed it more often!"

I borrowed the Defender to help run the off-road section of a Motor Press Guild event. I last drove a Defender at the press launch, and I'd forgotten what a thoroughly pleasant and competent vehicle it is. The most amazing thing, to me, is that it is so competent off-road and yet so good to drive on-road. Vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco feel clumsy on-road, yet the Defender is not just competent on curvy roads, it's really good. Not quite sports-car good but certainly on the sporty end of the spectrum for SUVs. Great grip, nice steering precision and feel, and aside from a bit of body lean, very confidence inspiring. It's almost impossible to reconcile these great road manners with its incredible off-road ability.

Speaking of which: I used the Defender to set up and monitor some dirt trails in the Malibu hills, including a fairly steep descent. Amazing how easy the Defender made it. On sections where crossovers struggled due to loose surfaces, the 2021 Land Rover Defender 110 zoomed along like it was on pavement. It never once struggled for traction. The steep downhill (I call it the "Wet Yourself Descent") was almost a non-event, whether I used hill descent control (HDC) or low-range and engine compression to slow the SUV. I did the hill a few times, and the Defender would try to get a little sideways when doing it myself (and was easy to correct) but HDC kept it straight and true. It seemed to be selected automatically when I engaged Low Range. I do wish there were more on-screen instructions as to how to use the system and change speeds, but blame that on me for not reading the manual.

My one off-road complaint was the turbo lag from the electrically supercharged and turbocharged I-6 engine. In low range, as I applied power for a steep loose-rock ascent, when the revs would rise the turbo boost would come on suddenly and the Defender would surge ahead. Never caused a loss of traction, but the sudden acceleration (perhaps exacerbated by its excellent traction!) was a bit surprising. Reminded me of the old Mitsubishi Lancer Evo: Once the turbo starts doing its thing, the power comes on whether you're ready or not!

At one point I turned a little too sharply and dragged the left-rear tire against a sharp rock; I was certain I had ripped the sidewall. Nope, the tire seemed unscathed. Amazing, and a reminder that off-road tires are about more than just traction: They're tough, too.

Other thoughts:

A few people asked me about the 2021 Land Rover Defender's price. I initially assumed it was an $85K-$90K vehicle. The fact our test model cost $75K as equipped was a genuine surprise. Not cheap, but considering how many blue-collar crossovers can top $50,000 and approach $60,000, I think our Defender is a good value, especially given its capabilities, prestige, comfort, and driving characteristics.

All in all, though, an incredible vehicle that puts an end to the lie that high-level off-road ability must come at the expense of a compromised on-road experience. What a lovely machine. Wish I had borrowed it more often!—Senior editor Aaron Gold, at 15,500 miles

"I'd drive around with the window cracked an inch so I could hear it"

The brake-pedal feel is a bit strange. It's kind of squishy and easy to modulate at the top, but it goes to rock-hard full-clamp pretty early/short in the stroke. It's still easy to brake smoothly, and it's nice to have that very firm reassurance so readily accessible. Still, I might prefer a more progressive pedal feel.

Also on the brakes, I like how the brake-hold activates. Having it always on, only a foot-tap away, is much nicer to use than a button you have to press every time you get in.

I note some serious fading on the plastic supports for the side box. And the Meridian speakers are a bit crackly. Minor annoyances, but not great indicators of longevity.

Of all the off-road decorations our 2021 Land Rover Defender 110 wears, I love the snorkel the most—only because it puts that sweet induction noise so close to your ear. I'd drive around with the window cracked an inch so I could hear it, and it was always so entertaining.—Associate editor Alex Leanse, at 16,000 miles

"It's only a year old. That's disappointing. "

I put 500 miles on it driving up to the San Francisco Bay Area and back. I still love this truck, but there are some minor annoyances that make doing so a bit difficult:

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