2015 Land Rover Defender 110 Review : Off Road Icon

The Land Rover Defender is an off-road icon, but it's also an endangered species. The end is near for one of the best off-road vehicles ever built. If you can conjure up an iconic overland journey, the Defender has tackled it. No matter how harsh, how tough, or how remote, Defender has taken adventurers into places other vehicles fear to drive. The question now is whether the final version of a modern icon is still relevant so many years after its initial release.
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[@harryeverett2152]

im 6,4ft and i have no problem driving them... i can fit perfectly fine

[@absba9]

Hey I am considering buying one as my main vehicle. Is it terrible on road? can i make it more comfortable? is the AC cold enough in summer? Thanks.

[@mattdarby2837]

2:13-AM I have a defender the and the AC is nice and cold. You do hear a bit of road noise when in highways but overall there not that bad and are pretty comfortable

[@ElmerJFudd-oi9kj]

@@absba9 no,no,yes.

[@ElmerJFudd-oi9kj]

@@absba9 'tis.

[@wt1236]

Fantastic truck, at home in the bush, what they were built for. Excellence in class and off road ability, style, iconic shape, there will never be another.........

[@aussiecockie3361]

I owned a defender 130 ute for 7 years. I currently own a 79 series cruiser ute and a patrol ute for the paddock. The defender is better on road than the cruiser. It steers, rides and handles better than the cruiser. It has roll bars front and back and coils all round. It also has full time 4wd. Sure the cab is tight and noisy but in every other way the defender is better on road than the Toyota. After selling the defender and buying a new cruiser I had to purchase a coil patrol ute for the paddock. The cruiser is way too rough compared to either the defender or patrol, both with coils. They both have heavy coils in the rear as well. I could drive the defender all day and not get a bad back or tired, I cannot say that about the Toyota. It's a shame LR couldn't update the fender and make the cab better, everything else was nearly the perfect compromise for both on and off road use. You can even see over the bonnet and out the windows, something you cannot do in all the light duty utes. This is important for driving both on and off road.

[@goldenboyi1989]

So is a defender better as a daily driver? LC seats and windows look roomier.Looking for a good daily that can also serve as a perfect off roader

[@ftgoggi4715]

My good, what's wrong with this reviewer? What is he comparing the defender to? Has he ever lived with a defender? Does he understand what the defender is? My defender is noisy and you feel most bumps in the road. The driving position is easily adjusted to and quickly becomes the only driving position youre truly comfortable in. The only electrics are the starter motor, fuel pump, windscreen wipers, lights and radio. It doesn't have abs, tc or hill decent to go wrong. I turn the key and it starts, I put whatever I want up to about 1000kg in the back and tow whatever I need up to 3500 kg. At the weekend I put my bike and camping gear in the back and it's my home from home. I don't need to get out of the cab in the rain to get in the back, I just climb over the rear bulkhead. It deals with muddy tracks, wading up to the lights, snow and tarmac without missing a beat and will roll over pretty much any obstacle I need it to. I dont need to remember to put it into 4wd for the slippery stuff and then take it back out again for the road. It will do all of this without any changes to its configuration and still return 30mpg all day long. This reviewer doesn't have a clue, he can't compare the defender to anything because the defender is in a league of its own. Sure they need more maintenance than your average road going car but then that's offset by the fact that that parts are plentiful and cheap. The idiot who slid into the back of me in the snow last year all but wrote his lovely brand new (clearly rubbish in the snow) jaguar f pace 4wd off. I replaced 3 lights and the Roof rack ladder for less than £100 and spent an hour straightening a dent in the rear quarter out. He probably spent more time and money going through his insurance and paying a higher premium this year. The defender is a great truck but not a car so you can't judge it as one. If you have a need for a defender, and there are many, you will quickly find that nothing else comes close. Note to reviewer, maybe find a new vocation.

[@davepiotrowski1992]

The reviewer probably dosent own a Defender or anything else near what a defender is. Probably has a modern electronic thing that drives itself, all that modern crap that can malfunction. No, I like older style vehicles, I don't want air bags or traction control. ABS is fine, give me a diff lock, air-conditioning, power steer, a good set of 5 tyres and something I can tow a caravan pr trailer with easily. If I bought a Toyota it would cost a bundle, a Landrover, not as much but still a good off roader. I have to say, I like the idea of a Landy 110, in either wagon or twin cab ute.

[@Nothingstutube]

Thank you for all your input. Im new to researching what vechile I want for my adventures.

[@Afterimage_Rush]

Too long to read. You could have said as well "I don't agree with this review "

[@roninoshika649]

Harsh reply mate. He simply stated the obvious. When you check carsales, most defenders have aftermarket 330mm steering wheels fitted. Pointing out the obvious issue with steering position and leg room it's obvious if you are tall. The noisy cabin is something that should be upgraded as standard. Then optional thick carpet if you aren't planning on river crossings should have been available. It's an expensive and modern 4wd that's good at its job right so ofcourse you want it comfy inside. Then it would be the ultimate. He simply states the obvious and ljr should have sorted this shit years ago it's a cost thing and sell it off as a purist experience and gullible people believe it. He stated the obvious Then had nothing but praise for it. Could have been more in detail with specs I thought and options and pricing etc but overall I can't see him saying anything bad really.

[@stephansiegfried6311]

Don't disagree - I've done nearly 200,000kms in my TD5 and I also have many, many kms in a variety of trucks. Modern heavy vehicles are actually more comfortable and lighter to drive than Defender - it is noisy, slow, leaks when it rains, the air-con is shit, it is incredibly reliable (believe it or not) and tough as old nails, I LOVE IT. Wouldn't want to drive anything else. Saying that it is a massive improvement on the road when compared to my 1974 Series 111........It's definitely not one for the latte set and if you want to use one everyday in city traffic (I live in a semi-rural area so it does a mixture), I have your utmost respect.

[@ranjanbiswas3233]

One of my most favorite car, you can't convince me otherwise.

[@njorogevince6259]

This model is my favorite car anytime..both off-road and in the city.

[@dongoldney]

just bought one after years in nissans , First palce i went was roofrac city where the young bloke told me he sooooooooo wanted one. i asked why, he said is ts a legend its retro and its ooooh so goood. i agree

[@powelw]

Most of what he says is bollocks! Defenders are awesome full stop !!

[@dragomilavich7227]

Este tan maravilloso vehiculo no deveria morir nunca, su fabricacion deveria continuar ya que es un carro muy confiable

[@dv2045]

podrian haber metido todo el nuevo defender en el viejo y venderian mucho mas!

[@dragomilavich7227]

@@dv2045 buena idea, pero el clasico no necesita cambios ni innovaciones porque asi como es, es perfecto

[@dv2045]

@@dragomilavich7227 El Defender antiguo si es el (casi) perfecto vehiculo off road pero algunas cosas si necesita como opciones para usarlo todo el tiempo debe tener opciones de 4x2 o 4x4, airbags o hasta mejoras de temas medio ambientales porque que sea un vehículo off road hay que rentabilizarlo para el 95% del tiempo que es en ciudad/carretera normal.El motor más eficiente también es importante o estará expuesto a ser "baneado" de ciudades con problemas de contaminación. Si, todos estos temas añaden complejidad al vehículo pero no es ya un vehículo algo complejo y el Defender un coche con muchos temillas? que mas da añadir 2 mas

[@ManmitMitbawkar]

3:48 looks like you lost the rear side foot step

[@Drivecomau]

+Manmit Mitbawkar - ah yes. Oops.

[@JulianKapa]

Just when extremely good ground clearance was mentioned...

[@harryeverett2152]

+Manmit Mitbawkar thats why you don't have them down when driving xD

[@elaziamaxwell]

thats how the step looks when folded

[@symmetry08]

that is why step bar is preferable than this foot step. It protects and let it glide over if have to.

[@MrNugget314]

I have a 08 Puma and I have no problem with the amount of space in the front. If you are tall you simply need to install longer seat rails. However people with white collars and soft hands should rather just buy a X5 or some other wana-bee 4x4. The Defender is for people that aren't fussy or dainty. In South Africa this car is perfect.

[@yanzodadon]

can you put some "crossover suv's" through this track to see how much of a crossover they really are lol?

[@odys3803]

YanzoDaDon crossover is meant to cross over sidewalk at loooooow speed

[@njorogevince6259]

At 3.47min did the Landrover defender side steps break down???

[@oldcargeezer]

l drive 14,000 miles per year in my 110 Station Wagon, mostly on road. lt's a strange thing because despite the shortcomings (and mine is a TD5 which is less refined on road than this one) l absolutely love driving it. l also have a BMW 3.0 M Sport but have not driven that for three months. After all, what's the event in getting into a computer on wheels?

[@oldcargeezer]

lt's not as bad a car as you'd think. Sure, you can't hammer down the fast lane at 100mph. And you'll know if you hit a pothole (although you won't damage the wheel or suspension like on a car) The Defender needs a different driving style....slow down, sit back, and let the world go by. You'll always get there, a bit more time taken but it will feel like an adventure. Although in reality it's just a trip to your holiday home.

[@stevenp3176]

+Lotusdriver Agreed. Sadly in the States I can only get a wrangler but the sentiment is the same.

[@oldcargeezer]

+Steve Pounder Nothing wrong with the Jeep Wrangler. Same sentiment, as you say.

[@vincenthoh9230]

you can go very fast,but i can go anywhere.... this is the right mental to drive your defender .... rover nuts from malaysia....

[@scottrc5776]

stop complaining about its ride on road and interior. its perfect as an off roader, rescue vehicle or an expedition vehicle. if you want luxury and comfort why consider it. although companies like twisted and overfinch do luxury interiors and performance mods

[@mohamadadzimimran]

Does it use rear leaf spring or rear coil spring?

[@cristiandemirel1918]

maybe you can drive with the window down in winter... in Australia, or Africa.

[@openbabel]

This is a lifestyle vehicle not a school run SUV...nearest competitor the GWagon both military contract vehicles. the new one is due soon. In the meantime it will be assembled as a kit in solvinia. Later versions usually bought for commercial use or enthusiasts. The completion of production has seen prices rise and final production figures exceed 30000 a year.

[@jorisourson5152]

yeah very good this defender in off road

[@james011974]

I had two, one was a brand new 300 tdi the first of them in 94. Other then the seating position being a little cramped I thought it was great on and off road. Mine was a 90 and it handled really well at speed, it use to drift wonderfully through the corners. Either that or I was simply so young back then I couldn't see or feel how bad it was. Use to piss all over my mates Land Cruiser which was also new. 2.4 underpowered bad off road and lethal on a wet road. Strong though.

[@adolfadolfvich3253]

Toyota land Cruiser 70 series heavy-duty video 🙏🙏🙏

[@Spyyyder1]

you , good sir , haven´t a got a clue what you´re talking about

[@MrBentlarsen]

defender owners be like ^

[@kylegriffiths5990]

@@MrBentlarsen Salty LC owners be like ^

[@meslpy]

How good is the A.C?

[@COllins_GR]

Above & beyond

[@tomalophicon]

No idea what a CDL is or what it does.

[@jackcollier8776]

This man has no clue what he’s in about my 6’6 uncle can drive one absolutely fine and my grandad has had one since 2010 ish and he has no problem with it.

[@jcramirez2233]

Y did they mess up the look of the beast. It now looks like a Honda suv crossover smh

[@alanridge8479]

well said sir

[@rfabadguitar]

i hope i can own one soon

[@naphtalindhlovu8652]

This is a monster l love it

[@Adam40642]

Has a defender ever been crash tested, if so, what are the ratings?

[@openbabel]

Not good in basic form. However you will note the later ones come with james bond exterior cages to increase its crash worthiness.

[@mikemike690]

The exterior cages were never an official option except on the LXV limited edition. The chassis is very strong and does really well at rear ends etc, but side impact protection is almost non existent.

[@ftgoggi4715]

Don't put it on its roof or get hit in the side, your body won't thank you for either of those scenarios. It will literally destroy any crumple zone vehicle that you point it at though so watch out for that as well. I think the crash test result was just don't!!

[@thebnicho]

Even the crash test dummies are afraid to get into a Defender!

[@BelloBudo007]

Having owned a Landy Defender for many years, I completely disagree with 'absolutely awful on road' comment. And the idea of needing the window down to drive it? Unlikely, especially as they came up with the design in the very wet UK. Now if you knock it for lack of reliability, then I couldn't argue.

[@malcolmsammut]

and drove all the video with the window up

[@ElmerJFudd-oi9kj]

4.45 rips off left rear step.

[@onetonlandrover]

They aren't great on road because they aren't road cars. But describe it as "absolutely awful" is harsh. They are fantastic fun to drive and I've done thousands of miles in them. Sure they aren't a car, but they aren't *that* bad.

[@Drivecomau]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@YahorStaselka]

No idea what was he talking about driving with the window up... I'm 181cm tall and I NEVER had any issues with getting in, out and actually driving my 110. So pleaseeeee, stop saying it's uncomfortable!

[@secpac58chichi]

RIP Defender - RIP Land Rover

[@eljayy91]

Will Land Rover be giving the Defender a brand new update anytime in the future? Would love it if they gave it a Mercedes Benz G-Class style upgrade :)

[@johnthompson9896]

+eljayy91 Yeah they are apparently in 2017/18 but it will be a completely different vehicle not an update!

[@bighands69]

+John Thompson Land Rover are not stupid. What they will be doing is creating a new category of these types of vehicles. There will be smaller urbanite DC100 types that will loaded to the gills with technology. Then there will be more agricultural types like the 110 and 90 and I am assuming they will have a G wagon competitor. There is a whole service market of Land Rover defenders and there is a reason why people choose these.

[@MaZEEZaM]

+John Thompson I hope they keep the exterior look.

[@ghettomist1575]

+MaZEEZaM they wont

[@fadjarroosdianto6079]

+Lj Jones Instead of changing it..LR has decided to end it.

[@lror]

Landy power 💪

[@emp731]

A defender is what a 4wd should be..Part truck,part tractor with a dash of humv.

[@asambi69]

I mean to be fair, these hipsters who drive them in the city are idiots. The Defender was never designed to be comfortable it was designed to be great off road, It sucks as a city car, Its noisy rattles to hell and the steering is really vague compared to todays standards, But if your a farmer who lives in the middle of no where and his land gets muddy or snowy, then this is the vehicle you need. Its tough enough to get out of pretty much any terrain and will happily pull your trailer of whatever, where ever you need it.

[@flight2k5]

Where’s the legendary flex?

[@Jed1pilot]

I have done thousands of miles in my defender and most of it with the window up, you do not need it down, you are in a 110 you have no bulkhead the seat goes back further. This guy is a bad reviewer.

[@aodhanpk]

I really don't like this guy in the video

[@nelsonkaiulo402]

Put it on mute and then you'll truly appreciate this beauty.

[@linro]

This vehicle would be perfect for people below 1.6m

[@danielanju960]

In my country, this car is to expensive, cost about a billion rupiahs. To put that into perspective, Prado cost about the same, or you could buy a fancy C class Merc for the price.....

[@asithajayasundera1631]

and no air bags

[@bighands69]

+Asitha Jay And what is the problem with that.

[@mahhRobbieSaleh]

Cant stand the people who buy these just to pose about in them. Take them off road at least once for gods sake!!! Thats what they are made for!!!!

[@bighands69]

+Derpy Turnip The vast majority of people who buy these do so for the off road. You will find very few posers in these.

[@ghettomist1575]

Haha yea I don't know how much they cost but I have seen hundreds of G Wagons that have never been near mud. I guess if a car cost 100,000 dollars I might question going off road, but still they were made for that.

[@smartiboo]

Wrong tyres.

[@pauldashwood2897]

I think they should have called this how to slag of the defender..he’s in the wrong job .i wouldn’t sell mine .

[@thesaturdaytechchannelwith553]

...Jesus all these Land Rover owners, calm down seriously, I'm becoming one soon so I understand why you guys are mad at the reviewer but come on he's Aussie, who doesn't love the way the Aussie's are :D

[@colindesmond6505]

the defender review is a discrase ! how could you say that of such of a buetiful car.

[@Tillerman56]

Just not for spoiled princesses.

[@FredericoMartins.]

Tá desgrama ta em inglês 👹👹👹👹👹👹👺👺👺👺👹👺👹👹👹👹👹👹👺👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👺👹👹👺👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👀👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👀👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹

[@jackjane7981]

It’s a bog standard vehicle for OFF-ROAD farmers etc

[@samdurward4840]

This was too funny ahhaahha

[@bmveBOY]

i got one word for you. OlllllO jeeeeeep

[@ghettomist1575]

Nahh

[@johncurtis9900]

They are not for $%^$*&$'s

[@truthbetold89]

My dad had a 1994 defender 90 3.9 v8 By far the most unrealible car we ever owned. There was nothing nice about it. under powered, noisy, fuel consumption was ridiculous. knock when accelerating or de-accelerating from the area of the gearbox, u can also feel it. all I can say is that they are all over rated and badly engineered and any honest person who owned or owns one will agree.

[@thebnicho]

You bought a V8 and then complain about fuel consumption? What did you expect?

[@colindesmond6505]

the defender review is a discrase ! how could you say that of such of a buetiful car.