Defender 90 Hard Top real world review. Is the cheapest Defender the best one on sale today?

[@reinmansmith]

This the first review I have seen showing the new Defender actually as a ‘work’ vehicle. Up until now I’ve merely viewed it as the true replacement for the Disco 4. As ever Harry, you actually have put the vehicle to use rather than just driven it around for a week. In doing so, for the first time since the new Defender was launched, you have given me a different perspective on this vehicle and I can see that it can indeed be a true ‘workhorse’ in this form. Excellent work Harry as ever 👍

[@homejames4977]

Please try the INEOS Grenadier

[@Stabby666]

I bought one of the first 110s, and have been using it for well over a year now, with a lot of towing and off-road use, with no problems at all. It's far nicer to drive than any other 4x4 I've tried, and it beats the old defenders in pretty much every way possible (yeah I owned an old 110 too, and bloody hated it). Mine doesn't get cleaned a lot either, unless LR do it when they're servicing it🤣

[@stevec6427]

I know a couple farmers using new Defenders as workhorses now and they're getting on well with them. They're abusing them in the fields and farm yard and they're taking the abuse well. You cant fix them with a bit of baler twine and a hammer but with all the safety and emissions stuff they have to have, it's impossible to build cars like that now.

[@kw5732]

@@Stabby666 Guessing you don't live in Australia

[@hughmarcus1]

@@homejames4977 The problem with the Grenadier is going to be it’s price. It’s not going to be not very much cheaper than a base Defender & actually has all the older technology of the old model (beam axles etc) Not to mention it’s got the wrong engine 😬

[@andrewb325]

Nice to see this vehicle used properly. It's impressive how well it does in the mud with those street tires. On off-road tires it must be amazing.

[@johnsim3722]

Tried one at the Land Rover Off Road Experience in Scotland and I can't tell you just how impressed I was. Via my dad I've used various old Land Rovers (well, not old at the time!) and this one would have would have done everything we used the old ones for and more. And been far better on-road too. It was a D300, and that engine is one of the best I've ever experienced.

[@PillSharks]

Take one and put it through the same stages as all the camel trophy events! You’ll soon see the difference between the old and new.. from what I’ve seen it’s got appalling axle articulation which in my opinion could be dangerous as I’ve seen videos with the wheels dangling high in the air and then gravity over comes the front end and the vehicle comes down quite hard nearly resulting in a roll. So the old one had massive axle articulation from standard whilst the new hasn’t really got any…hardly an improvement is it! Also knowing what JLR electrics can be like this will be an absolute nightmare in 10 years time…83 ECUs I believe with miles of wiring and modules. I’ll keep my 30 year old defender thanks!

[@Japangirl2506]

Oh my Dady boy hahaha

[@johnsim3722]

@@PillSharks You mean those specially prepared and modified Cancer Trophy models? There's already 3rd party modifications for the New Defender which will increase axle articulation if that's what you need, but the New Defender also has the advantage of not having a differential getting in the way too. Many times when you see 4x4s getting stuck it's because of that low hanging differential, which the New Defender doesn't suffer from. Today every car has ECUs. Testing of these modules when they're being designed is to a higher standard than regular electronics, and often you have automotive grade components specifically for use in this environment. You just have to accept that is part of modern cars and JLR will have hardened their modules more because of the use case being in a rugged 4x4.

[@PillSharks]

@@johnsim3722 well that’s the point, they weren’t really heavy modified for the camel events compared to what we see now in comp trucks with massive suspension lifts and huge tyres! Granted they had safety device roll cages, snorkels and winches and other things but if you fitted the same equipment to the new defender see how long it last when it’s rolled and upside down or up to the roof in thick muddy water! I don’t think the camel land rovers had any suspension lifts or even locking diffs fitted although I could be wrong on that. As for the low diff well with a set of 750 tyres or even bigger then I would say that the low diff would probably be around the same or even higher than the lowest part of the new defender. Yes a quite agree, all vehicles now have ECUs. My problem isn’t with the fact JLR have put them into a vehicle..they haven’t really got a choice! But as somebody who’s been around the Land Rover many years, did my apprenticeship on them and still use them for work today pulling heavy ropes and wires on ships I always liked the simplicity of them and that’s what they were always about…I wouldn’t call 83 ECUs and cameras and sensors a simple vehicle! In my opinion and I’m sure you will disagree but you can’t really compare the old and new because they are totally different vehicles. In my world I would have liked the new defender to have been something along the lines of the grenadier.

[@johnsim3722]

@@PillSharks The Grenadier isn't going to be the 4x4 that all the New Defender haters are projecting their hopes and dreams on to. I will be good, but I can already see problems with the design. Problems that the car they copied the look from doesn't have! And it will be expensive. Plus the car will have a lot of ECUs for that BMW engine too. And all the other systems that cars are required to have now. Watching Harry reverse his towards the trailer was fantastic. This is what we did with our Land Rovers, except our trailers were static caravans we were siting or moving. A 40' caravan doesn't move so you have to get the towing bar precisely in place. With the rear camera it had that would have been so easy to do. Instead you had to have a spotter telling you where to go. But for the Cancer Trophy, you know it was all fake in later years? It wasn't the pioneering adventure it was played out to be? And other than drowning the cars, which probably didn't help them anyway, I doubt there was anything the New Defender couldn't do that they did. It really is a great 4x4. Go try one.

[@eannamc]

Jezza is now the farmer friend up the road 😆

[@duncanwestbrook5092]

‘Quite a famous farm shop’ 😂

[@justsomeguy1141]

I believe they are referring to the Tyre Kicker club, not sure if it's on Clarkson's farm but he seems to attend every year

[@modmod392]

Cup of tea, Harry’s Garage……relax before kids bath time and a crazy week ahead. 👍

[@RoelfvanderMerwe]

I feel exactly the same! It's my relaxing time on a Sunday evening

[@AleksandrHalas]

Absolutely agree with You!!!

[@OkulSmoK]

Same here!

[@TheAgwarn]

Hope JLR recognise the positive work Harry does for them, that new Defender really is a fantastic machine! Also farmer friend with a rather famous farm shop! 😆

[@Rx37Legacy]

Yeah wonder who that is! :D

[@hsdxb]

Clarksonnnnn!!!!!

[@skylined5534]

@@Rx37Legacy Farmer Giles!

[@bodgerbill3]

Harry, another excellent and well-thought-out review. As a Defender, old and new fan, and owner, I concur completely.

[@spycon69]

I guess its rather early to say, but are there any reliability concerns on this vehicle ?

[@bodgerbill3]

@@spycon69 Well I can honestly say that my first year of ownership has been faultless as was the previous Discovery Sport and the Discovery 4 before it.

[@spycon69]

@@bodgerbill3 thank you for your response. Much appreciated. I am almost convinced for the 110. It would be my first land Rover. I come from a long line of Volvo's and reliability is my ONLY concern. But I have to say I really LOVE this car...

[@skylined5534]

@Bill Smith I think that stupid channel TFL were quick to try to use made-up issues with their new Defender when everyone else seems to be having an excellent experience with theirs.

[@andrewbradley4511]

This is one of the most genuine and honest reviews I’ve seen so far, over the last 25 years I’ve had 15 land rovers Defenders, last one been a 2013. I have Contemplated moving to Toyota hi lux but seeing this review still makes me want to buy a defender.

[@stevenfletcher4379]

I recently started watching Harry's Garage and I am thoroughly enjoying doing so. I have watched motoring shows for over forty years, and I reckon, Harry is the best of the lot. I love is knowledge, his on screen presence and his delivery. Good job, Harry.

[@whitemoor66]

Excellent to hear a review of the Defender from someone who actually uses it as it should be and a mostly positive one at that!

[@JC-xw7ml]

I use my 110 as a van, love it, best vehicle I’ve ever owned, yes it’s more expensive than a usual commercial van, but it’s two vehicles in one, when I take my tools and other crap out of it, give it a clean, it’s a refined comfortable car. I’ve actually saved a fortune not having a separate transit and a car. Win win! (And not a single issue with it in a year and 20,000 miles)

[@homejames4977]

Please look at the INEOS Grenadier

[@JC-xw7ml]

@@homejames4977 why? It’ll cost the same and won’t be as good.

[@stevec6427]

@@homejames4977 How's he going to do that? It's not available until June. Anything he may be able to get before then would be a pre-production prototype so not a fair test.

[@borjastick]

On a cold winter's day there is something warm and comforting about watching Harry and his Defender.

[@BarkandJack]

The grumble of that Jag is lovely!

[@suttonsplash14]

Love these “is the cheapest also the best” series

[@ianatkinson9227]

Ordered one in February arrived in August waited a long time for the replacement defender it has been worth waiting for tows a cattle trailer at full 3.5ton no problems with stability and power extra got mettalic black extras alloy wheels black roof lining to keep cleaner and a fixed towbar better for towing I agree the loadspace is poor apart from that 👍🤠

[@chickentonight22]

This channel is why I love Sundays

[@NigelMarston]

This is the kind of unbiased criticism I hope Land Rover listens to. Lots of positives but some points to address too. Great review.

[@anthonyknox1493]

"The cabin is very 'Defender like' in here..." -presses engine start button!

[@hamood1655]

But the old defender and tell me how it is… yeah not something to live with more of a luxury or a really beat up car

[@hamood1655]

Buy*

[@MismanagedFutures]

Hi Harry. Just a small correction - you said that you can’t get the steel wheels if you upgrade the engine to the d250 but you can. It’s only the d300 (and p400/e & v8) where steelies are not an option because they are too small for the bigger brakes that come with those engines.

[@MrSoppysod]

I've been driving/owning Land Rovers, on and off (but mostly on) since 1969 from the Series 1 to Range Rover and I wish this model Defender had been available 20 years ago! Didn't actually like this iteration of the Defender when it first appears but it's growing on me a lot, so thanks for this wonderful appraisal Harry and thank you. I do wonder though whether it could be as versatile and adaptable as the old Defender range.

[@StephenFogarty2023]

130 model gets released in July / August Utility versions of 130 are being developed A smaller Defender 80 / Defender Sport due by late 2023 And many other variants of Defender are coming

[@tomblatch1594]

One of the very few new cars on sale I actually want to own - particularly in this spec! Great video as always Harry - thanks.

[@ibana8449]

I had dismissed owning the D200 base model as I had also assumed it was going to be lacklustre, I’m off for another look at the prices. Great video Harry thank you.

[@bongskag]

test a toyota FJ cruiser , thank me later !

[@matousvavricka7660]

Nice to see someone who actually thought about the options for the car and selected nearly the only ones necesseary for the cars usecase. Most youtube channels have them on like 20" rims with no sidewall, I know that these 18" steelies still might not be small enough for someone, but it is still much better. Also I don't think other youtube channels make a great job of showing that it does not have to be the expensive luxury car. I think what happend to TFLoffroad was very unfortunate, because I believe that if they had the first one that was also thought out they would have a much more pleasant experience than with the one they ended up with. They ended up with a really expensive model, but it had 20" rims, didn't have a locking rear diff and didn't have any underbody protection. But if you cheap out on the expensive stull like full leather seats, panoramic roof, big rims and nice paint you can select only the necesseary options that will really make it a better car off-road. And it won't have the price of a luxury SUV.

[@scottmitchell4311]

A base model, utilitarian two seat vehicle that costs £45K - I think you'll see more of these outside trendy lunch spots on a weekday than you will on a working farm.

[@JC-xw7ml]

Transit custom will cost you 30 Grand, got rid of mine and got a defender instead, Use that as my van and car and then saved a fortune just having one vehicle. All my tools and materials fit in or on it easily, then at wk ends it’s the most comfortable refined car I’ve ever owned (not a single issue with it in over 20k miles)

[@YearsOfLeadPoisoning]

New cars are a strictly luxury item now.

[@StephenFogarty2023]

I don’t agree Refer to the comment by JC. A lot of people will do this. Invest in one good multi purpose vehicle like the Defender

[@MattMeNotYou]

@@JC-xw7ml Overlooking a minimum of 50% difference in price!

[@glennoc8585]

You can get a jeep with a hard top for a lot less money or a 3 door Japanese 4wd.

[@GENXGENZ]

I do love the new defender 90, I learnt to drive in a series 2 and always wanted a new defender, and now might be the time

[@simontracey9181]

Great review as ever. I looked at Defender before I ordered my Landcruiser Commercial Active LWB, but couldn't come to terms with the price difference once I had specced the Defender (Landcruiser lists at £42185 inc VAT). Based on your original review of the passenger version (when you took it for a swim!), the technology is well ahead of the Landcruiser, but Landcruiser had it beaten in terms of internal space for my use, plus a split tailgate that also locks open. Of course, the Toyota is converted here for UK market, so like Defender some of the best news isn't what they take out, but what gets left behind compared to a true commercial. The key bit for me is that it retains all of the soundproofing of the passenger car version which makes it very refined for road driving. I'm only up the road from you if you want me to pop it down for a back to back!

[@MrSparklespring]

Remember the saying : "If you want to drive to the jungle buy a Landrover, if you want to drive to the jungle and back buy a Landcruiser". :)

[@simontracey9181]

@@MrSparklespring So they say! In fairness, like Harry, I drive around the Cotswolds and therefore the risks of being stranded are minimal. The main risk of a breakdown round here is being stuck near a farm shop that charges £6 for a coffee, and £12 for a sandwich whilst you wait for recovery

[@MrSparklespring]

@@simontracey9181 Haha, good one!

[@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834]

@@MrSparklespring news to me...

[@Golo1949]

Landcruiser all day.

[@Hughjass2855]

Thanks for that review Harry, enjoyed very much. Hardly anyone who reviews these type of vehicles ever seem to consider the towing aspect, which for me is 75% of the time with the vehicle. Nice vehicles, I've driven a few now but will be sticking with my old tried and tested Shogun commercial LWB for now, does a great job, (fence post fits and tailgate locks) and doesn't cost £50k! I know I'll have to give in eventually though....

[@homejames4977]

Please look at the INEOS Grenadier

[@anonanon7497]

@@homejames4977 Paid shill/bot. Stop spamming comment sections.

[@artovnoyes8479]

Great to see a real world review. Presumably a roof rack would be an option for longer (not too heavy) items although it would affect the mpg when out and about.

[@davidgrover2665]

Another great straightforward honest review Harry - love the new Defender and prefer the proportions of the 90 - prices are mad at the minute though!

[@punkbloater]

It looks really good with the steel wheels, got that classic look, I love it!

[@skylined5534]

I really like the steels too, I'd love to see those wheels on this car but fitted up with something really aggressive looking like a set of Ziarelli Devils!

[@anonanon7497]

Got to look good in your lifestyle car , whilst dropping the children off at school.

[@JamieM85]

Had my D200 90 for almost a year now, absolutely love it.

[@machiningbasics1729]

A true and honest review! Most of the issues come down to it not really being designed for what your using it for. It’s not really what they used to be. I’ll keep my 1982 Landy

[@garyhilton6042]

Totally, We love ours but the utility in some areas is compromised, mainly as Harry says its basically a passenger model.

[@vladg2239]

Harry, I just love the contrast of a Ferrari F40 sitting in a shed next to a gardening rake! Thank you for doing what you do.

[@jnewzealand4677]

Great well thought out review, good yes but it’s price point for business not so convincing, it’s still hard to look past a Toyota for reliability, function and value for money, the balance sheet never lies!

[@ronstopfer2315]

The Subaru Outback turbo also gives great performance, total reliability, and super bang for the buck, with amenities that other car makers call options.

[@cp4512]

True, but the very very low depreciation for this Defender is impressive and makes PCPs attractive.

[@18robsmith]

One big step forward is that your right elbow doesn't hit the door top in the way it did in the old ones.

[@dukeofbork]

As someone who still uses their 110 (TD5 Double Cab) on the farm I'm saddened that within the JLR line up there's no modern upgrade if I ever wanted to go that way. Having a pickup is too useful as in the past week I've had to chuck 10+ fence posts in the back, take the canopy off by myself to move some stuff and fill it with hay, also some of our gates would scelp the side off a lot of things as they are too fat, seeing a chap trying to get his Amorak through one was pretty amusing. Of all the things that annoy me in the JLR line is theres no proper replacement for the Disco 3 / 4 commercial or rival to the Hilux. We've always had landys on and arround the farm from a 109 series 3, an early L322 V8, T5 90 etc. It saddens me that the next farm truck won't be a Land Rover.

[@nomoreheroes93]

Helpful perspective, I always suspected for real farm work (not Cotswolds farming like Harry and other motoring journos do) that this luxury SUV wouldn't cut it, even in a faux "commercial" form.

[@chanceym6000]

I suspect JLR has a pickup coming in like 2024, and it has been hinted at by some JLR executives. Wouldn't be hard to change the 110 or 130 into a pickup

[@WilliamStevens007]

That will be the Grenadier then you will need.

[@dukeofbork]

@@chanceym6000 sadly i fear it will be more of heavy image truck, tbh for any farmer there’s no real point in the modern jlr line up when for the price of most new Defender you could have two D-Max’s

[@chanceym6000]

@@dukeofbork Obviously an older or more simple truck is going to be cheaper. I expect this will sell well in the US where trucks like the Ram TRX sell well because of the offroad image

[@markholmes6831]

I’m glad my brother in law put me on to your channel. The reviews are very well balanced and highly enjoyable.

[@Strike86]

I'm having flashbacks to the 2000 'New' Mini. Same story all over again - a fashionably styled car that totally sidesteps the point of the original. Still a very impressive vehicle and it's great to see one being used like this (if only to know they can be) but I fear we'll be seeing more of these in Surbiton than in Somerset at £45k. The Mitsubishi L200 is the new farmer's vehicle of choice - Land Rover have moved on from that clientèle entirely.

[@Lewis2710]

Thing is that farmers moved on from landrovers years ago, pickups like the D-Max were just as practical, more reliable and more comfortable compared to the old defender and were miles cheaper to buy and run. Since like 2000 farmers have moved on I’d say especially where I live, even if landrover did a proper basic off reader like the original defender farmers would still buy pickups because they will always be cheaper and more reliable than a land rover, just my opinion

[@Strike86]

@@Lewis2710 Yes I agree, although where I live plenty of farmers still use Land Rover products (just not always Defenders). I'm not necessarily saying that the death of the Defender as a work vehicle is a bad thing (at least for farmers), but it does mean that it's lost its purpose and identity. Its shrinking ubiquity in the countryside undermines the very credibility its nameplate is trading on, and makes it just another SUV competing in a very crowded marketplace. It begs the question - who is this for exactly? Outside of farm use I really can't think of any significant demographic who needs a vehicle that can do these things. We can't know exactly who JLR were targeting with this vehicle, but I will say that the idea of aiming expensive trucks like this at consumers who have absolutely no need for its capabilities is appallingly irresponsible.

[@aqa321]

@@Strike86 People will buy products that they like and feel a desire to buy. That's their responsibility, not LandRover's. Selling cheap utilitarian farm vehicles is not profitable and developing any new vehicle platform is hugely expensive. There would not be a new Defender if it weren't for a broader appeal.

[@Strike86]

@@aqa321 If it's not the responsibility of car manufacturers to design their vehicles for particular markets then all the focus tests and research they do into exactly that must be for nothing. I guess the fact that many major car makers no longer sell estate cars, instead preferring to market SUVs and crossovers is also the consumer's fault - nothing to do with their higher profit margins, or the advertising they target at the demographics they know will buy it. People buy things because companies, dealers and advertising tell them to - overwhelmingly so. We're a lot less in control of our own choices than we think we are, especially if we're uninformed and not 'into' cars like you and I. Nobody can buy a vehicle they haven't heard of, and when was the last time you saw a family estate car advertised on TV? Utilitarian farm vehicles are clearly profitable or else nobody would make them. They may not be profitable to build in the UK nowadays but that's another argument. Frankly I'd rather not have a new Defender than have it exclusively in well-healed areas of cities where they clog up traffic, emit more pollution and kill pedestrians at an increased rate. It was a vehicle that really didn't need to exist in this form. If farmers buy them, great, they've proven me wrong, but I think this Defender will become more fashion accessory than farm equipment because that's exactly the bill it fits.

[@shankarbalan3813]

Harry is the best. Using each vehicle as it was meant to be used. No garage queens here! It’s so refreshing to see a Landrover Defender being used in the normal working farming world. What it was originally born to do.

[@Gorbyrev]

Great review Harry. Can't help thinking that a holes saw through the bulkhead would sort the rake / post issue.

[@Gorbyrev]

@Paul Fellows Ask the dealer for an exemption and note it on the car's service record. They might not cover you if you didn't secure a load and it trollied into the screen under braking!

[@blacktoothfox677]

yep then your warranty is over

[@HawkMillFarm]

It's official, farm vehicles shouldn't be washed, many thanks for the conformation Harry. Nice vehicle, you just need to take the jigsaw to that bulkhead.

[@harrysgarage]

Thanks for your comment! I understand it's a 5-minute job to remove it, which is what I would do if I owned one of these. I also think LR missed a trick not giving the new Defender a split rear tailgate. Function, rather than style, should be the priority here

[@MrJoost444]

Been running lease Land Rovers for years with work and for a long time we only used commercials. Started a bit sceptically with the Freelander. It's bulkhead was an elaborate cage with a large cutout between the seats. The swing door's top half was a frameless electric window, there were lift out panels above the seats and the whole rear had a fully insulated targa roof that lifted off. Really well thought out and executed. The Disco 2 bulkheads were two part and left you with a tub line like in the old Defender 90. The old 110 utility defender didn't have a bulkhead (like current combi vans, which is great but how come?) I use car variants now and am using the new 110 phev which is great and much more useful than the hard top. The hard top Defenders should come with a cut away bulkhead and the folding soft top as standard..

[@davidgraham9804]

Was watching a Doug video and got a Harry notification so will watch the rest of Doug after this 😀

[@sportster883able]

We have loads of these now here in Qatar. Granted NOT base ones - most are high spec. We have a 9 month wait list (as a Land Rover LR3 V8 HSE and Range Rover Sport 5.0 V8 Supercharged HSE owner I wanted to buy one a year ago and was told there is huge demand). You CAN buy them (sometimes) on the used market but like UK they are way over list and are commanding up to double the price from the main dealer....great cars but NOT at 100,000 sterling equivalent for a mid range optioned model on the used market.

[@mrboaty7162]

Impressive but from a cost perspective that’s silly money for a work horse . You can get a double cab Ford pickup for base £25k ex tax and massively cheaper to run . Carries more , more space , simple machinery , half the service costs . The defender is a rich farmers toy . Sorry to be brutal but I don’t know any farmers round our way buying any their all double cab pick ups , my neighbor has a 12 year old hi Lux and it get abused every day and it’s still going strong , the defenders electronics will expired by then . I can appreciate it’s a very nice thing but let’s be honest it’s never going to be a proper work horse , 95% are being sold to hipsters and school run mums .

[@edombre4637]

you use a land rover to drive into the jungle and a land cruiser to drive out of the jungle

[@skylined5534]

@Ed Ombre' Because the Land cruiser was sat on Tarmac at the end.

[@skylined5534]

@Mr Boaty I can guarantee that Explorer will cry enough long before the Defender will. I'm a major Ford fan and as such I'm far more realistic in my outlook.

[@khakimzhanmiras]

what honest awd car is cheaper? A subaru, base model x3? currently, i can get a base 90 for almost half the price of a touareg!

[@johannes.f.r.]

The Sport setting on the gearbox might be a good idea when towing a heavy trailer like that (at least on smaller roads). With most brands that is recommended.

[@davidedwards4125]

Good example of what’s good and what’s wrong. I love most of the new Defender but as a Discovery 3 owner i couldn’t cope with the terrible rear space access and hinges door. Even my old Freelander Had a dropping rear window and passed the fence post test.

[@homejames4977]

Please look at the INEOS Grenadier

[@DiscoFang]

@@homejames4977 Please f off and stop the spam

[@jon1801]

Grenadier will knock this poser off its perch.

[@davidedwards4125]

@@homejames4977 no, toxic brand as far as I’m concerned. I wouldn’t touch it with the barge pole or even that rake that diddnt fit in the defender.

[@davidedwards4125]

@@jon1801 The Grenadier is not the vehicle for me.

[@miamimo70]

The Jag looks glorious, eclipses everything!

[@bigleemac]

Great review, driven these a few times including off road and it’s hilarious how good it is on a challenging off road course. Hope Harry gets a grenadier to look at, seems that would address his few niggles with the defender.

[@offroadingfoz]

Doubt it because he’s in with JLR on press cars etc. but may surprise us. 🤞🏻🙏🏻

[@murrieteacher]

thanks Harry, great video. Unfortunately the service support in Australia is lacking. I think LR is up to 3 court cases in Oz, and the manufacturer has lost all 3.

[@rosssimpson9248]

I always love reviews of the base model cars, as they are usually the purest. This is no exception. Steel springs, white steel wheels, grunty turbo-diesel - what’s not to like?

[@josephberrie9550]

£53,000 thousand pounds for a basic work vehicle thats what is not to like... you must be a poor farmer (sarcasm)

[@alanwayte432]

I was lucky enough to buy a Defender 90 in 2022, at £64k it seemed very expensive, but I liked the look, I had to say yes to dealership on the day or lose it as it was a cancellation but dealership had a waiting list, rather than go through Finance I transferred funds, after 15000 miles and two years, I have just sold it fo £63k...happy days ❤

[@dc4127]

Why did you sell

[@themightywrighty]

A addition of the a "Ski hatch" might have helped, if they need to include that bulkhead.

[@AndyK.1]

Vans have a hatch under the passenger seat

[@julian4548]

I’d prefer a long wheel base towing a trailer that length and weight any distance. No comment about the nose up attitude when hooked up and the lack of space in the rear is ridiculous. But god I love these videos. More power to you Harry. Thank you.

[@jayfxdx]

Really enjoyed this review! Another very different perspective on what a "farm" vehicle is from what I'm used too. When I think farm vehicle it's a large diesel one ton pickup and I was very impressed with the towing capacity of that Defender!

[@shmac96]

Love it! Why is it that Land Rover always seems to work reliably in Britain but not in the States?

[@KXKKX]

Constant rain and high humidity prevent build up of static electricity? /s

[@JC-xw7ml]

Good review, apart from the fact he could stick a roof rack on it like I have (I put ply boards, metal straight edges etc). like Harry, I spec’ed mine properly, ie, no massive wheels, Low profile tyres, Leather etc. I bought my 110 and use it as a van as I’m a tradesman, love it, not a single issue with it In 20,000 miles, crammed with tools and crap in the back, and when cleaned up, it’s a comfortable refined car my wife can drive, There nothing out there quit like it. I actually look forward to going to work to drive it.

[@StephenFogarty2023]

Well done JC A lot of people will do the same as u. Spend a bit more, but invest in one excellent vehicle that can be used for multi purposes. 👍

[@SimonPhillips76]

I like the fact the JLR owners trumpet the fact they’ve done 20,000 miles without any issues as some sort of galactic achievement.

[@JC-xw7ml]

@@SimonPhillips76 Bore off, Only had it a year, give me a chance

[@StephenFogarty2023]

@@SimonPhillips76 Very dumb comment, First customer deliveries of new Defender began approx March / April 2020. Whether J C got his Defender in May or October 2020, he is merely stating that since he (recently) got it, he’s done 20,000 miles of reliable motoring. Plenty of JLR owners have had their vehicles for many years of reliable motoring. My June 2017 Disco Sport has just clocked 90,000 kms Fantastic vehicle… The stupid comments about JLR reliability issues, are a carry over from many, many years ago. Unfortunately gutless keyboard trolls keep perpetuating the matter with comments that are lame, and not a fair representation of today’s JLR vehicles.

[@SimonPhillips76]

@@StephenFogarty2023 As it happens I love this van, a colleague has the 110, but I prefer this in its utilitarian glory. As for my facetiousness I’m sorry it touched a nerve. It would be naive to think that JLR’s appalling reliability has been sorted. I would have one without question, but would be prepared for problems.

[@douglasharre7156]

Regarding storage for the rake etc. I have a 2001 Lexus IS300 sedan with a regular boot. There's a lockable, circular opening at the rear of the boot that opens into the rear seat space. It's designed to allow skis (or equivalent) to be put into the boot and then into the space between the two front seats (if required). Land Rover needs to put a similar opening in the barrier between the seating area and the carrying zone behind. Rake problem solved.

[@jameshodgson1609]

Thank you for the review Harry, it’s good to get a long term view. The space issue is a serious one for the application however. You could have easily fitted those items in my 80 or much longer ones if you folded the front screen down ! As some others have said, you could make the changes to the bulkhead if it was your own car.

[@secretsquirrel3793]

I wonder if a removable or opening rear window is the most feasible solution. That way you could fit fence posts or rakes. I suspect that locking the rear door open will confuse the parking sensors and/or lead to door strike/damage when manoeuvring.

[@JC-xw7ml]

Or just put a roof rack on it, the JLR one works and makes the vehicle look better in my opinion, I carry 4 meter long straight edges on mine. (I can also easily carry 2.5 meter lengths inside of the 110.

[@huwdavies6650]

They should use the bulkhead solution offered on Stelantis vans. They have a panel that opens lowdown on the passenger side that combined with the fold away passenger seat allows you to load through long items from the back into the front passenger footwell.

[@klausnielsen7102]

Born and raised on a farm in Denmark. Can’t imagine what purpose this “urban tractor” would do on a real farm…

[@displacement5960]

Yes and I'm sure a Rolex Submariner is a suboptimal dive watch in 2022, but here we are

[@alistairmackinlay1773]

You do have the option of a roof rack for long objects Harry.,

[@LucaGhislotti]

I own both the old 90 Tdci and the new "basic" D250 110 (with steel wheels). I totally agree in every aspect, absolutely genius car. As always, awesome review ;)

[@Cayres9]

Just be careful as all the wiring loom is in the front bumper , as one American guy found out when he cut the bumper to put a Winch in LOL totally killed the car

[@paulredding5864]

So whats the advantage of the 90 over the 110 if the rear space is limited. Why didnt they make the rear window drop down? And that floor pull re dirt...1st world problem, get a rubber mat. Rear hitch camera was good though

[@Maurice_Moss]

@@Cayres9 you can get a winch from factory now, it's on the options list

[@Cayres9]

@@Maurice_Moss Ah they must have resolved that issue then but still if you watch the Rufford Ford vids, it was embarrassing an old 1980s defender had to pull out the new one 🤣

[@CovKid2K10]

Thanks Harry for providing a true review with not only positives but all the important negatives. Other tubers do not do this as they are scared!!

[@davidlythgoe8478]

Great review. I went for the five seat 90 and love it. Apart from the rear seats not folding flat, I'm really pleased with it after 4k miles. I had side steps fitted as my wife struggled to get in .I chose the green with a white roof and smile every time that I look at it. It looks fine dirty.

[@chanceym6000]

Note: not a flat floor, but you can pop out the base of the second row and fold them flat

[@davidlythgoe8478]

Yes I do that sometimes when I really need to. It's good tip

[@garrisong]

That backup feature for towing Is absolutely fantastic.

[@siviter]

I know you lose out on the VAT going for a regular defender. But as a tool, I think the 6 seat 90 option would be a good option if the seats folded down properly, as they will sell you a metal mesh divider and they could easily sell you a large rubber mat to cover the seat backs. I actually messaged Land Rover about doing fold up rear seats like you get in a Citroen C2 or first gen Renault Twingo. I'd happily have two rear seats instead of a bench if they slid forward/backwards and folded out of the way, but they didn't reply.

[@StephenFogarty2023]

In a 90 model, the bottom part of the rear seats easily unclip and can be removed. The seat backs then fold completely flat.

[@robertmarton8858]

A nice nugget of insight into rural Oxfordshire life in the English winter at 17.47: a Ferrari Portofino rolling by......

[@cm1971it]

The Jag is absolutely gorgeous!

[@hydorah]

That's the best looking new Defender I've ever seen. All the ones I see in work's car park are decked out with nice bits and don't look very rugged. It was the work truck and military uses that made the old Defender the icon that it is. I have always said a butt basic commercial vehicle Defender for the modern age, with windy windows and springs and all that... Will keep that going. What a great little truck, just a little bit expensive and as you said would need a few tweaks to perfect it as a work truck: removable bulk head and still less bells and whistles and trim bits and fixing that hatch in the back. To be honest I'm well impressed! Those scalpers are bloody annoying though!

[@mravi97]

I'm going to ruffle a few feathers with this, but - with all due respect - to buy this, one has to be either British, or crazy. How can a £50k commercial vehicle with compromised cargo space ever be a commercial hit and a good value proposition?! A Jimny is less than half the price and does the same thing, so long as you don't need the towing ability. And if you do need the towing ability, a pickup (Nissan, Toyota, VW) can do it, again, for less, while also offering ca. twice as much space. To say I don't understand Harry's enthusiasm would be an understatement.

[@anonanon7497]

1. They're almost always used with trailers on the farm 2. Rural/Agricultural thefts are a massive problem in the UK and this is why open pickups aren't popular here, not enough security.

[@paulf2529]

Not a patch on a shogun 4work or land cruiser comercial in terms of value and work practicality, even in the 110 model.

[@theessexracer]

Harry, NEVER STOP SUNDAY UPLOADS, brilliant as always!

[@kingofalldoughboys]

I would imagine that you could use the roof rails you paid a premium for to bungie down longer items like fence posts, rakes and the like on the roof.

[@johncollymore1697]

Superb video and review Harry. Many Thanks. But you never mentioned - or compared this car with your 1954 Land Rover 86-inch...! (presume you still have it, you haven't mentioned or shown us it for quite a while; but many years ago, you said you'd never sell it...!). Best wishes.

[@neillangdale829]

I always look forward to 5 on a Sunday night when I can watch the new Harry's garage vid. Thanks for the content Harry Nice review. 👌👌

[@mark2too]

A friend has the exact same model, the only difference, his has the box and ladder thing on the side. Other than the box on the side completely obstructing the drivers side mirror vision (ridiculously pointless) the car is amazing. I had it for a few days whilst he was away and if I'm honest, didn't know what to expect. I used to own a 90 Td5 so was interested to see how it was different compared to its predecessor. Early 90 Defenders kind of bite you with their character, which a lot of people don't understand however, I think you're right, you have to just forget about trying to look for comparisons and focus on this being a completely new model because it's brilliant. I was towing with it also, which it does beautifully. The only other thing wrong with it?? It's not mine.

[@go_horse]

The smartest automotive channel in all of KZbin

[@rontaumelscheibe]

Driving my 90 3.0 D200 Basic (incl. 5 additional options) "green bulldog" now for 8 month. I have never been disappointed. The engine is powerful, quiet and economical for the weight of the car. The Defender is also a fantastic touring vehicle. Comfortable, quiet and agile thanks to the shorter wheelbase. Drive it in the city, in the country and on the highway. And this winter we already had ample opportunity to test the suitability for snow. I would never buy a German car. Greetings from Munich 😛

[@StephenFogarty2023]

Congrats Glad u r enjoying your Defender BTW The new generation of 6 cylinder Ingenium engines are a straight 6 Previous generation motors were a V6.

[@catmonkey6826]

Wow that XJ12C really purrs, amazing work. Glad you're getting that Defender dirty Harry!

[@10007will]

Great review Harry. I love the New Defender (as well as the original) . Balanced practical review, hopefully it will only get better over time . PS agree on the mud flaps but you need to add rear ones both to look after those behind you and to complete the classic LR Defender look )

[@paulpressland]

I have covered 12,500 miles in 6 months, really is a great car. Comfortable on long journeys, great off road and easy in the city. My default "Arthur" (Daily/Daly)

[@cowanscott9047]

"The same load space (or thereabouts..) as a Suzuki Jimny".. hmm.. now let that statement sink in for a second.. 🤔 Great review nonetheless and hands down the best car review channel.

[@DiscoFang]

Harry didn't say that. He said the width of the opening is the same size. 9:53 Nothing makes a point like a misquote though 'ey.

[@tomriley5790]

Can't imagine a better person to review/test/provide feedback on the Defender - good on JLR lending it too you! Truly bizarre that a landrover had negative depreciation! Amazing that it did so well off road on road tyres! Does sound like going to the 110/130 (or perhaps a pickup if they decide to build that) and the air suspension would have addressed the few issues there were.

[@andrewhurstcars]

Nice review Harry. I can’t see Defenders selling for over list forever, Land Rover will be building as many as they can when the chip shortage ends. You should get a three door Land Cruiser in next - a bit more agricultural to drive, but a wider load area. For off road use, some people have fitted a LED light bar to that front protection bar. The advantage of that (removable) partition in that you can load up the rear compartment to ceiling height. I don’t know if I agree with your interior quality to price point, I’ve been in one wondering where the £70k has gone - I think you get better interior quality in the same priced BMW.

[@jamesellsworth9673]

It is a FINE thing to see a working Defender. Even with this one, it looks designed for putting the hounds in the back! As a 'farm vehicle', it seems most comfortable in moving the boss from farm to farm and out away from regular roads. Even so, we have so much more heavy equipment than farms in our area had when I was a lad. We build roads of a sort as needed.

[@Hvitserk67]

As an old Series III (88 "and 109") owner, I have to say that it's a real pleasure to see that Land Rover has really hit the mark with the new Defender. This is the most important thing in a world with increasing competition among car manufacturers. Secondly, I must say that I really like the car. After the Series III, for my part, there was little reason for me to buy a Defender 90 or 110. I had been there before and the difference was overall relatively small (maybe a little unfair to say, but overall it was). With the new Defender, the situation is completely different and I want one (SWB, D200 with steel rims, though as a five seater).

[@StephenFogarty2023]

Great spec

[@ra102506]

Would love to see your test video of the Ineos Grenadier

[@johnwighton]

Great video. But l have to say my old 2005 Pathfinder dci in T Spec trim does everything your £53k Defender does plus it can take a5m load (opening glass on tailgate), 23mpg towing, 43mpg when driven carefully. OK, the engine is truck like and the ride is worse. But as an off road vehicle it was a template that LR needed to use when updating the original Defender. It’s unfortunate they left out the really useful bits…….

[@StephenFogarty2023]

And any new Defender also has various modern safety features modern tech, modern features and a lot of comfort…

[@jack14kd]

The jag looks so good in that colour..

[@antonoat]

Interesting review Harry, thanks for sharing it! It would be very interesting if Ineos were to loan you a Grenadier !

[@thabisovictorkganyego507]

This is why I love this channel, we get very honest review from Harry👌🏾. Also funny😂

[@GregsMowing]

Great review Harry. If the rear door could be locked open as you say, would be better, you can on most vans nowadays. A cleverer bulkhead is needed lots of ford vans have different options either a large flap to let posts through under the passenger seats of a mesh board with hinges so full access to the front of the cab, maybe a moment of laziness from landrover? Or they will say use a trailer... Be good to see if Ineos can send a crew cab pickup to you, in the future, and see what you think of it, same gearbox as the defender and aimed at farmers.

[@Lou-f]

The front and rear floor are different levels for the transit style extra space.

[@guyosborne2696]

Another great Harry's Garage review. I do hop the people at Land Rover HQ look at these real world reviews and make a few changes as the Defender model evolves. I appreciate some things are not possible such as making the rear compartment longer but surely replacing the rear panels with arm rests with hard plastic would not cost anymore. Maybe the sensible options Harry chose could become a standard option pack? Also understand at the moment JLR can charge a premium for the Defender and can sell everyone they make.

[@electorofsaxony7646]

Can't help but notice you're getting a bit of a belly Harry, stay healthy, heart disease almost killed my dad

[@davemiddleditch9741]

Good point on the rear door mate. My 1965 Series 2a had a clamshell tailgate - lifesaver

[@markusdascher4181]

It wears its dirt very well. I need to remember this 😂

[@Riso-Musik]

The auto seems very smooth for a workhorse. When I got snowed in, in 1978, the only things moving were LR90's and tractors.

[@wmasasabi]

Good practical review as always. Casually drops in “farmer neighbour with famous farm shop” 😀#goals

[@Mvelo_]

@Wellingtone, is the farmer neighbour Clarkson by any chance?

[@prakashnarismulu3332]

That jump seat reminds me of my Honda FRV what a brilliant car that was

[@hedydd2]

For carrying anything much you need the 110, full stop. I’ve never understood the farmer’s attraction to the 90 version. The rest of the world favours the far more practical 110. Indeed almost all double cab pickups, the modern farm workhorse, has around a 130” wheelbase and even with a double cab and canopy, is in a different league to these LR products for utility work purposes. The new 90 is a gentleman farmer’s toy not a practical work truck. At least with the current 110 you can carry fence posts etc if not a 600kg bag of fertiliser or a big round or square bale as you can with a bare [canopy-less] pickup.

[@Stabby666]

Depends what they want it for really. If you're mainly using it for shooting, with a dog or two in the back, then the smaller turning circle and better approach/decent angles and lower price are attractive. I don't think the 110 has steel wheels or springs instead of air suspension either? Farmers I know (I live in the country) use battered old pickups that aren't even road-worthy as their farm vehicles for carrying stuff around.

[@tinto278]

get a Landcruiser 🤣🤣

[@hedydd2]

@@Stabby666 As you confirm, they are for gentlemen farmers/barley barrons that shoot and go skiing during the Winter months. They are NOT suitable as utility work vehicles. Undoubtedly more comfortable road transport and good towing vehicles. Nothing wrong with them when the job matches the vehicle, but as versatile work vehicles these fall short [literally and metaphorically] in too many ways.

[@richardchandler8454]

On Welsh hill farms the smaller turning circle of the 90 is very valuable. I have many trailors for carrying big bales, livestock etc and can turn in one go where most pickups need a 3 point turn

[@bencritchley2005]

@@richardchandler8454 I was going to say this also. The old defenders turning circle was terrible even on the 90 so the 110 was too awkward in tight spots

[@ajwright5512]

I don't watch a lot of Harry, but excellent review! To compare to TG, Harry you're the perfect mix of Clarkson & May and precisely zero Hammond - really exemplary. Subscribed.