Land Rover Defender Honest Review After 22000 kms

Land Rover Defender Honest Review by Car Owner Satish Kushwaha After 22000 kms

The Land Rover Defender is one of the most premium and powerful SUVs in the market, known for its powerful performance, luxurious interiors, and strong off-road capabilities. YouTuber Satish Kushwaha bought the Defender HSC 110 in May 2024 and has driven it for 22,000 kms so far. Priced at ₹ 1.35 crore, the Defender has gained popularity for its bold design and commanding road presence. But does it really justify the high price tag? Let’s take a deep look at the real-life experience of the owner and see if it is worth the investment.

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Let’s see if it is worth the price based on his experience.

Stylish Design But Expensive to Maintain

The biggest reason people are attracted to the Land Rover Defender is its iconic and robust look. The boxy design, high ground clearance, and bold grille make it stand out on the road. It has a blend of luxury and robustness, making it attractive to SUV lovers.

The Defender is an attractive vehicle, but maintenance costs are high. The cost of routine maintenance repairs and part replacement is high. It is a high-maintenance vehicle because even small issues can be costly to fix. If you are planning to buy it, be prepared for significant ownership costs beyond the initial purchase price.

Defender Service Cost

The service cost for the Defender is around ₹39,000, which is significantly higher than regular SUVs. Additionally, spare parts and repairs can be quite expensive, making long-term ownership costly. If you plan to buy this car, be prepared for premium maintenance expenses

Defender Smooth and Comfortable Driving Experience

Despite being a big and heavy SUV, the Defender offers an exceptionally smooth drive. Be it city roads or highways, it remains stable and is easy to control.

Why is the Driving Experience So Good?

No Tiredness on Long Drives: Plush seats, a spacious cabin, and well-tuned suspension make long-distance travel extremely comfortable. Even after hours of driving, fatigue is minimal.
Feels Like a New Car Every Time: Engine refinement, premium interiors, and smooth rides make driving a new car feel every time. The Defender does not lose its charm even after thousands of kilometers.
Minimal Body Roll: Despite being a tall SUV, the Defender offers stable handling and minimal body roll, making it a comfortable choice for both city drives and off-road adventures.

Highway Performance and Top Speed

One of the most impressive aspects of the Defender is its highway performance. Satish Kushwaha tested the SUV at a top speed of 197 km/h, and it remained completely stable and controlled.

Key Highlights of Defender Performance:

Cruise Control on Highways: Long-distance driving becomes easier with the cruise mode, allowing the car to maintain a steady speed and reducing driver fatigue.
Stable Even at High Speeds: Many SUVs feel unstable or shaky at high speeds, but the Defender maintains its composure and gives the driver complete confidence.
Braking is Secure and Safe: The Defender’s braking system is highly effective, ensuring that the vehicle remains stable even when sudden braking is applied at high speeds. This makes it one of the safest SUVs in its class.

Powerful Engine But Low Mileage

The Defender HSC 110 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo engine that delivers great power and performance. However, one of its drawbacks is its low fuel efficiency. Owners have reported an average mileage of just 4-5 km/l.

Why Does the Defender Have Low Mileage?

Powerful Engine: The high-performance 2.0L turbo engine consumes more fuel to deliver more power.
Heavy Build: The Defender is a big and robust SUV, which naturally makes it less fuel efficient.
Advanced Off-Road Features: The all-wheel-drive system and multiple terrain modes increase fuel consumption.
City vs. Highway Mileage: In city driving conditions, the mileage drops even more, but on the highway, it improves slightly.

If fuel efficiency is a big concern, the Defender might not be the best choice. However, for those who prioritize performance and luxury, low mileage is a compromise they are willing to accept.

Defender Braking and Stability

The Defender delivers the best braking and stability performance in its segment. Many large SUVs feel unstable when braking at high speeds, but the Defender remains firm and controlled.

Sudden Braking Feels Safe: Advanced ABS and electronic brake-force distribution ensure safe stops without loss of stability.
Confidence at High Speeds: Braking doesn’t feel risky, even when driving at speeds in excess of 150 km/h.
Excellent Traction on Different Terrains: Whether on highways, rough roads, or off-road trails, the Defender delivers maximum grip and control.

Off-Road Capabilities – Tested in a Desert Safari

The most special feature of the Defender is its off-road performance. Satish Kushwaha tested this SUV in a desert safari and it handled even the most difficult terrains with ease.

What Makes the Defender a Great Off-Roader?

Multiple Terrain Modes: The Defender adjusts its power and traction for different surfaces like sand, mud, and snow.
All-Wheel Drive: Ensures maximum grip and control even on slippery or uneven surfaces.
Strong Suspension System: Helps the car stay stable and comfortable even on rough terrain.
High Ground Clearance: This enables it to tackle obstacles without much difficulty.

If you love adventure and off-roading, the Defender is one of the best SUVs in the market.

Technology and Features Of Defender

The Defender has high-end features that enhance the driving experience.

360-Degree Camera with Active Guidelines – Helps in parking and maneuvering in tight spaces.
Car App with Anti-Theft Warning – If someone tries to steal the car, the owner gets an instant notification on his phone.
Wireless Apple CarPlay – Allows seamless connectivity to the smartphone.
Dual Climate Control – Maintains separate temperature settings for the driver and passengers.
Memory Seats – Ensures personalized seating positions for different drivers.

Drawbacks of the Land Rover Defender

While the Defender excels in many areas, it does have a few drawbacks:

High Maintenance Costs: Regular servicing and spare parts are expensive, making long-term ownership costly.
Low Mileage: With an average of 4-5 km/l, fuel efficiency is poor compared to other SUVs in this segment.
Expensive Repairs: Even minor repairs can be expensive, and insurance costs are high too.
Heavy Build: The robust body enhances safety, but slightly impacts agility in city driving.

Conclusion

The Land Rover Defender HSC 110 is a robust, powerful, and premium SUV that offers a great blend of luxury and off-road capabilities. Satish Kushwaha’s experience after 22,000 kms reveals that it drives smoothly, braking is strong and has a number of great features. However, low mileage and high maintenance costs are things that should be kept in mind before buying.

If you are looking for a stylish, high-performance luxury SUV and don’t mind high maintenance costs, the Defender is a great choice. However, if fuel efficiency and affordability are priorities, other options may be more suitable.

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