Land Rover Defender reviews

Definitive review Published 17 September 2026 Updated 17 September 2026

Land Rover Defender Trophy review

The Trophy model pays tribute to the Defender's legendary off-road heritage, but underneath the extra paint and decals, is the same mixture of rugged luxury and all-round capability. Read the review

17 May 2015

Land Rover Defender review

It's 67 years old and about to be retired; how does the Defender stack up in its dying days?

On test

Land Rover Defender testers' notes

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Land Rover Defender Trophy driving impressions

2 October 2026

This is a proper, hard-working, 4x4 tool - a machine for getting into and out of some of the most rugged and inaccessible places on the planet. It is as close to unstoppable as a vehicle can be. If you don't need that kind of capability, perhaps don't buy one. If you do, though, there's little else like it. Irish pricing: Defender starts at circa €101,050; as tested, €128,910.

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Land Rover Defender Trophy boot

2 October 2026

Open the huge side-hinged tailgate (it's hinged on the right, and the parking sensors can tell you if you're getting too close to an obstacle behind to be able to open it) and you'll notice the distinct hump in the floor, under which lies the hybrid battery and the 90-litre fuel tank. It's a bit of a shame, but Land Rover still quotes an impressive 835 litres of boot volume. Now, it's worth remembering that Land Rover always quotes its boot volume as loaded to the roof...

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Land Rover Defender Trophy rear-seat passenger space

2 October 2026

Space in the back of the Defender is excellent, with plenty of legroom and masses of headroom. In the 110 model, there are also 'Alpine Light' windows in the roof which let in a bit of extra light, while rear-seat passengers get seat-back storage nets, a small storage shelf, door bins, USB-C sockets and some air vents too. Better still, the middle rear seat is actually useable - not as comfortable as the outer two, obviously, but sufficiently wide for even an adult to fit.