Land Rover Defender 110 V8 Review: Exceeding Expectations Yet Still Lacking Something

      The latest updates and reviews in the automotive world, no nonsense.

      Our daily newsletter delivers the most important stories directly to your inbox each weekday.

      The Land Rover Defender's return was a bit of a mixed bag for fans of this iconic model. It was the first time in over 20 years that this hardy SUV was available for purchase in the United States. Anticipation was high, but it was somewhat dampened by the announcement that the Defender would come equipped with the company’s inline engines, with no V8 option available.

      Fortunately, Land Rover acted quickly to address this issue, and now we have not just one, but two V8 options in the SUV lineup. These include the 5.0-liter supercharged V8 in the models labeled “V8” and the 4.4-liter turbocharged powerhouse in the Octa.

      When I got the opportunity to test drive one of the supercharged V8 models, I eagerly agreed. Although it was from the previous model year (2025), I had not yet experienced the mid-length 110. What was my impression? Well, it’s definitely a V8.

      **Byron Hurd**

      **The Basics**

      There wasn’t anything new for the Defender in the 2025 model year. It appears Land Rover has jumped from one issue to another. In past years, they struggled to build and import Defenders due to various pandemic-related supply chain problems. Now, they are facing tariffs.

      For those looking to buy a Defender, it’s not all doom and gloom. The main distinction between the 2025 model I drove and the 2026 version lies in the available packages. Don't get too attached to the brown finish of the 110 in the photos, as Land Rover only offers three color options for the 2026 model: White, Black, and Grey—similar to a selection of bespoke millennial Skittles.

      **Driving the Land Rover Defender 110 V8**

      When the engine is part of a car's name, it sets certain expectations. Each part of “Defender 110 V8” provides useful information—model name, wheelbase, and engine type. The term “V8” indicates two things: it should be powerful and it should produce a racecar-like sound.

      And it delivers on both counts. The V8 generates 461 pound-feet of torque from 2,500 RPM. While that might not be groundbreaking considering some trucks offer more than double that figure, it’s still enough for Land Rover to rate the 110 V8 for towing up to 8,200 pounds. Additionally, the 110 V8 is equipped with a quad-exit exhaust, which, while not as ostentatious as the G63's side-exit exhaust, adds a bit of flair to the otherwise unremarkable Defender, and it sounds great too.

      **The Highs and Lows**

      The Defender’s classic shape has its perks. The upright design and elevated seating position provide excellent visibility and ease of maneuvering in parking lots. This lets the Defender feel surprisingly compact for a big SUV.

      However, in most other scenarios, the 110 reveals its nearly 5,500-pound weight and close to 120-inch wheelbase. It's a large, heavy, and somewhat luxurious SUV. Moreover, it doesn’t rely on complex electronic suspension systems. The 110 V8 features traditional steel suspension. As such, Land Rover had to compromise with a one-size-fits-all suspension tuning, and regardless of the supercharged V8 engine, expect a civilized drive—perhaps even dull to some. If you're in the market for an SUV that’s agile in tight turns, this may not be the right choice for you. The V8 will certainly assist in quick acceleration, but if your performance desires extend beyond straightforward speed, this is not the vehicle for you.

      **Land Rover Defender Features, Options, and Competition**

      While the 5.0-liter V8 may seem like a workhorse engine, it gives the Defender 110 an energetic edge. In a time when V8 engines are becoming scarce, they stand out even in Land Rover's offering, where most sales come from six-cylinder models. This makes the V8 a premium addition. To make the deal more appealing for loyal fans, Land Rover includes almost every feature as standard with the supercharged V8.

      Some might argue that the V8 is the main draw of this vehicle. Complicating matters, the Defender occupies a unique market position: it doesn’t have the flashy presence of models like the G-Class or Range Rover, yet it’s considerably pricier and better equipped than options like the Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco, or Toyota 4Runner. Meanwhile, the Land Cruiser is moving downmarket to allow for more space for the Lexus GX and LX, while the Defender is more aligned with the former.

      **Fuel Economy**

      The drawback of a V8 is, naturally, fuel efficiency