The new Land Rover Defender is a much more modern car than its long-standing predecessor.
It's more practical and has dramatically improved on-road manners, and comes with a wealth of desirable customisation options.
That doesn't mean it's your cup of tea, however. So why not check out these 10 excellent Land Rover Defender rivals. Don't forget to check out how much you could save on a nearly new or used 4x4 from Motorpoint.
Toyota Land Cruiser
The latest Toyota Land Cruiser aims to tap into the cool factor that means even decades-old Land Cruisers are still holding their value. It has some unashamed nods to older models including the optional round headlights and block 'Toyota' lettering inspired by 70-series Land Cruisers. In the UK, the only engine option currently is a 2.8-litre diesel, which is a little sluggish and unrefined, but has enough grunt to make handy work of the Land Cruiser's square, practical body. It also has a solid-gold reputation for reliability backed by Toyota's 10-year service-activated warranty.
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Jeep Wrangler
If you're looking at the new Defender thinking it's gone a little too soft and upmarket to tackle real off-roading, check out the Jeep Wrangler. This is one of the oldest 4x4s in the game and it's still one of the best, with loads of ground clearance and wheel articulation to clear serious obstacles, especially if you stick on a set of grippy off-road tyres. Prices are steep this side of the pond, and you do have to accept some on-road compromises as a result of the Wrangler's rugged off-road hardware. You won't find many luxurious details either, as Jeep's designed the cabin of the Wrangler to cope with the elements if you decide to take the roof off.
Ford Ranger Raptor
If, somehow, the Defender isn't in-your-face enough, take a look at the Ford Ranger Raptor. This takes the existing Ranger pickup – already a fairly large vehicle in its own right – and beefs it up with steroidal wheelarches and massive off-road tyres. Under the bonnet is either a slow but frugal diesel, or a much angrier turbo petrol V6 with 292hp that bestows the Ranger Raptor with the bite to match its bark. It's not quite a premium car inside, but there are racy details like the sports seats and the noon marker on the steering wheel, plus all the mod cons you'd expect including a fully featured infotainment system.
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Land Rover Discovery
The new Defender is very cool but you might think its image is a bit flashy. If you fancy the idea of all that Land Rover off-road ability and practicality, but don't fancy the look it gives off, consider the more understated Discovery. This big-bodied off-roader has been the sensible model in the brand's lineup for some time, with a premium cabin, loads of space, seven seats and unstoppable off-road chops. It's actually a little more affordable than the Defender too, once you match the size and spec of the two models, but expect it to have a similarly impressive appetite for fuel.
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Kia EV9
Buying a Kia for Land Rover money might feel like a stretch. But just a few seconds inside the Kia EV9 will show you where the money goes. This is a big, squared-off, imposing SUV just like the Defender, but it has a high-tech full-electric setup that delivers instant performance and up to 349 miles of range, plus ultra-fast charging, regaining up to 154 miles in just 15 minutes. The cabin is tasteful and upmarket, with neat materials, solid build quality and an airy feeling from the big windows – but it's the sheer space that wins most occupants over, with an absurd amount of room in all three rows to lounge out.
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Mercedes G-Class
If your pockets are quite deep, why not try out a different retro-inspired off-roader – the Mercedes G-Class. There's a reason this model is so popular with celebrities, with its imperious image, upright bodywork and ultra-premium trimmings inside. It's not just for show either – the G-Class comes with all the proper hardware to cross seriously tricky terrain – assuming you're brave enough to take your six-figure off-roader off the beaten track. There's somewhat sensible diesel and petrol options, plus a fully electric version, but the one you want is the monstrous AMG version with a twin-turbo V8 that rumbles through obnoxious side-exit exhausts.
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Volvo XC90
The Volvo XC90 manages to be similarly blocky and upright as the Defender, but avoids the brutish image with an altogether calmer, more Scandinavian aesthetic. Practicality is superb with acres of space in the first two rows, plus a third row for occasional extra passengers. The XC90's relaxed vibe extends to its interior design, with most key controls condensed down to a handful of buttons and a large central infotainment screen, with the neat, understated design doing most of the hard work. Engine options are smooth and frugal, although performance fans might want to look elsewhere.
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Ineos Grenadier
If you just can't abide the fact that Land Rover softened the new Defender up to make it a better all-round vehicle, take a look at the Ineos Grenadier. This is a fairly authentic reimagining of the original Defender, with a rugged, utilitarian aesthetic and serious off-road prowess. So serious, in fact, is the Grenadier's off-road setup that it feels a little wayward on the road – just like the original Defender – thanks to its recirculating-ball-type steering system and long-travel suspension. Under the bonnet, you'll find BMW-sourced straight-six petrol or diesel engines, giving the Grenadier plenty of poke.
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Range Rover Velar
If the Defender doesn't do it for you, there are plenty of other options within the Land Rover stable. One of our favourites is the Range Rover Velar – a spacious five-seater SUV that vaguely competes with cars like the BMW X3. The Velar is smaller and lighter than its full-fat Range Rover and Range Rover Sport siblings, making it a little easier to live with on tight UK streets without sacrificing the upmarket experience of those pricier models. Material quality is excellent and the dashboard design is handsome and understated, while the ride quality feels instantly at home softening bumps from scruffy British roads.
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Mazda CX-60
The Mazda CX-60 is a large, five-seat SUV that the Japanese brand is hoping will help it push further upmarket to compete with the likes of Land Rover and BMW. Its interior design already comfortably puts it within touching distance of those cars, with an elegant design, plush materials, and all the expected modern high-tech features. Plus, with a price that undercuts the Defender – and most rivals on this list – you can get a newer or higher-spec CX-60 for the same price. There's a frugal plug-in hybrid available, but we think this car is best served by its optional 3.3-litre straight-six diesel engine that gives it loads of low-down grunt for effortless cruising.
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Find the perfect off-roader for you
Search a huge selection of nearly new and used SUVs for sale at Motorpoint. For more choice, see our picks for the best used 4x4s on sale.
