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The as-tested price of our SE version was $72,180, while the First Edition’s as-tested price was $66,475 (prices include a $1,350 destination charge). We also spent some time in a 2021 two-door First Edition. Our primary test vehicle was a 2020 four-door SE trim level with the optional mild-hybrid drivetrain, which features an inline-six-cylinder engine that’s both turbocharged and supercharged. The Defender is offered in two-door (90) and four-door (110) form. Related: Land Rover Defender: Is the 3-Row Version Any Good? for the 1997 model year, “Defender” is a legendary Land Rover nameplate that has embodied capability much the same way as Jeep’s “Wrangler.” More expensive than Land Rover’s entry-luxury compact SUVs but not as pricey as the brand’s family of Range Rover models, the Defender sits alongside the Discovery in Land Rover’s lineup. It’s also surprisingly nimble and refined on the street, though its design emphasizes ruggedness over traditional luxury cues. Versus the competition: For a mid-size luxury SUV, the Defender’s claimed off-road capabilities - including a 35.4-inch wading depth - are considerable. The verdict: The Defender delivers modern Land Rover SUV qualities, like impressive power and extensive off-road technology, in a distinctive shape that plays off the past.
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