For 2022, the Land Rover Defender will be available in a host of new trim levels, and most importantly be offered with a supercharged V8.
While the debate rages as to whether the reincarnated Defender is worthy of the iconic badge, Land Rover charges on with tuning up and refining its latest off-road-focused model.
This summer, the 2022 Land Rover Defender will come to market in three engine options. Buyers will choose from a supercharged V8, a 2.0L turbocharged inline-four, or a 3.0L mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six.
Read on to learn more about the specs and customization options on this sweet ride, from performance stats to paint colors, trim levels, and more.
Land Rover Defender: Supercharged V8
The 2022 Land Rover Defender V8 is the fastest and most powerful production Defender ever. The new 5.0L supercharged V8 offers up an impressive 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque.
The numbers that matter, however, are all about performance. A 2022 Defender 90 can sprint to 60 mph from a standstill in just under 5 seconds. Even more impressive, it can hit a top speed of 149 mph. The classic Defender couldn’t do that!
Spotting a V8 Defender
Of course, the V8 Defender will get special badging, but you can also recognize one by the quad exhausts, blue front brake calipers, and unique 22-inch wheels. The 2022 Defender V8s also only come in three colors: Carpathian Grey or Yulong White, both with Narvik Black roofs, or all Santorini Black.
Inside, you can tell if the latest Land Rover Defender has a V8 under the bonnet by the illuminated V8 door sill plates. Suede seat inserts and an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, with unique chrome paddle shifters, are the other main giveaways.
The 2022 V8 Defender is both sporty and luxurious, which is tough to accomplish.
Inside the 2022 Defender V8
If you get a chance to get behind the wheel of a Defender with the supercharged V8, you’ll also notice some upgrades. The custom-tuned suspension and transmission have new springs and damper rates as well as a thicker roll bar.
A new electronic active rear differential makes it that much more capable off road — and surefooted the next time you head up to the ski resort.
A new Dynamic program setting in the Terrain Response selectable driving mode system helps the Defender V8 offer the best on-road performance possible. This happens electronically through steering, suspension, and transmission tuning and adjustments.
All new 2022 Defenders will also come standard with wireless device charging and an integrated cell signal booster.
The big optional upgrade is a larger curved 11.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, which is said to have a fast response time.
2022 Defender: Other Options
If the big, fuel-hungry, supercharged V8 isn’t your jam, you can pick from the current Defender lineup as well in 2022. On offer are a 2.0L turbocharged inline-four (295 horsepower, 295 pound-feet) and a 3.0L mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six (395 horsepower, 406 pound-feet).
Several new exterior packages are also available. These offer up more chrome and blackout options to personalize your Defender even more right from the factory.
2022 Defender 90
The Defender 90 two-door vehicles are just hitting our shores this spring, but we already have even more options to look forward to in 2022. The 2022 Land Rover Defender 90 comes in the following models; standard, S, X-Dynamic SE, X-Dynamic HSE, X, V8, and V8 Carpathian Edition.
A base 2022 Defender 90 with the 2.0L four-cylinder will start at $47,700. The top-spec 2022 Defender V8 Carpathian Edition starts at more than double that entry price, at $104,000.
2022 Defender 110
The bigger four-door Defender 110 is the adventure partner most of us will probably want, as it has room for friends, pets, and more gear. We have lots of options with the 2022 Defender 110; standard, S, SE, X-Dynamic SE, X-Dynamic HSE, XS Edition, X, V8, and V8 Carpathian Edition.
Possibly the best value of the bunch is the new XS Edition, as it’s feature-rich and replaces the First Edition in the lineup. It has body-colored lower cladding and wheel arches, unique 20-inch “diamond-turned” wheels in Satin Grey, and comes with a comprehensive list of standard features.
The only thing really lacking in the XS Edition is the availability of the V8, as it’s just offered with the mild-hybrid inline-6. Pricing starts at $71,900 for the 2022 Defender 110 XS Edition.
The four-cylinder base 2022 Defender 110 started at $50,500, which isn’t inexpensive but also a pretty solid value. If you want to go all-in and get the nicest new Defender on the road, the price is steep! The 2022 Defender 110 V8 Carpathian Edition starts at $107,200, which is solidly into Range Rover territory.
Get Some!
The 2022 Defender lineup will start hitting dealer lots this summer. While none of these new Land Rovers will be inexpensive, they do offer impressive on- and off-road capabilities and refinement. The new supercharged V8 is super pricey but should also be tons of fun in all terrains.
The new Defender really is an impressive vehicle, but the jury remains out if it should carry the Defender badge. Do you think a Defender will be your next adventure vehicle?
To find a Land Rover dealer near you and order up your own 2022 Defender, check out LandRoverUSA.com.
