The Land Rover Defender 90 Review

The Land Rover Defender 90 is one of those special vehicles whose reputation precedes it. Basically, the standard bearer of the brand, it makes all the other Land Rover vehicles seem like also-rans. But is it a bit soft at the same time? Hop in with Napleton News to find out more today as we go on Safari with the Defender.

What is the Defender 90?

The Land Rover Defender 90 is one of three available wheelbase models that should satisfy any purchaser’s desires. It’s like the story about Goldilocks. The right size is out there waiting for you. You just need to figure out which one is THE ONE!

The Defender offers a two-door Defender 90 model with a wheelbase of 101.9 inches (90 inches?!), a Defender 110 with a wheelbase of 119.0 inches and an overall length of 197.5 inches. Finally, there’s the Defender 130 with a wheelbase of 119.0 inches, but an overall length of 211.7 inches. Take your pick for the size that suits you best.

During this week though, we had a chance to test the Defender 90 Carpathian Edition. It is powered by the largest engine in the lineup, the 5.0-liter intercooled and supercharged V8. This package produces 518 horsepower and 461 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. Other choices include a 296 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, and a turbocharged mild-hybrid 395 horsepower 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine.

How does the Defender 90 Look?

The new Defender 90 Carpathian edition has a matte black finish that looks murdered-out in an Eastern European sort of way. You know the look we are referring to. At first glance, the 90 looks like the love child of a classic Ford Bronco and a Jeep Wrangler, only with better genetics. It also looks like the type of vehicle that when it pulls up, a super model will pop out rather than a guy looking like he just came in from Safari.

The signature headlights set off the grille nicely with their halfmoon shapes. At the rear, is a door that swings to the right. It’s awkward in countries where they drive on the right side of the road, but a convenience for those in Australia, Japan and the United Kingdom.

What about inside?

The interior of the new Defender 90 is a well-sorted space that brings comfort and convenience. The 11.4-inch touch screen is easy to operate but would be better with more buttons and dials, too. All the standard features are here as well including SiriusXM, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with Qi wireless charging.

The front seats are very comfortable, whether you are heading across country or just across town. Although the Defender 90 is the smallest in the Defender lineup, the second row offers a surprising amount of legroom. Fold the rear seats forward for more rear cargo space but you won’t get a full flat-floor experience. Instead, the rear seatbacks take on an angled-up attitude that is not perfect but will provide more room for a big-box shopping spree.

Behind the Wheel of the New Defender

Equipped as a luxury cruiser that doesn’t know it’s not supposed to get dirt under its fingernails, the Defender 90 is a fully-capable on- and off-roader. It’s so capable, in fact, that it can ford a stream up to nearly three-feet deep.

Power from the Carpathian’s 5.0-liter V8 is torrential when you squeeze the loud pedal. The downside is you can see the needle of the gas gauge trickle down at the same time. (Not really) The fully adjustable suspension varies the ride height as needed so you don’t needlessly scrape the underneath panels that protect all the innards that make the ’90 work.

At the end of the day, the Defender 90 is fully capable, regardless of whatever is thrown its way. We just wish it did so in a less thirsty manner.

The Land Rover 90 Carpathian Edition

Engine Type	Intercooled Supercharged V8
Horsepower	518 hp
Torque	461 lb-ft
Transmission	8-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined/City/Hwy)	16/15/19 mpg
Suspension F/R	Short and Long Arm / Multi-link
Turning Circle	38.0 ft.
Also Available	Various trim levels.
Specs
Warranty	4 years/50,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty	4 years/50,000 miles
NHTSA Safety Rating	Not Rated
Max Seating Capacity	5 passengers
Wheelbase	101.9 inches
Overall Length	180.5 inches
Width	79.1 inches
Height	77.5 inches
Cargo Room (Behind 1st, 2nd row)	44.6 / 10.5 Cubic Feet
Headroom, Front	40.6 inches
Headroom, 2nd	40.2 inches
Legroom, 1st	39.1 inches
Legroom, 2nd	36.6 inches
Shoulder room, 1st row	60.8 inches
Shoulder room, 2nd row	59.2 inches