Choosing the Right Defender for Your UK Adventure

Since it’s launch in the 1980’s, the Defender has been market leading off-roader for explorers, and adventurers. The new Defender has been redesigned for the modern era. It still retains its legendary off-road prowess but has embraced an updated design and included cutting-edge technology to make everyday activities more effortless. No matter whether you’re planning an adventure to the incredible Scottish Highlands or looking to catch some waves in Cornwall the Defender offers a unique blend of capability without compromising on modern luxury. But with a range of 3 models to choose from, finding the right Defender for your needs might not be that easy. We’ll help you compare which Defender is right for you below.

The Defender 90 is the smallest in the range with three-doors allowing for up to six passengers, making it ideal for solo adventurers, couples, or small families still with space for the dog.  You may think that the 90 offers little interior space but with up to 1,355 litres of capacity with the rear seats folded down, you’ll still fit a surprising amount in. With the seats up it’s a different matter. You’ll be lucky to fit a couple of suitcases in the boot. If you also have a pram, you’ll struggle to get everything you need in so the 110 may be your better option. However, its shorter wheelbase does make driving and parking it around town a little easier, especially with parking spaces getting smaller. The engine still provides enough poke to have some fun outside of the city and if you decide to take it off-road (as long as your hiring company allows) then you’ll find it’s more than capable. So, if you’re after a smaller version of the iconic Defender that will still take you where you need to go, then the Defender 90 is a great choice. You’ll still turn heads in this mini version as you pull up to you hotel, especially in classic Land Rover green.

If you’re after a little more space than the 90, then there’s the Defender 110. It comes with 5 doors making it easier for passengers to get in and out and will comfortably seat up to seven passengers (if you have the model with the extra rear row of seats), which makes it ideal for larger families and group trips. Whilst there is a generous luggage capacity of up to 2,380 litres with the rear seats folded, this means that you’ll lose space for passengers if you need to carry a lot of luggage. Like with the Defender 90, the boot space is lacking with all the seats up. Not to mention uf you have the additional third row of space then you’ll need a roof box to take everything that you need with you. It can do everything that the 90 can do, with the same class-leading off-road technology as the 90 and 130, and the same iconic style, just a little larger.

The Defender 130 really only exists for 2 reasons. Either you you need to haul a huge amount of gear and you don’t like vans, or you have a very large family. To put it simply, the Defender 130 is a beast. With its extended length it can seat up to eight passengers – 2 at the front, 3 in the middle and 3 in the rear. On paper, it has an impressive luggage capacity of up to 2,516 litres witso as long as you only need to take 5 people you’ll have ample space for everything you could ever need. However, with the rear seats up, it has the same problem as with the 90 and 110 – very little boot space. You’ll get a great choice of engines that will power you through anything the British weather can throw at you and with the same technology as the 90 and 110, it is more than capable of going off-road if you need it to. So, if you’re after the grand daddy of Defenders and you need to space, or just want to really impress then the 130 might be for you. Not many places will hire the 130 so you will be limited on choice.

We would recommend that for couples and small families, the Defender 90 is an ideal companion. If you need more space and versatility for family or group trips then the Defender 110 offers a great balance of practicality and capability. And for those seeking the ultimate in what the Defender can offer, the 130 is the perfect choice for tackling challenging terrain and carrying larger groups with ease. 

No matter what Defender you choose for your adventure, we can guarantee that you’ll be getting the best off-road vehicle on the market. The only real consideration is how much space you’ll need for luggage and how many people you’ll be inviting. Don’t make the mistake of going for the 90 and not being able to fit everything you need. They truly are the go anywhere vehicles, so embrace the spirit of adventure, explore the open roads, and create memories that will last a lifetime.