Review of Land Rover Defender 2020 110SE after the first 6 months of ownership looking at the top 6 dislikes and top 6 likes. Owner review of car purchased in June 2020.
Thanks for the comment. Review comments have given me some tremendous feedback on the software, so will use that to explore with the dealer. My next video will be post software update.
Thank you Alfred, a really helpful review. Great to hear that driving it puts a smile on your face! That’s a fantastic summary despite the glitches you mention. Hope you will be able to do more updates but this one appreciated.
As others have mentioned, sounds like a lot of stuff that should have been sorted in updated. Most vehicles in the Uk have had a number of updates since August. Definitely would check in with your dealer & ask them to force an update / investigate.
Thank you for the update. Seems like a good bit of ‘faults’ are software/computer related. I also loathe engine on/off. Please keep us updated. It’s a insanely strong frame and off-road capable... & looks amazing. I seeing many more of them here in SoCal.
Thanks for the comment. I am certainly going to “call in the boffins” ,as Ringo Starr once said, to figure out the software update. The “proof is in the pudding”, (also Ringo Starr), and the car is superb to drive. Would love to take it across the scenic views near Temecula.
Let’s hope you get the problems resolved I’ve ordered one here in the Uk 🇬🇧 5 weeks ago but having problems with DVLA regarding the Europe 6 emissions pass my car is still sat on the car park at the JLR dealership not good. Great video and please keep your updates coming cheers Carl
Have you taken one out for a test yet? I tested the 110 SE last weekend and found it to be extremely enjoyable. I was surprised at the quickness at which the P400 inline 6 was able to get that much weight up to speed. After looking at the 90, I very much preferred the 110. If you’ve seen them both in person, I’d love to get your thoughts.
Thanks for doing the review, really helpful and yours is a great looking spec too. I also see you have been to PalmerSport - love it there, I wonder if they will start to use the new Defender for the off-road course in the future. Thanks again 🙂👌
Thanks. Good few years ago now. Highlights were driving a Formula Jaguar, old Defender on the off road and a Caterham 7; and not forgetting a Jaguar XKR racing edition. Great place.
Excellent, balanced video. I greatly enjoyed it. I do think a brand new vehicle should not have all these gremlins. Please add an addendum if/when they are addressed by JLR.
Great review. I'd like to buy a defender just worry about how I would react to all the glitches. I've been too used to cars working so well to take the plunge into a Land Rover. Will see how they work on the electronics, if they fix them, I'll order one.
Wait at list one more year to get more owners reviews and see how the car developed any new issues some of the main problems with the horrible new discovery came after a year of use and now is a must not buy car .
My 2012 LR4 is extremely reliable and is overall excellent. People should understand that with a LR you are getting a vehicle which you cannot compare with a Toyota or Ford (or whatever); crash safety, headlights (wow!), seating position, bullet-proof engine, engine power, off-road steering, on-road handling (I love my Jeep, but Jeep’s just aren’t built for highways) remarkable stereo, leg room for the kids, etc. BTW - electric gremlins such as the camera staying on happen in my Porsche Macan and Kia Telluride too.
The handling was one of the reasons we got rid of our RRS it was like the handbrake was constantly on in the winter better known as fishtailing and very dangerous. At least know the channel LR Time before you say things.
Love the looks of it. Great choices you made there on the color and wheels. I'm going to subscribe, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts on the vehicle and please let us know if they work out some of those issues with the computer. Maybe in the next software update.
You should be on 2.0.7 by now, make Pivi Pro reset by holding down radio power button 20s parked ignition on and see if helps. If not take it to dealer. Ton of issues mentioned are fixed by now
My Defender has had several software updates since your build and I must say they are listening to the feedback and have ironed out all the software bugs I had with my D240. I’m uk market - maybe we get them first.
Thanks. Comments like yours are really helpful. With notes from other forums I am generally seeing that 2.0.6 is commonly the current version, so I am 5 behind. I held back chasing with the dealer as did not want to be a test pilot for version changes, but now to your point there is better momentum. And better supporting flow. When I get the catch up versions I’ll post a video on the story and process, and whether all my points get covered.
Some people are reporting that the SOTA (software over the air) works and works well. For me the car has locked onto v2.0.1 and will not update itself. It has been with the dealership for 2 weeks now while they puzzle it through with the boffins back at Land Rover HQ. I am going to upload when they are done so I can share details. Should be 2.0.9 by now.
I recently leased a 2021 Velar, and I like it very much. Dealers here in Florida are charging $20,000 over MSRP for the Defender. Once the craziness subsides, I’ll get one. As for the glitches, JLA should be doing better by its loyal customers.
Thanks from the UK for the vid and honest assessment. Most of your dislikes are tech related which is pretty typical JLR for new models IME. Have you experience of Disco 3/4 or LR3/4 in US ( I think) for comparison? All your likes are still better in a Disco 4 - my current is 2014 MY D4, fully loaded, pre stop/start, 30mpg twin turbo diesel, more space, IT glitches sorted, all the same off road toys, cruises a treat. Time is coming to change, but don't like the D5 much and am struggling with the new Defender (and the £45k to change). So I'm waiting for the time being. Keep up the good work!🚙
Thanks. No only Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Évoque. I watched a great video yesterday on Harry’s Garage channel YouTu.be/jHu8VJkRAg which might help your review. He described the Defender very well - utilitarian and a disruptor.
I have the 110 hse and all good just sold it with 16000 miles for 7 thousand pounds more than I payed for it over a year ago .new one one order p400e x hse with all the toys can't wait
That was fun watching you use the course at Solon! I wasn't sure they used that anymore. Great six month review. Seems like mostly software glitches that will eventually be worked out. I considered a new Defender but have just started going down a different route with a Trailhead 4x4 LS swap on a Discovery 2 out of Florida. I would still like to get a D90 to replace our aging Range Rover Sport but that will be a ways off. It would be fun to see the Defender off road sometime. We're part of a central Ohio Land Rover club called Green Oval Guild. We run trails in Southern Ohio in Vinton County, some of them would not be too harsh on a new vehicle. There are videos on our channel that can give you an idea of what's down there.
Thanks. I will for sure check that out. I have been looking around for something that is modest, to build up some off road ability (in me, not the car).
We run Southington Off Road park too. That would be an excellent place to start to learn more about how to drive the Defender off road. It is very close to you. Find GOG on Facebook to hear about upcoming events.
7:32 for the remote locking/unlocking to work properly, its best if the key is somewhere that doesn't cause interference between the key and the car. I found that putting it in my bag where there's many devices messes it up, so I just put the key in my pocket or hang it somewhere.
I have had the Whoop for about 3 months and like it a lot. It is great measuring quality of sleep, and tracking the degree of exercise. Also has an HR broadcast so connects to #Peloton Tread. In some ways it says what you expect - I don’t get enough sleep and don’t train hard enough. The real benefit is that it sets a base level and you can work to improve. The fact that it does not have a screen is a good thing as it stops you checking every few minutes. You just wear it, forget about it and it does what it promises. Software is currently more reliable than that Of my Defender also :). Hope that helps.
How are things going? Lights going the right way? Any other issues? I’m keeping my eye on these as I’ve always wanted one but want to make sure it’s something I would take all over the West.
Thanks for the comment. Seems to be more of an issue for the (USA) driver side rear so may in part be distance from the receiving module, part me carrying an iPhone and part that my wallet (great Frenchie wallet) has RFD, so a battle of modern technology. You are correct though that a patient press and hold (count to one) gives more success, particularly on the rear door.
Nice video. Are you sure the lights are supposed to physically move when switching between LHD and RHD? I thought I read somewhere that the beam spread is adjusted by switching off some of the LEDs within the light that shine towards the other side of the road to prevent dazzling oncoming traffic.
Great question. I was presupposing that there would be a noticeable shift from about 6’ onto the garage doors. What you have said makes great sense, though my car still declares that I am on the left. I will find a longer target to check, and would appreciate thoughts from others.
Hi Al, Im in the market for an upgrade. I currently own a 2018 Lexus GX460 and the Defender is on the list. Theyre about the same size. Im thinking about getting the 5+2 seating option, panoramic roof, cold weather package, towing package, and the upper half black. My question to you is the pricing from the 4cylinder to the 6cylinder is a 10k difference in price here Colorado. Which engine did you end up getting and do you think the 4cylinder is plenty of power? The Lexus currently only has one engine of choice. Its a small V8 with 302hp and the Land Rover Defender has a 4, 6, and 8cylinder options. The 4cylinder offers 298hp i believe with the turbo. But again is it enough power for that size of a vehicle?
Great video -- Any changes you would make in terms of options? Shopping for one now. I'm worried about longterm reliability. Curious to see how yours goes. Looking forward to the next update!
That’s a really good question since I landed with a car from initial dealer inventory that had really great specs. Main things I would suggest is the P400 engine if your price range. The panoramic sunroof is great for light in the car and for me the cold climate pack is a must. I have the all weather tyres and satin wheels, but if you plan more off-road then perhaps look to the off road tyres. The clear sight mirror is something that once you have it, hard to imagine not having it. Maybe the best reply is to think about one of the styling packs that suits your lifestyle and get it priced in now so you don’t pay for extra fitting later. Enjoy, thanks again for the comment.
Thanks for the comment but my experience doesn’t tell me that. I have had 10 Jaguars or Land Rover’s to date, from an XJS to a Range Rover. Think I will be keeping this for a long while, and now trying to save up and make space in the garage for an F-Type. (Another stunning JLR car.) Very few electrical problems apart from when a wiring loom got damaged during some service work. Will be interesting to see JD Power surveys over the next couple of years. Do you have a JLR car and has it let you down?
I have a 2020 Defender with the 6 cylinder and 26k miles now. I have had none of the glitches at all. However, the upholstery did immediately fade as shown, which is terrible and obscene for a new car that cost 2x a Toyota. Also, my mpg has been 16.7 average. Other than that it is great.
Did you consider the full body wrap option from Landrover? How is the paint holding up to winter wear and tear? I live in Colorado and our snowy roads are gritted, no salt though (mag chloride).... this tends to ding windshields and the paint on the front of vehicles i.e. clear bra is essential here. I assume you have similar issues in Ohio. I’m going to order a defender at some point (hoping they bring the excellent TD6 to the US) and am debating whether to spec the factory wrap.
Must confess that I have not heard of that option. Right now my journeys are limited so not much freeway. Paintwork has held well so far to snow, ice, salt. I know what you mean about chips from my prior car, Range Rover Sport and I lost 2 windshields. Defender so far so good. P400 is a good engine, quiet when it should be and noisy enough when accelerating. Had a T6 in a Range Rover a few years back and that was also good if 3.0l.
JLR products have 2 stage unlocking. Press once just unlocks the drivers door. Press twice will unlock all doors. You should be able to change the settings if you want to unlock all doors with one button press .
Thanks. Useful tip about the 2 presses. Doesn’t show well in the video but my issue is that press does not recognise the key. Worse on the rear door which is further from the transponder I believe. Tailgate also has mixed success. Drivers door better. Spent a minute yesterday as example in 20 degrees Fahrenheit trying to find lock the car, having to dig our my keys to bring them next to the handle.
Nice video! You should be around the 1 year mark now, so I would be interested to find out how everything is going with the car. Did the software update fix all the issues? Another question - in one of the other videos you said that your previous car was a RR Sport. I am just wondering how it is to move to a car that is less luxurious, do you miss the refinement or comfort of the RR? I am in a similar situation, I have a BMW now but my heart is now set on the Defender, and I don’t know if I will be disappointed in any way.
Thanks. Just prepping for the 1 year update. 1 year anniversary was this week. On the switch. RRS was a superb car, sports car style, good luxury as you say. Defender has its own take on luxury. I have just done a few hundred miles road trip, and was very easy. For me with the P400 engine the Defender is still quick. Not as quick as the RRS V8, but ‘chuffing quick’ as Harry’s Garage video says. So. If moving from BMW I would say aim for the P400 if you can do that and opt in items to suit your needs. Good luck and thanks again.
@@LDB5337 Thank you very much for taking the time to reply. Yes, the P400 is the one I have in mind, it seems to be the sweet spot (the new V8 is a bit too expensive for me and very thirsty, and the P300 might struggle with such a big car). I am looking forward to your next video!
I’m considering the base or S version with the P300 engine, steel wheels, off road tires, active rear locker, advanced all terrain and towing package. Maybe add the built-in supply as well. I see you purchased at Land Rover Solon, I need to schedule a test drive their soon. Did you order your Defender or purchase one from inventory?
Mine was from inventory, first day they arrived in. Ken Webb was the sales guy who helped me get the car. Really nice guy and we have purchased 4 cars from him over the past few years (as leases needed renewing). I drove by last week and they had a couple in inventory on the front. Good luck.
Have you done any research on the V4 we just want it because we have great Danes and we don’t really need the power but we don’t wanna buy something that’s not going to last or is extremely under powered do you have any research on the four
im torn between the porsche maccan snd the defender. i like the defender for its ride hieght and space but the build quality of the porsche is better and will probably give me less trouble.
How long to defrost the frozen windows and warm up the interior, when you set off in the early winter morning? My vw golf, 15 minutes to clear the interior windows without wiping (exterior ice scraped off) and then 2 miles before the heating really kicks in.
Overnight the car is garaged, but when at work the car is often covered in snow and ice when time to go home. I use the Land Rover App to remote start the car, and it has connected and started EVERY time I have used it, unlike my previous Range Rover Sport which had sporadic connection. Typically when sub zero Celsius and 20’s 30’s F. Inside of the car is then warm, and with cold climate pack heated seats and steering wheel are quick to fire up when I get inside. Inside of a minute. Outside of the car I still need to brush the snow off, but interior is good and warm. Remote App can also be set to a timer if your car is outside overnight and you have a regular commute time. If I do not remote start then still quick to warm up and clear windows, as my car has heated front screen as well as rear, and ventilation is good so no real misting problem.
I park outside in PA and have had a few mornings where the car was covered with snow. Remote start works great (so long as your doors are locked) and warms up the car before I get out there. If it’s more than a couple inches I’ll brush the snow off the windows with my sleeve and turn on the heated front and back windows. It takes about 5 min to thaw out a frozen windshield, maybe less. By the time I’ve picked whatever podcast I want to listen to on my commute I’m all thawed out and ready to go. The worst winter issue I’ve had is the design of the wipers caused them to accumulate ice on the tip while driving and eventually pushed it away from the window as I was driving down the highway... Granted, it was a pretty big snow storm but I felt like that should have been addressed in R+D.
Great review. Unfortunately JLR know about all of these software faults and knew about them before launch. They will fix when car either goes in for scheduled service or you book in, but irritating as hell that most if not all were not fixed before launch. The upholstery issue would really pee me off. You say it was your fault but even so....... Great video 👍
Thanks. Just posted another reply to say that I will get a valet clean at some point to try and sort out the seat. I did it in the first 2 days as well
I have mine in green and with shorter wheelbace. I've had it for two months now and absolutely love the new Defender. I just wish it was real and not a Lego.
I also have the Danish version. Half way built as I have made a couple of mistakes on the build and had to go back to earlier stages. It will feature (guest role) in one of my upcoming videos. It too is a clever piece of engineering.
Very useful review. Disappointing re computer issues. Hope JLR sort these out for you. I’m not sure I would be as patient as you in accepting them. Thnx for the effort in making this.
Hi Alfred, apparently the dealers have a service bulletin for the seat issues. No excuse for that at all. Now, the software issues are soooo annoying. Love the products, but like so many manufacturers, typical electronic crap. Disappointing, as we’ve been loyal LR owners over the years. I’ve been away for a while, and have considered a new 90. These types of videos make it so hard. Because my heart loves it, but my brain says NO. Such a bummer .. also, apparently the service costs are ridiculous. $1200-$1300 for each service. Again, too expensive, I don’t care if it’s every 21K miles or 2 years.
Thanks on the color. The V6 P400 is very good and quick 395 Bhp and 5.8 to 60. V8 would be too much on the car as not sure I would want to get that much additional power or speed on this style. V8 on my Range Rover Sport was blisteringly quick. Would be interesting to see though on the Defender at some point.
@@LDB5337 As well, I own a V8 Rover Sport. Today I spent about 2 hours in a Velar with the 550HP V8. That's a lot of engine for a Velar and it handled the power just fine. I'm sure the much larger Defender could handle the V8. Maybe Rover will consider it someday.
What make me nervous are these electronic glitches when you’re 500 km from a mechanic crossing the desert. You just want it to work. Having said that you won’t need the start stop function there. I’d like to see it do some serious rallies or build up a lot of advocacy and case studies before investing. It’s got to be virtually bullet proof.
Simple answer is no, I really like the color. I had the choice of two dealer stock cars in June. This color on a demo spec (which I bought) or silver on First Edition. In the flesh the Gondwana Stone is stunningly different. I would never have ordered that color. So the color kinda chose me. It is more bronze rather brown.
Mine has the P400 6 cylinder, and I would recommend that option if you can do it. Car is quick, has good power, acceleration and engine is relatively quiet in the cruise. I don’t have any recent experience of 4 cylinder in this type of car.
Mine has the all season tyres. Louder than my Range Rover was (as that had double glazed windows), quieter than my Range Rover Sport was (as had V8 so quite loud) and about the same as my wife’s Évoque. Engine noise is quiet and road noise not really a concern.
I have one. First thing I do is turn off the start stop button when I start the car. It is very annoying and is way too slow to start up. Other then that I love it. It drives so well.
Glad I am not the only one performing that pre-drive button press. Has now become just a habit. For oldies out there it is not as bad as playing with the throttle choke to start the car. Ultimately as you say the car drives so well. My sense is that my engine is opening up, and now run in, so performing even better.
Doesn’t show in the door. Owners manual page 119 says. Max tow mass of unbraced trailer is 750kg. Max tow weight for 2.0l gasoline is 3500 kg, for 3.0l gasoline is 3,720kg. Hope that helps but suggest check with dealer for your options
Thanks for the idea. There is a country system setting which I have tried also. I think in my case it could be a module not talking properly to the PiviPro. Still hunting a solution for the software update.
@@LDB5337 It is safe to say that the new Defender is not without its issues. I love your in depth review and its not without mention that the new Defender is a huge departure from its predecessor. Hopefully all the issues they have will be resolved soon. Honestly, I never paid much mention to the "never buy the first year of a new vehicle model" sentiment but as a Wrangler owner, I understand your struggles! Thanks for showing us what this beast of a vehicle is actually capable of.
Your car is too old to accept future software upgrades. JLR recommend you buy a new model to enjoy the benefits of the latest software. You can drop your car off at your local recycling yard to ensure all the plastic is reused and doesn’t go to landfill.
Good question. There is a very faint vibrating noise when driving at speed, say 65+, from the windshield area, which I have not been able to track down. I think it may be wipers (as cold, so less flex) or airflow around something. Just haven’t been able to find time and don’t really want to tape the wipers down to rule them out. I’ll see (hear) if it is there in the spring. Other than that it is remarkably solid. Years ago I had a Range Rover and the seats would squeak on the seatbelt clip. Nothing like that so far on the Defender.
DO NOT BUY..asked for a buy back a week later..first problems: radio, reverse camera, traffic not showing, keyless entry, air suspension low in the morning...then after dealership downloaded new software in two visits, now keyless entry never works, sometimes traffic is off(4g), air suspension goes down in front only during an overnight...many other defenders are having these problems..I wanted my velar back that had 0 problems in 30K
The audio quality in this video isn't great. Also it would have better for you to group the dislikes and likes together. As you had it ,it was difficult to determine if you were talking about a dislike or a like.
Thanks for taking time to post a comment, but not sure I follow your angle. I am 2+ years in and the Defender is going strong, without any significant issues. Not much to post, as car is just good. What liability do you mean, and that will give me a topic to post on? Thanks again.
LandRover just can’t get past their reliability issues. Great design with horrid electronics. It makes the ownership experience a disaster. My LR has been in the shop now for 8 weeks trying to figure out a transmission/engine issue.
When you dont know how to drive like a lot of people when your electrics go tits up, your fucked. Just learn to drive, get a basic old school landy, you dont need all those fucking electronics. My 2006 Land Rover Freelander TD4 , just viscous coupling, does everything yours can do. Wait till you break it. P400 16 mpg.
You talk as if the dislikes are like expected and normal. It is sheer outrageous that an expensive car like this has all these glitches. You have been taken for a ride by Land Rover.
Why are people buying this car, I drive a BMW and they don’t have any of these problems. Stop buying them and get the company to fix this before releasing to the public. Think, who would buy this from you after seeing this?
It’s a great question. For me the foibles are indeed small and the overall package, big picture is superb. One day this car may itself be a classic car, and classic cars all have necessary trials and tribulations. I think key to resale will be the mechanicals holding solid, and engine staying smooth. I have owned a few BMW’s (sedans/saloons rather than 4x4) in the past and found them tremendous to drive too. I did consider a fast 5 series a couple of years back, but not great for the winter roads here. Thanks again for the comment.
I have a Defender now, that traded from a 2019 X3. Great car, but had it’s bugs too, whippers would fail out of the thing and those ran flats from factory are absolute crap. Every car has it’s issues, a friend has a 2019 X5 that won’t shot any water from the whippers. I’m over 5000miles right now in 3 months, and super happy with my decision. Bottom line, everytime you buy a car, it’s lottery, might have issues from the start, might last a 100 years, also depends on the maintenance you give it
@@TracyClark lots of Land Rover owners have said the same to me, not a single issue with thier cars. Makes me believe even more that getting a car is a lottery when it comes to be good or bad
