The 2022 Land Rover Defender (L663) is the most controversial yet capable SUV of the decade. Launched in 2020 to replace the agricultural original (which ran from 1948 to 2016), it ditched the ladder frame for a super-stiff aluminum unibody (D7x). Purists cried foul, but the result is a car that can climb Mt. Kenya and then cruise at 160km/h on the highway in silence. It is available as the 90 (3-door) and 110 (5-door).

Engine choice defines the experience:

• D250 / D300 (3.0L Inline-6 Diesel): 247 HP / 296 HP. RECOMMENDED The mild-hybrid Ingenium diesel is smooth, torque-rich (650 Nm), and far more reliable than the older 2.0L bi-turbo diesels (D240).
• P400 (3.0L Inline-6 Petrol): 395 HP. A mild-hybrid petrol. Fast and responsive, but thirsty in Nairobi traffic.
• P300 (2.0L 4-Cyl Petrol): 296 HP. The entry-level engine. Avoid it on the heavy Defender 110; it works too hard.

• Industrial Chic: Exposed screw heads and durable rubber flooring (optional) make it easy to clean. The Pivi Pro infotainment is fantastic—fast, responsive, and supports OTA updates.
• Jump Seat: You can order a front middle jump seat (making it a 6-seater). The 110 model has an optional 3rd row, but it is tight for adults.

• Consumption: 9–11 km/l (D300). Respectable for a 2.4-tonne brick.
• Service: It is a complex machine. The air suspension, 48V mild-hybrid system, and multiple ECUs require a specialist workshop. Do not trust "generic" garages with this car.
• Resale: Values are holding incredibly well due to high demand and global supply shortages.

Unstoppable: With air suspension (standard on 110), it offers 291mm of clearance. It has "Wade Sensing" to measure water depth. It is more capable off-road than a Land Cruiser Prado straight out of the box. However, the 20-inch wheels on high trims are prone to puncture; stick to 18s or 19s for serious bush work.

5-Star Euro NCAP rating. Reliability has been decent compared to past Land Rovers, but software glitches (blank screens) were common in early 2020 models. Ensure all software updates are applied.

The following are average showroom prices for fresh imports in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret.

Who is this for? The modern adventurer who wants a car that looks cool in the city but can actually handle the wild. Who is it NOT for? Traditionalists who want a simple, mechanical farm truck—buy a 70 Series Land Cruiser instead.