The 2020 Land Rover Defender is becoming reality. After a total discontinuation in 2016, the legendary vehicle is coming back. The British company can’t allow such famous nameplate to remain in history books. A lot of issues caused the end of production in the USA way back in 1997. Now, similar regulations are blocking further sales in Europe and some other markets. Safety was the key, and the renewed Defender should improve it a lot. Whatsoever, an off-road crossover will arrive with a new look, engine lineup, safety and infotainment systems, and many more.
The most important thing is the 2020 Land Rover Defender is confirmed. We expected the comeback each year since 2016. But, now it is official. The 2020 Defender will debut next year. Then, fans will hear all about the vehicle. At this point, most info is previous knowledge and plans, or gossips surrounding this vehicle. One of them is arrival to the USA. Finally, the first spy shots are available, and these are telling some stories as well.
The Comeback to the United States
The 2020 Land Rover Defender USA release is now almost certain. The vehicle has been out of the major stage for 20 years. Meanwhile, its siblings, Land Rover Discovery and Discovery Sport, and premium line Range Rover gained a popularity in this area. However, the new Defender is not going to be the same as before. It was a competitor to Jeep and its military off-road vehicles. In Japan, it was a Land Cruiser. Now, times have changed and the off-road vehicle needs modernization. With improvements in safety and efficiency, Land Rover will re-launch it in the US.
First Images of the New 2020 Land Rover Defender
Spied while testing, the vehicle seems like using an old concept from 2011. Back then, the company presented the new platform that had never entered production. But, cues and solutions of the Defender DC100 architecture will be used for the new unit.
The DC100, or Defender Concept 100, is a platform that introduces two versions of the vehicle. First is an off-road model with the 2.0-liter turbo-diesel engine and three-door layout. We doubt such an engine could enter the USA market. The other one is more likely to happen since it uses a 2.0-liter petrol engine. Turbochargers are possible to maximize the output. The highlight of the concept is a new wheelbase with the length of 100 inches, unlike the last model that used 90-, 110-, and 130-inch wheelbases.
Spy shots are showing pieces of DC100 architecture. However, the new 2020 Land Rover Defender will use a four-door body for sure. A vehicle with the two-door design is not spotted yet. Also, the old boxy look is again the highlight of the model. Defender is well known for it, so designers are not going to experiment.
2020 Land Rover Defender Hybrid
While the appearance of the 2020 Land Rover Defender is a safe bet, we still don’t know what will lay under its hood. Here, the company could leave conventional treatments and decide to push a hybrid drivetrain for the new model. Sounds almost impossible, but the carmaker has plans to electrify all their products beyond 2020.
The Defender could be one of the first to get such drivetrain, although we still don’t know what kind of combination it could use. A 2.0-liter petrol unit mentioned for the DC100 concept is a good base. Besides fuel economy upgrade, the off-roader can count on more energy coming from petrol/electric combination.
2020 Land Rover Defender Interior and Redesign
From spy shots, we can see that 2020 Land Rover Defender will be the combination of the old vehicle and DC100 concept. The shape of the 4×4 is giving us such impression, although details are still unknown. The company will hide it for a while. The unveiling is set for the next year.
Interior of the 2020 Land Rover Defender will be pretty similar to existing models in the US market. Some premium features from the Range Rover line would boost the impression and give a good start for the new 4×4. Here as well we can’t get too many details. The company will install a huge infotainment screen to command with InControl system. User-friendly interface, faster reaction to touch, and modern glass with voice commands are announced for the future. Also, the hybrid system will have special monitors and alerts.
Safety Improvements
The major issue and the reason why the Defender was discontinued is lack of safety. While the entire industry is moving forward, the old look of the 4×4 couldn’t follow the latest demands and laws. The only solution was a redesign, which comes with bigger and safer 2020 Land Rover Defender.
The JLR will include driver aid and alert system, while navigation remains an option for base trims, and standard for higher levels. Furthermore, the 2020 Land Rover Defender Hybrid could get an autonomous drive. It is not going to be a high-end feature of the latest generation, but the starting system with auto steering/braking functions under a driver’s attention.
2020 Land Rover Defender Pickup
Previous generations of Defender had numerous special versions. Among others, pickup trucks were the most interesting. It is possible in future the 2020 Land Rover Defender could get the similar 4×4 model. Well, its main rivals, Toyota Land Cruiser and Jeep have their pickups. Toyota is very popular in Australia, while the Jeep is preparing a brand-new Scrambler truck. However, availability and launch of 2020 Land Rover Defender pickup truck are still not certain, like many other details about the vehicle.
2020 Land Rover Defender Price, Release Date
The new 2020 Land Rover Defender price will be more affordable than for other siblings in the USA. Discovery Sport is a compact SUV that is priced from $38,000. The cost of the standard discovery exceeds $50k. The Defender is a compact off-road crossover/pickup which will have a price closer to Jeep Wrangler. That means we can expect the new 4×4 model around $30,000. Top of the class vehicles will cost over $40,000.
The new model is coming early in 2019. However, the company is going to save some details for the dealership appearances. Then, we will know the complete pricing and trims lineup.
Towing capacity?