Land Rover Defender Hard Top Review 2024
Land Rover Defender Hard Top At A Glance
Brilliant to drive on- and off-road, comfortable and high tech cabin, intelligent load area, 'jump seat' option allows the Defender to carry three adults in the front.
Expensive to buy and run, not as practical as the class leading pick-ups, no load-through hatch for the bulkhead.
Comfortable, refined and practical, the Land Rover Defender Hard Top is one of the best 4x4 vans. Purists may baulk at the price and chunky styling of the Defender commercial but we rate it as a brilliant all-rounder. If you want a classy 4x4 van then look no further.
The Land Rover Defender Hard Top is similar to the Toyota Land Cruiser Utility Commercial, with the rear seats removed and replaced with a flat load area. Unlike its rivals, the Defender commercial gets proper loadspace panelling and the option of 'jump seat' that provides space for three adults to sit in the front.
The commercial version of the Defender is mechanically identical to the standard model, which means it is a brilliant off-roader. All versions are fitted with four-wheel drive, independent front and rear suspension and Land Rover's famous Terrain Response 2 system that automatically directs power to whichever axle or individual wheel that needs it most.
Unlike the old Defender, the latest model is also brilliant to drive on-road. The ride quality is smooth and potholes are suppressed to a soft thud. Corners can also be taken with confidence, thanks to the perfectly weighted steering. Power is supplied by a range of six-cylinder diesel engines that produce 200PS, 250PS or 300PS - all are linked to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, as standard, and tow limits peak at a hefty 3.5 tonnes.
The Defender is available in two sizes: a long '110' wheelbase or a short '90' wheelbase. Payloads for the 110 range from 778-800kg while the 90 will carry up to 670kg. The loadspace has lots of useful storage points and tie hooks, too, which means you can stow tools under the load floor and prevent heavy items from shifting.
The Defender Hard Top van is the cheapest model in the Defender line-up but it is still an expensive commercial vehicle. Prices start in the region of £36,000 for the 90 and £44,000 for the 110. However, if you want a rugged 4x4 vehicle that will give your business an upmarket and professional image then the Defender is difficult to beat.
The most obvious criticism that can be lobbed at the Defender is the fact that premium pick-ups are cheaper to buy and more practical. However, while the Mercedes-Benz X-Class and Volkswagen Amarok are worthy alternatives, with five seats and better loadspace, neither can match the Defender's style or performance.
Driving the Land Rover Defender Hard Top
The Land Rover Defender Hard Top is powered by Land Rover's six-cylinder 3.0-litre diesel engine. Performance is strong across the range. This means even the entry-level D200 produces 500Nm of torque, which means there is a huge level of low-gear pull for towing and off-roading. However, all of that performance comes at a price, with fuel economy ranging from 29-30mpg according to the official figures.
The Defender 90 is offered with the D200 engine that provides 200PS. The 110, however, is available with the 250PS or 300PS versions of the 3.0-litre turbodiesel - which are badged as D250 and D300 respectively.
Both the Defender 90 and 110 get independent coil-sprung suspension as standard while the 110 is offered with air suspension as an optional extra. The standard set-up is comfortable over rough roads and the perfectly weighted steering makes the Defender effortless to drive.
The Defender is heavily geared for off-roading, but loses its rigid axles and separate chassis. The Defender uses a lot of tech from the Discovery and Range Rover, with four-wheel drive and its latest Terrain Response system that lets you set up the car to tackle everything from mud to heavy snow.
The Defender also has a range of useful tech for off-roading, which includes hill descent and a low-range mode for the eight-speed automatic gearbox for tackling tough conditions. What's more, being electric, there are no levers or dials - just a set of easy-to-follow buttons and touchscreen controls.
All models get 291mm of ground clearance and a wading depth of 900mm. Short front and rear overhangs mean the Defender can tackle steep hills and challenging terrain, while the ClearView Ground View tech allows the driver to use the infotainment screen to see the area usually hidden by the bonnet. The boxy body gives the Defender 110 approach, breakover and departure angles of 38, 28 and 40 degrees (off-road height) respectively.
Land Rover Defender Hard Top interior
The Defender Hard Top takes its name from the early Land Rover Hard Tops that were introduced over 70 years ago. The rear seats have been replaced with a flat load space that provides a maximum load length of 1030mm in the 90 and 1472mm in the 110. The Defender will also tow up to 3.5 tonnes when hooked up to a braked trailer.
Unlike its panel van rivals, the Defender Hard Top doesn't get a load hatch or a removable bulkhead, but you do get a maximum payload of 670kg in the short wheelbase 90 and 778-800kg in the long wheelbase 110 model. The maximum load height is around 940mm while the load width for both models is 1326mm.
The Hard Top’s load area is accessed via the side-hinged rear tailgate. The 110 model retains its rear doors that also allow access at the sides of the vehicle. The 110 Hard Top can accommodate a standard Euro Pallet and lashing points ensure large loads can be safely secured in place.
The floor of the cabin and the load space has a waterproof rubber covering that can be hosed down. There are also underfloor compartments that can be locked independently and LED lighting which makes it easy to find loose items - like tools - when it's dark outside.
The cabin of the Defender is one of the best of any van on sale today. Refinement is excellent and both road and engine noise is suppressed extremely well. The seats are firm, supportive and comfortable over a long journey.
The spacious interior has lots of head and legroom for the driver and the 10-inch infotainment screen is easy to use and features navigation as standard. You also get a pair of dials for the heating and ventilation controls, while the mesh top of the bulkhead provides rear visibility through the rear window.
The Defender is a two-seater as standard but we'd recommend spending extra on the optional 'jump seat' which adds a foldable middle seat in the front. This lets you carry two adult passengers, although legroom for the person in the middle is on the tight side due to the shape of the dashboard. The middle seat doubles up as an armrest and cup holder when folded.
Model History
September 2020
Land Rover Defender Hard Top revealed
The New Land Rover Defender Hard Top brings unstoppable capability, usability and toughness to the commercial 4x4 sector alongside 21st century connectivity and premium comfort. The Hard Top name has been associated with rugged practicality and go-anywhere carrying capacity since the first Land Rover Hard Tops were introduced 70 years ago.
Available in both 90 Hard Top and 110 Hard Top body designs, the durable interior of the new commercial model combines a two-seat passenger compartment – with the option of a third central jump seat – and a flexible, hard-wearing rear load bay that provides 1,355 and 2,059 litres of loadspace respectively.
By incorporating clever lockable underfloor storage solutions and a secure bulkhead partition, the experts at Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations have taken every step to maximise the space and practicality of the Defender in its transformation into the most usable and hard-wearing commercial Land Rover ever produced.
The Defender Hard Top is powered exclusively by Land Rover’s strong and efficient Ingenium diesel engines, including D200, D250 and D300 in-line six-cylinder variants. All make use of the latest advanced Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (iAWD) system to distribute power and torque for optimum performance and efficiency.
All Defender Hard Top models come with a practical cargo area with a fixed full-height partition to separate occupants from the generous load area. The bulkhead boosts security and safety and preserves the refined driving experience of the passenger model. The partition itself comes with four hanging hooks on the loadspace side, and two stowage nets on the cabin side of 110 models for small items.
The full-width load floor is completely flat, with up to six integrated lashing points, heavy-duty rubber mats and a set of lockable storage areas providing with 58 litres of underfloor stowage at the rear of both the 90 and 110. An additional underfloor area is fitted to the 110 Hard Top, where the footwells of the Defender passenger model would normally be found, providing 155 litres of hidden stowage, and the whole load area is illuminated by enhanced interior lighting five times brighter than the standard passenger Defender.
Additionally, high-sided rubber mats for the front footwells add to the rugged nature of the passenger compartment – and when the time comes to clean the interior out, the all-rubber floor coverings can be hosed down.
The Hard Top’s load area is accessed via the side-hinged rear tailgate, while the rear side doors on 110 variants boost practicality and give customers the flexibility to access smaller items located towards the front without the need to move bulky objects out of the way. The interior rear door panels also feature a unique slimline profile to maximise loadspace inside. If required, the 110 Hard Top can accommodate a standard Euro Pallet thanks to its wide-opening tailgate and generous proportions. The maximum load length measures up to 1,472mm in the 110 and lashing points ensure large loads can be safely secured in place.
Customers can add bespoke signage to the Defender Hard Top's iconic silhouette, thanks to the Exterior Signage Panel behind the front row of seats that runs to the rear of the vehicle, while a variety of roof racks and accessories provide added scope for load carrying.
Defender Hard Top load space in numbers:
| 90 Hard Top | 110 Hard Top | |
| Maximum load floor length: | 1,030mm | 1,472mm |
| Maximum load floor width: | 1,326mm | 1,423mm |
| Maximum load height: | 947mm | 937mm |
| Load space capacity: | 1,355 litres | 2,059 litres |
| (inc underfloor stowage) | ||
| Payload: | 670kg | 778-800kg |
| (depends on Engine & Specification Pack) | ||
Both 90 and 110 Hard Top models are equipped with independent coil-sprung suspension, with advanced Electronic Air Suspension available on the 110. Electroic Air Suspension provides outstanding off-road geometry, with ground clearance of 291mm, and approach, breakover and departure angles as the passenger models – up to 38, 28 and 40 degrees respectively for the 110 (in Off-Road Height).
The Hard Top also demonstrates impressive towing prowess, with the ability to pull up to 3,500kg, and it will wade through water up to 900mm deep, assisted by the Wade programme in the Terrain Response 2 system that ensures drivers can cross flooded roads or tracks with confidence.
Land Rover’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system is instrumental in enabling customers to go anywhere. The new intelligent driveline system uses sensor data from driver inputs and vehicle surroundings to continually vary axle torque and deliver it to where it’s needed. This torque distribution arrangement optimises the vehicle not only for traction and on-road dynamics, but it also contributes to driveline efficiency with lower CO 2 emissions and improved fuel economy, without sacrificing any of the Defender’s unrivalled off-road capability.
Power for the Defender Hard Top comes from a choice of advanced Ingenium diesel engines mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with twin-speed transfer box.
The Defender 90 Hard Top features the D200 in-line six-cylinder engine producing 200PS and 500Nm of torque.
The Defender 110 Hard Top is available with the D250 or D300 in-line six-cylinder diesel engines, featuring MHEV technology and the option of Electronic Air Suspension. The D250 delivers 249PS and 570Nm of torque, while the D300 provides 300PS and 650Nm.
The smooth and strong torque delivery offered by the six-cylinder Ingenium diesel engines is perfect for the Defender Hard Top, while also delivering superior fuel economy and reduced emissions from the Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system.
The RDE2-certified and Euro 6d-Final compliant six-cylinder engines meet the most stringent global emissions standards and feature state-of-the-art Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology to enhance refinement, efficiency and responses.
The 48-volt system harvests energy usually lost when slowing down and stores it in a battery under the rear floor of the vehicle. This energy is then redeployed to provide torque assistance during stop/start driving, providing smoother and more economical driving.
The rugged Defender 90 Hard Top comes exclusively in Defender specification with durable Ebony fabric seats ensuring it’s up to the challenges and rigours of everyday use, and rubber flooring throughout.
Defender 110 Hard Top customers can choose from four specifications: Defender, S, SE and HSE. These provide a range of exterior and interior enhancements and wheel choices, including Taurus upholstery on SE and Windsor Leather seats on HSE, all offering a unique blend of comfort and durability.
Land Rover’s state-of-the-art Pivi Pro touchscreen infotainment provides immediate and intuitive control of all the major vehicle functions, including seamless smartphone integration using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Twin eSIM technology underpins Pivi Pro and supports Software-Over-The-Air (SOTA) capability, allowing customers to download updates for a variety of vehicle systems. For professionals using the Defender Hard Top for business, this will minimise time spent off the road as SOTA updates can be completed without the need to visit a Land Rover retailer.
All New Defender Hard Top models feature a comprehensive set of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. This includes Land Rover’s 3D Surround Camera system that provides all-round visualisation of the vehicle on the central touchscreen, helping drivers manoeuvre safely in tight spaces or position the vehicle close to items ready for loading.
For an uncompromised view out of the rear of the vehicle – regardless of whether the load space is full or if there’s a passenger in the optional Jump Seat – Land Rover’s ClearSight Rear View camera provides an uninterrupted view out the rear of the vehicle at the flick of a switch on the bottom of the rear-view mirror.
Convenience is enhanced further with the Remote smartphone app, which will allow businesses to keep track of the location, fuel level and journey history of their vehicle from afar, for ultimate peace of mind and security.
The 90 Hard Top is available from £35,820 OTR (exc. VAT) and the Defender 110 Hard Top from £43,012 OTR (exc. VAT) in the UK.
