Between the 90 and 130 Lies the Sweet Spot – Meet the Defender 110

Land Rover’s Defender has always carried a reputation. Not just for go-anywhere toughness, but for capturing a kind of adventurous spirit many SUVs only pretend to embody. Reborn in 2020 with modern architecture and tech while keeping its iconic boxy soul intact, the Defender has reestablished itself as one of the most versatile vehicles in the luxury off-road segment.

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of nearly every Defender variant. I’ve explored the compact and charismatic Defender 90, the stretched and family-friendly Defender 130, and even spent time off-roading in the original rebooted 2020 Defender 110 SE at a Texas Truck Rodeo. But this time, I’m in what I believe might be the most balanced member of the family: the 2024 Land Rover Defender 110 X-Dynamic SE.

Let’s dig into why this mid-sized Defender might just be the one that hits the sweet spot.

Style with Purpose

From first glance, the 2024 Defender 110 still carries its visual DNA from the classic days of British overlanding. But instead of being purely utilitarian, it’s been polished—modernized without losing its honest, muscular presence. In Pangea Green with satin dark gray 20-inch Style 5098 wheels, my test vehicle drew eyes everywhere it went, both on the trail and pulling into the grocery store parking lot.

The X-Dynamic SE trim sets itself apart with subtle but bold visual cues: body-colored lower cladding, gloss black detailing, and skid pans that hint at real off-road readiness. There’s no mistaking it for a city-only crossover. Yet it also doesn’t shout about its capability—it’s quietly confident, which feels fitting for the Defender name.

Practical Sophistication Inside

Slide into the cabin, and the Defender reveals another layer. This isn’t the plush, soft-touch world of the Range Rover lineup, but it doesn’t try to be. Instead, the 110 X-Dynamic SE blends durable materials with thoughtful design. The grained leather seats with Robustec trim feel upscale without being fussy, and they’re clearly built to stand up to real-life wear—whether it’s kids, dogs, or gear after a muddy hike.

The 10-inch Pivi Pro touchscreen anchors the dash and runs smoothly, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, built-in navigation, and customizable settings for drive modes and off-road preferences. A Meridian sound system adds quality to the daily drive, and creature comforts like the heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, and opening panoramic roof elevate the cabin just enough to remind you this is still a premium vehicle.

Cargo You Can Use

The Defender 110 uses a side-hinged rear cargo door—a bit of a throwback, but one that works brilliantly in practice. It swings open to reveal a flat load floor with 34 cubic feet of storage behind the second row, and over 78 cubic feet when those seats are folded flat. That’s more than enough room for adventure gear, home improvement hauls, or a few suitcases and a cooler for a weekend away.

Compared to its siblings, the 110 hits that just-right zone. The Defender 90 has charm, but only 15.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats up. The extended Defender 130, on the other hand, offers a massive 80.9 cubic feet, but with a longer footprint that might not fit every garage. The 110 is both usable and maneuverable, especially with its available air suspension, which can be lowered for easy loading.

Power With Control

Under the hood of the X-Dynamic SE is Land Rover’s excellent 3.0-liter inline-six mild-hybrid powertrain, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. Mated to an 8-speed automatic and full-time AWD system with a twin-speed transfer case, this engine feels perfectly matched to the Defender’s character. It’s quick when it needs to be, composed at highway speeds, and never strained—whether you’re passing traffic or climbing a hill.

There’s a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 available on higher trims if you want extra drama and speed (and the price tag to match), but I’d argue this P400 setup is the one most buyers will find ideal. Unless you’re planning to tow the max or just want that V8 sound, the six-cylinder gives you more than enough.

Smooth on Road, Ready for the Trail

This Defender might be built to conquer trails, but it’s also incredibly refined on pavement. Steering is light and accurate, and while the boxy shape catches some wind at highway speeds, the overall ride is quiet and comfortable. The coil suspension does a fine job soaking up bumps, but with the optional Air Suspension Pack equipped here, ride height can be adjusted for comfort or clearance.

Off-road, the Defender lives up to its name. I didn’t take this exact model deep into the woods, but I’ve driven previous Defenders through rutted mud, steep inclines, and creek crossings—and I came away impressed every time. With Terrain Response, hill descent control, and locking center and rear diffs (depending on spec), this SUV is absolutely the real deal when the pavement ends.

Pricing Breakdown

Here’s how the 2024 Defender 110 X-Dynamic SE fits within the broader lineup:

• Defender 110 S (Base) – $60,800
  
• Defender 110 X-Dynamic SE (Tested) – $72,000 base, $81,923 as equipped
  
• Defender 110 V8 Carpathian Edition – ~$112,000
  
• Defender OCTA Edition One (2025) – $167,800
  

For the price, the X-Dynamic SE offers a compelling balance of features, power, and visual flair—making it a smart choice for buyers who want real capability without going all-in on ultra-luxury or performance trim levels.

Who’s Competing?

The Defender 110’s main competition includes a range of rugged-yet-refined SUVs:

• Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk – Great off-road gear and lower starting price, but less premium inside.
  
• Toyota Land Cruiser (2024) – A strong comeback story with Toyota durability and boxy charm, though still a bit TBD on real-world luxury and tech.
  
• Mercedes-Benz G-Class – The style icon of the group, and equally capable—but at nearly twice the price of this Defender.
  

Others, like the Ford Bronco or Jeep Wrangler, may hit similar lifestyle notes but don’t quite match the Defender’s on-road comfort or interior polish.

Final Thoughts

After a full week with the 2024 Defender 110 X-Dynamic SE, it’s easy to see why this SUV stands out. It’s rugged without being rough, refined without losing its edge, and versatile enough to handle just about anything you throw at it—from school drop-offs to weekend overlanding. It’s not trying to be something it’s not. It just is—a Defender through and through.

If you’re looking for a luxury SUV that can genuinely go off-road, carry the family, and still feel special every time you get behind the wheel, the Defender 110 should be at the top of your list. And among all the trims available, the X-Dynamic SE may very well be the best all-around package.