Land Rover Defender 90 Hard Top (2020 - ) analysis

author: FutureCar Staff    

The Land Rover Defender Hard Top is an upmarket commercial vehicle that offers excellent off-road ability and is great for long-distance towing. It may not have the same payload capacity as a pick-up truck, but its relatively short wheelbase gives it greater off-road capability. For business users who need a work vehicle that can also provide luxury long-distance transport, the Defender Hard Top is unmatched by any other commercial vehicle.

In terms of cargo and practicality, the Defender Hard Top is unique in the market for commercial 4x4s. It is based on the SUV version of the Defender, but with the back seats removed, covered rear side windows, and a large, flat cargo area with a full-height bulkhead. There are 90 and 110 short- and long-wheelbase versions available, with the 90 being a three-door model. The cargo volume for the Defender 90 Hard Top is 1.36 cubic metres, smaller than small vans but larger than a pick-up truck with a roll-top load cover. The cargo floor is 1.03 metres long and 1.33 metres wide, with just under a metre of height to the roof. The cargo area features practical touches such as a rubber floor covering, bright interior lighting, fixed lashing points, and under-floor storage. Towing is also a strong point for the Defender 90 Hard Top, with a 3.5-tonne maximum towing capability.

The interior of the Defender 90 Hard Top offers excellent comfort and features. The full-height bulkhead is the only indication that you are in a commercial vehicle, as the rest of the interior is identical to the SUV version. Standard equipment includes fabric seat trim, heated seats with electrical adjustment, analogue dials, and Land Rover's latest Pivi Pro 11.4-inch touchscreen. The interior space is good for two people, with the option to add a third jump seat. The driving position is tall, and there are plenty of storage options, including a deep centre armrest cubby that can be refrigerated.

Running costs for the Defender Hard Top are similar to some pick-up trucks, with fuel economy in the low 30s and a range of over 600 miles between fills. Road tax and Benefit in Kind tax are both calculated at a flat rate, making it more cost-effective than a Defender SUV as a company car.

Reliability has been a concern for Land Rover in the past, but the Defender Hard Top benefits from sharing its running gear and technology with other models, which should make it more reliable. The Defender 90 Hard Top comes with coil spring suspension as standard, reducing the complexity of the air-suspension system found in other versions.

The six-cylinder diesel engines in the Defender 90 Hard Top offer plenty of power and torque for towing and off-road performance. The eight-speed automatic gearbox is smooth, and the permanent four-wheel drive system, combined with Land Rover's Terrain Response system, provides excellent off-road capability.

The ride and handling of the Defender 90 Hard Top are superior to other commercial vehicles. The SUV-derived suspension provides a comfortable and smooth ride, with good grip and a suspension set-up geared towards comfort.

In terms of safety, the Defender 90 Hard Top benefits from the safety systems of the SUV version, including twin front airbags, electronic stability control, emergency brake assist, and an all-terrain mode. It has received a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP.

The Defender 90 Hard Top comes with a long list of standard equipment, including LED headlights, heated seats, an 11.4-inch infotainment system with online connectivity, and 360-degree parking sensors. There are also many optional extras available to personalize the vehicle, such as full leather, a ClearSight rear-view mirror, and different equipment packs.

FutureCar Staff