The Land Rover Defender is one of those icons that elicits strong opinions among automotive enthusiasts. Its utilitarian nature and legendary off-roading capabilities are just some of the reasons classic Defender owners have an emotional attachment to their vehicles. When Land Rover retired the Defender nameplate in 2016, it had changed so little over the years, mainly because most fans found it perfect in its simplicity.

That’s why it was a bit of a surprise when Land Rover chose to update the Defender just a few years later. The new, modern Defender debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2019 and almost immediately split the iconic SUV’s fan base into two camps: aficionados of the classic Defender and those who prefer the modern version.

But what is the real difference between the two? Is one better for off-roading than the other? And what is it that makes an old Defender so undeniably special, regardless of which side of the argument you’re on? Let’s take a look at the Defender’s long history and see how the modern and classic versions compare.

Design and Character: Raw Charm vs. Modern Convenience

The classic Defender’s boxy shape is instantly recognizable and a testament to the “form follows function” design philosophy. Early Land Rovers utilized aluminum body panels due to post-war steel shortages. This practical choice became a design hallmark, much like the classic Defender’s exposed hinges, flat panels, and rudimentary lighting.

Internally, the classic Defender was a masterclass in minimalism. Simple dashboards, durable (and famously hoseable) materials, and basic seating were the norm, especially in the earliest models. An early optional "comfort pack” offered little more than rudimentary roof and door liners. This unpretentious interior was designed to withstand the rigors of what its owner put it through, whether that was hard work or adventure.

Visually, the modern Defender aims to retain much of the classic model’s raw charm while updating it for the 21st century. The new Defender’s upright stance, side-hinged rear tailgate, and externally mounted spare wheel are all deliberate nods to its ancestors. On the whole, however, the design is undoubtedly present-day. The shallower windshield angle and significantly tighter panel gaps require the precision that comes with modern manufacturing processes.

Inside, the new Defender maintains the classic minimalist feel, at least compared to its Range Rover siblings, but it's worlds away from the classic's austerity. Instead, it offers the luxury and conveniences expected of a contemporary SUV. It’s safe to say the modern Defender acknowledges its storied past but is more of a daily driver firmly rooted in the present day.

Tech and Performance: Infotainment, Drivability, Off-Road Capabilities

Tech accouterments in the classic Defender were, by modern standards, basic. It offered your standard gauges and a standard car radio for old-school infotainment. In comparison, the new Defender is a technological tour de force. Options for the Pivi Pro infotainment system include a 10-inch or 12.3-inch touchscreen, seamless smartphone integration, over-the-air software updates, and other features that would have seemed like science fiction when the first Land Rovers were produced in 1948.

On the road, the classic Defender offers a traditional truck-like experience. Steering is direct, and the cabin is filled with the unfiltered sounds and vibrations of the powertrain, something that would be unimaginable today. The modern Defender offers a level of on-road comfort, handling precision, and refinement that today’s customers expect from a new car.

When it comes to off-road capabilities, few would dispute that the classic Defender was, and remains, one of the all-time greats. It can conquer formidable terrain thanks to its box-section ladder-frame chassis and solid axles. This was a vehicle engineered for extreme resilience, a quality the modern Defender attempts to replicate with 21st-century technology. This brings us to the frequently debated question: “Is a classic Defender better off-road?”

Put it this way: the classic Defender’s off-road capabilities were rooted in mechanical ingenuity and the driver’s ability to make repairs in the field. With the modern Defender, an electronic system failure in a remote location could potentially render the vehicle immobilized. You can draw your own conclusions, but it seems clear which one serious off-roaders would prefer.

Ownership Experience: Ease of Service, Community, Emotional Value

The ownership experience of a classic Defender is often a hands-on affair. Its simpler construction means that most repairs and maintenance tasks are feasible for many home mechanics. Common issues, such as oil leaks and the onset of rust in the chassis, are well-documented by a large and friendly community. It’s easy to see why many classic Defender owners feel an emotional bond with their vehicle.

Owning a modern Defender is something else entirely. Its complex systems typically require dealer servicing when problems arise. However, the sense of community and emotional value remain. In forums and social media, fans of the new Defender celebrate its sophisticated features and modern comfort rather than sharing ideas for modifications and troubleshooting.

The modern Defender is a premium, go-anywhere SUV, and, like other makes and models that fit this description, its owners enjoy discussing the vehicle. It’s just an entirely different community than what surrounds the classic Defender.

What Makes an Old Defender More Special?

The classic Defender boasts a decades-long legacy and a vibrant community made up of owners who regularly work on their vehicles. It offers a raw, analog, and deeply mechanical experience. The old Defender’s off-road capabilities are so legendary that it almost seems unfair to bring up the modern version in the same conversation.

These are just a few of the reasons why classic Defenders are considered more special than their modern counterparts. That’s not to say the new Defender is a bad vehicle or that it’s not suitable for off-roading. The constraints of today’s regulations and consumer preferences meant Land Rover had to bring the Defender into the 21st century, and the result is one of the best premium SUVs on the market. But will their owners develop the same deep and personal attachment to these vehicles?
Time will tell, but for now, it seems like nothing will replace the classic Defender in the hearts of auto enthusiasts around the world.