Land Rover · Defender · 2024
Land Rover Defender 90 D300 SE: Small Body, Big Personality
The short-wheelbase Defender 90 tested on Cape Town mountain passes and a Drakensberg off-road trail
8.3/10Excellent
Power
221kW
Torque
650Nm
0–100km/h
nulls
Top Speed
nullkm/h
Pros
- Extraordinary off-road capability
- D300 diesel torque is exceptional
- Better off-road than 110 in tight terrain
- Land Rover heritage in modernised form
Cons
- R1,749,900 requires deep pockets
- Two seats in the rear is limiting
- Diesel fuel consumption averages 8.5L/100km
The Defender 90 takes everything extraordinary about the Defender 110 — the Terrain Response system, the air suspension, the extraordinary capability — and packages it in a shorter, more manoeuvrable body. At R1,749,900 for the D300 SE (3.0-litre diesel with 221kW and 650Nm), it''s more affordable than the P400 X but gives up very little in capability. The shorter wheelbase makes it more nimble on tight mountain tracks.
The Verdict
A genuinely special vehicle that balances extraordinary 4x4 capability with usable everyday dynamics. The D300 diesel is the engine of choice — its torque and range make it ideal for South African conditions. The 90 format suits drivers who spend time in tight bush trails.
Ratings Breakdown
Exterior Design
0.9
Interior Quality
0.9
Technology
0.9
Comfort & Ride
0.8
Performance
0.8
Safety
0.8
Practicality
0.6
Value for Money
0.7
Overall8.3/10
Starting Price
R1.75M
Engine3.0L
Power221kW (296hp)
Torque650Nm
Transmissionautomatic
Drive4WD
0–100km/hnulls
Top Speednullkm/h
Fuel Typediesel
Consumption7.90L/100km