“My Defender 110 is smoother riding than all of my previous luxury vehicles. Overall ride and seating comfort is a solid four hours.Air conditioner cools quickly. Sound system is perfect”
2022 Land Rover Defender: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2022 Land Rover Defender broadens its lineup rather than receiving a redesign. The biggest change is a new supercharged 5.0-liter V8, which powers the Defender V8 and related special editions.
About the 2022 Land Rover Defender
L663 generation (2020-present), third model year, before the first major refresh.
Land Rover positions the Defender as the toughest and most capable member of its SUV family: a premium adventure SUV that mixes real trail hardware with modern comfort and technology. Its core appeal is that it does not force buyers to choose between style, daily usability, and genuine off-road ability. Compared with rivals, the Defender stands out for its low-range gearing, deep water-fording ability, advanced terrain systems, and distinctive design that still feels upscale on pavement.
The 2022 range spans four-cylinder Standard and S models, six-cylinder SE, X-Dynamic and X versions, and the new V8 models. Base versions combine low-range off-road hardware with a 10-inch touchscreen and a 360-degree camera, while the X adds air suspension, a head-up display, and a digital rearview mirror. At the top, the V8 models bring special chassis tuning and distinctive Carpathian or Bond treatments.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
A supercharged 5.0-liter V8 joins the range in the new Defender V8, V8 Carpathian Edition, and V8 Bond Edition. These models also receive unique suspension and transmission tuning, an active rear differential, and a dedicated Dynamic driving mode.
Styling and trim lineup
The Carpathian Edition adds satin protective body film and richer cabin trim, while the 110-only Bond Edition adds dark exterior details and 007-themed touches. The XS Edition continues the First Edition under a new name, and the shorter Defender 90 body expands to the X-Dynamic SE and X-Dynamic HSE trims.
Tech and equipment
Wireless phone charging becomes standard throughout the lineup, and an 11.4-inch Pivi Pro touchscreen joins the options list. Premium audio becomes standard on S and X-Dynamic S, the panoramic roof becomes standard on SE and X-Dynamic SE, and X-Dynamic S gains standard heated front seats.
2022 Land Rover Defender specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, MHEV, 3.0 Liter / 6-Cyl, MHEV, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, MHEV, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V8, Supercharged, 5.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, MHEV, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, MHEV, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, MHEV, 3.0 Liter / 6-Cyl, MHEV, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, MHEV, 3.0 Liter / 6-Cyl, MHEV, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V8, Supercharged, 5.0 Liter | V8, Supercharged, 5.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 17–18 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | 14–15 mpg | 17–18 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | 14 mpg | 14–15 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 20–21 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 19 mpg | 20–21 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg |
| Horsepower | 296 hp | 395 hp | 395 hp | 518 hp | 296 hp | 395 hp | 395 hp | 395 hp | 395 hp | 518 hp | 518 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 406 lb-ft | 406 lb-ft | 461 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft | 406 lb-ft | 406 lb-ft | 406 lb-ft | 406 lb-ft | 461 lb-ft | 461 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 7716 lb | 8201 lb | 8201 lb | 8201 lb | 7716 lb | 8201 lb | 8201 lb | 8201 lb | 8201 lb | 8201 lb | 8201 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 58.3–78.8 cu-ft | 58.3–78.8 cu-ft | 78.8 cu-ft | 58.3–78.8 cu-ft | 58.3–78.8 cu-ft | 78.8 cu-ft | 58.3 cu-ft | 58.3–78.8 cu-ft | 58.3–78.8 cu-ft | 78.8 cu-ft | 58.3–78.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.6–39.1 in | 36.6–39.1 in | 39.1 in | 36.6–39.1 in | 36.6–39.1 in | 39.1 in | 36.6 in | 36.6–39.1 in | 36.6–39.1 in | 39.1 in | 36.6–39.1 in |
| Seats | 6–7 | 6–7 | 7 | 6–7 | 6–7 | 7 | 6 | 6–7 | 6–7 | 7 | 6–7 |
| Doors | 2–4 | 2–4 | 4 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 4 | 2 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 4 | 2–4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||||||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | |||||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||||||||
| 360 Camera | |||||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||||||
| Fog Lights | |||||||||||
| Heated Windshield | |||||||||||
| LED Headlights | |||||||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||||||||
| Roof Rails | |||||||||||
| Side Steps | |||||||||||
| Tow Hooks | |||||||||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | |||||||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||||||
| Subwoofer | |||||||||||
| Cooled Seats | |||||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||||||||
| Leather Interior Trim | |||||||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||||||
| Memory Front Seats | |||||||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||||||||
| Refrigerator/Cooler | |||||||||||
| Third Row Seat | |||||||||||
| Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | |||||||||||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||||||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2022 Land Rover Defender?
The biggest change is the arrival of a supercharged 5.0-liter V8. It gives the modern Defender a factory V8 model with dedicated suspension and transmission tuning, an active rear differential, and a Dynamic driving mode.
Is the 2022 Land Rover Defender a redesign?
No, the 2022 Defender is not a redesign. It remains part of the same L663 generation and mainly expands the trim range, powertrain selection, and equipment.
Which 2022 Land Rover Defender models have the V8?
The 2022 Defender V8, V8 Carpathian Edition, and limited V8 Bond Edition use the supercharged 5.0-liter V8. The Bond Edition is a 110-only model with dark exterior trim and 007-themed details.
What technology changed in the 2022 Land Rover Defender?
Wireless phone charging becomes standard across the 2022 Defender range, and an 11.4-inch Pivi Pro touchscreen joins the options list. Some trims also gain standard premium audio, a panoramic roof, or heated front seats.
How did the 2022 Land Rover Defender trim lineup change?
The 2022 lineup adds the Defender V8, V8 Carpathian Edition, and V8 Bond Edition. The First Edition continues as the renamed 110-only XS Edition, while X-Dynamic SE and X-Dynamic HSE expand to the shorter Defender 90 body.
2022 Land Rover Defender Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2022 Land Rover Defender.
4.5
2022 Land Rover Defender
(542 reviews)
“The Defender has very unique styling, unique options and amazing off road performance, but does not have great fuel economy. Also, you have to be willing to deal with Land Rover's less than stellar reputation for reliability (we've not had horrible issues with the last two LR's we've owned but time will tell with this one).”
“Just the right amount of rugged mixed with the perfect touch of luxury. Quality inside and out, capable of handling any road conditions without compromising the comfort of a daily commute.”
Sources
- media.landrover.com — 2021 / 06 / Whats New Land Rover 2022 Model Year Highlights
- landroverusa.com — Our Story / News / new 2022 defender V8 special editions
- media.landrover.com — 2020 / 09 / Introducing 2021 Land Rover Defender
- media.landrover.com — 2019 / 09 / Introducing New 2020 Land Rover Defender
- media.landrover.com — 2021 / 02 / Land Rover Reveals New Defender V8 And Exclusive Special Editions 2022
- media.landrover.com — 2021 / 09 / New Land Rover Defender V8 Bond Edition Inspired No Time Die
- media.landrover.com — 2020 / 09 / Land Rover Defender Gains Plug Hybrid Electric Power Six Cylinder Diesel And New X