The latest Land Rover Defender earned the coveted 2021 World Car Design of the Year award at the annual World Car Awards. The Defender stays true to its pioneering spirit as a Land Rover hallmark for more than 70 years. With its iconic style, go-anywhere capabilities, and cutting-edge technology, it's no wonder why the new Defender has risen to the top of its segment in this competition.
Learn more about the significance of the Defender earning the World Car Design of the Year.
Earning the World Car Design of the Year Award
The annual World Car Awards is known for selecting the most impressive vehicles of the year through a rigorous and reputable process. There were four award categories eligible for the World Car Design of the Year prize, with all contenders competing. To determine finalists, a panel of seven automotive design experts reviewed the contenders and created a shortlist of recommendations for the jurors' final vote, composed of 93 international journalists on the jury panel.
The new Defender stood out with its unique profile and instantly recognizable design. Panelists and jurors also gave high marks for the Defender's various body style options, legendary capabilities, and accessory packs. The World Car Design of the Year prize recognizes the most exceptional new car of the last 12 months and rewards vehicles demonstrating the highest standards of innovation and design.
The chief creative officer of Jaguar Land Rover, Prof. Gerry McGovern Obe, summed up the accomplishment of winning the award by saying, "New Defender is influenced by its past but is not constrained by it… Our vision was to create a 21st century Defender by pushing the boundaries of engineering, technology and design while retaining its renowned DNA and off-road capability."
Performance
You can expect responsive performance and incredible capability when you choose the new Defender. A standard four-cylinder engine produces 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission for seamless shifting.
Legendary traction and stability come standard with a 4x4 system and a two-speed transfer case, allowing you to take on challenging terrain with confidence. A standard coil suspension and Terrain Response® allow you to adjust the performance of the Defender to match the challenges ahead. Whether on or off-road, you can expect a smooth, comfortable driving experience.
Some of the top performance features:
- Electronic Air Suspension with Adaptive Dynamics
- Terrain Response® 2 with Dynamic Program
- Configurable Terrain Response
- All-Terrain Progress Control (ATPC)
- Advanced Tow Assist
Design
The new Defender immediately catches the eye of onlookers with its distinctive design that blend upscale elegance with adventurous capability. The minimal front and rear overhangs make for excellent approach and departure angles. Depending on your model choice, you can choose from a two-door or four-door option to meet your passenger and cargo needs.
Alpine light windows in the roof add extra natural light and side-hinged rear tailgate make for iconic style and practicality. The inside of the Defender offers a rugged yet sophisticated design with a magnesium beam bar that runs the length of the dashboard for structural support and style.
Available interior features include:
- Cross-Car Beam in Satin Black Powder Coat Brushed Finish
- Three-Zone Climate Control with Rear Cooling Assist
- Heated Suedecloth Steering Wheel
- Sliding Panoramic Roof
- ClearSight Interior Rear-View Mirror
Technology
The Defender includes state-of-the-art features and amenities to keep you entertained, aware, and confident behind the wheel. Some of the top technology and safety features available for the new Defender include:
- Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
- Wireless Charging with Signal Booster
- Head-up Display
- 3D Surround Camera with ClearSight Ground View
- Traffic Sign Recognition and Adaptive Speed Limiter
Explore Our Selection
Want to learn more about the new Land Rover Defender? Explore our new Defender inventory to discover the best match for you.