Skip advert
Advertisement

Mid-size Premium SUV of the Year 2020: Land Rover Defender

The Land Rover Defender is the 2020 Auto Express Premium Mid-size SUV of the Year, with the BMW X3 and Porsche Macan commended

The Defender is one of the star cars of 2020, so it’s no surprise to see it claim an impressive win at this year’s New Car Awards. It almost has a foot in two camps, because in 110 form it can seat up to seven people.

However, we know you buy cars with a keen eye on price, and with the five-seat 90 starting from £43,625, the headline figures mean it’s surprisingly affordable, even if you’ll have to spend a bit more than that sum for the specification of car you’ll really want.

There are many positives to the Defender, but the real area that makes it is the car’s personality. It feels different to every other Land Rover SUV without sacrificing that element of luxury you want from a premium vehicle. It sits alone and proud in the British manufacturer’s range.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It’ll do the rough-tough off-roading stuff its iconic predecessor became famous for, as we found out earlier this year on a three-day expedition across Namibia, but the Defender is equally at home around town, with clever technology such as ClearSight Ground View helping on tight city streets as much as on mountain trails.

A recently announced PHEV will join the line-up soon, while the range of diesel and petrol motors currently on sale is sound. It’s a more involving drive than any other Land Rover model, too, with steering that gives a good connection to the car, but with a level of refinement that a premium SUV like this needs to achieve.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Yet one area where the Defender really moves the game on for Land Rover is the in-car tech. Infotainment has been the brand’s weak point, but the Pivi system in the Defender counters that criticism, and helped it win this award, thanks to a responsive interface with plenty of features, super-sharp graphics and over-the-air software updates.

Clever nods to the original version of this British classic, such as a very useful storage ledge above the glovebox, mean that form still follows function, and it’s not just design for design’s sake with the new Defender.

Advertisement - Article continues below

In 110 spec you can choose five, six or seven-seat options, so the Defender’s flexibility is never in question, and while its styling and image might split opinion, it’s undeniable that Land Rover knows its market in 2020 and that there’s a new group of Defender buyers. They’ll be very pleased with the result of the company’s efforts.

Our choice

Land Rover Defender 110 D250 SE (£56,355)

Mild-hybrid technology complements the D250’s solid torque, sound refinement and smooth power delivery, while SE trim best balances equipment on offer and how much you’ll pay for it. This mid-spec model is where the Defender’s character shines brightest, which undoubtedly defines the car.

Commended

BMW X3

The X3 is a less characterful option compared with the Defender, but it’s still a solid choice, with practicality, great handling, efficiency and performance, plus comfort and technology all combining to make a great and refined premium family SUV. It’s still the best of the German competitors at this level of the market.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Porsche Macan

If you need an SUV with practicality for the family but you don’t want to sacrifice driving enjoyment, the Porsche Macan is the premium model to go for. Even the 2.0-litre four-cylinder-engine version that basically uses the motor from VW’s Golf GTI is more than enough – and it’s the most affordable option, too.

New Car Awards 2020: the winners

Skip advert
Advertisement

Sean’s been writing about cars since 2010, having worked for outlets as diverse as PistonHeads, MSN Cars, Which? Cars, Race Tech – a specialist motorsport publication – and most recently Auto Express and sister titles Carbuyer and DrivingElectric

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best cars with 3 ISOFIX child seat points 2025
Best cars with 3 ISOFIX points - header image

Best cars with 3 ISOFIX child seat points 2025

Big, young families with lots of car seats need cars with three ISOFIX points and these are the best current options…
Best cars & vans
5 Mar 2025
Land Rover Defender Classic V8 review: more Clarkson’s Farm than Countryfile
Land Rover Defender Classic V8 - front tracking

Land Rover Defender Classic V8 review: more Clarkson’s Farm than Countryfile

Land Rover’s Defender restomod gets a mighty powertrain, but an even mightier price tag
Road tests
27 Feb 2025
BYD Atto 3 review
BYD Atto 3 - front tracking

BYD Atto 3 review

New kid on the block BYD has hit the ground running with its all-electric family SUV, combining quirky design with a comfortable ride in the Atto 3
In-depth reviews
23 Jan 2025
Land Rover Defender OCTA will compete at Dakar
Land Rover Defender driving through sand

Land Rover Defender OCTA will compete at Dakar

The twin-turbocharged V8 OCTA set to enter the Dakar Rally in 2026
News
20 Jan 2025

Most Popular

Ford Kuga plug-in hybrid recall warns owners not to charge their cars
Ford Kuga - main image

Ford Kuga plug-in hybrid recall warns owners not to charge their cars

A new recall has been issued on the Kuga PHEV, warning owners of the potential for a ‘vehicle fire’
News
7 Mar 2025
Car Deal of the Day: top-of the range Vauxhall Grandland Ultimate for a mere £165 a month
Vauxhall Grandland - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: top-of the range Vauxhall Grandland Ultimate for a mere £165 a month

The Vauxhall Grandland shows you can have family SUV practicality for supermini prices - it’s our Deal of the Day for 8 March
News
8 Mar 2025
Goodbye Ford Focus: the end is nigh for family hatch legend after nearly 30 years
Ford Focus - front cornering

Goodbye Ford Focus: the end is nigh for family hatch legend after nearly 30 years

Ford’s family hatchback favourite is being axed as the brand focuses its efforts on EVs
News
7 Mar 2025