View Photos of the 2022 Land Rover Defender 90 V8

Sean C. RiceCar and Driver

For the Land Rover Defender 90 V8, plopping a 518-hp supercharged V-8 into a short-wheelbase two-door SUV with an off-road-oriented background works about as well you’d expect. We still dig it.

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The Defender 90 V8 Carpathian Edition’s matte finish is the result of a scratch-resistant protective wrap that covers its glossy gray paint.

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The name Defender 90 used to stand for a 90.0-inch wheelbase, but the axles of today’s Defender 90 are separated by 101.9 inches.

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Surprisingly, our Defender 90 V8 test car had an ideal 50/50 front-to-rear weight distribution when we put it on our scales.

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A supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 beast producing 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque motivates the Defender V8.

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The D90 V8 comes with a sport-tuned suspension that helps the chassis effectively deal with the extra speed that comes from its blown V-8.

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Unfortunately, the Defender V8’s stiffer suspension limits its wheel articulation, meaning its tires easily lose contact with the ground when navigating large obstacles.

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Though our test car shot to 60 mph in a quick 4.4 seconds, it needed a lengthy 195 feet to stop from 70 mph.

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The Defender 90 V8’s standard 22-inch all-season tires look chunky, but they are the main culprits behind this Land Rover’s lengthy stopping distances and reduced off-road capability.

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At just $140, the Defender’s 11.4-inch touchscreen upgrade is an easy option decision to make.

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The two-door Defender’s back seat isn’t as easy to access as the four-door model’s, but it is surprisingly comfortable and can even house three occupants seated abreast.

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