10 Best Land Rover Defender Alternatives

Land Rover might be the go-to for off-roading, and the latest Defender is definitely a top contender. But maybe you’re after something a bit different. You might want an off-roader that doesn’t come with the Defender’s hefty price tag. Or perhaps you’re looking for a vehicle that’s more suited for daily driving with a dash of off-road ability rather than one designed to tackle the toughest trails.

There’s a whole world of SUVs out there that can handle a bit of adventure. We’ve rounded up 10 Land Rover Defender competitors for you.

1. Jeep Wrangler

The Jeep Wrangler is a true icon, instantly recognisable with its classic grille and round headlights. It’s got more than just looks, though — this vehicle is an unstoppable off-road machine like the Land Rover Defender.

In the UK, the 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine is a solid choice. The Wrangler’s high ground clearance, all-wheel drive, and low-range gearbox make it a beast off-road. For a bit more pep, you might consider the 2.0-litre petrol engine.

The Rubicon trim is the pick for top off-road performance. It’s not the smoothest ride on the road and can be pricey, but it’s packed with features and offers plenty of ways to make it your own. All Wranglers come with a standard three-piece hardtop that’s easy to remove but needs storage. You can also choose a fabric roof if you prefer.

2. Suzuki Jimny

The Suzuki Jimny is a little powerhouse that packs a big punch off-road, all for a surprisingly affordable price. Even though it’s small and has a cute exterior, it tackles rough terrain like a champ, thanks to its switchable four-wheel drive and low-ratio gearbox.

The 1.3-litre petrol engine might not be a speed demon, but it’s enough to tackle tough trails and even tow a trailer. Just know that it’s not the comfiest ride on the road, and practicality isn’t its strong suit. If you’re aiming for a bit more modernity, the 1.5-litre petrol engine and SZ5 trim are your best bets.

Jimnys are no longer manufactured, and the growing popularity of this vehicle means used models hold their value well, even better than the Land Rover Defender. You can use it as a two-seater and convert the rear seats into extra luggage space.

3. Toyota Land Cruiser

If reliability is your top priority, the Toyota Land Cruiser is a solid choice. It’s known for being incredibly dependable. It might not offer the smoothest ride, but it will get you through mountains and muddy paths.

Go for the 2.8-litre diesel engine to make the most of its off-road capabilities. With full-time four-wheel drive, a low-range gearbox, and adjustable suspension, this SUV is ready for tough trails. Features like a rear differential lock and automatic crawl control add to its off-road prowess.

Inside, it’s spacious and well-equipped — just steer clear of the entry-level model if you want the best features. The five-door version has a roomy 640-litre boot when the third row is folded down, which is comparable to the Land Rover Defender. Although, there’s less cargo space when all seats are up.

4. BMW X5

The BMW X5 is a great pick over the Land Rover Defender if you want a spacious SUV that’s also fun to drive. It’s not every day you find an SUV that tackles twisty roads with such enthusiasm.

If you’re all about comfort, you might want to skip the larger alloy wheels because they make the ride a bit bumpier. Plus, some features, like lumbar support, cost extra. On the bright side, the engines are fantastic — powerful, efficient, and a pleasure to drive. Inside, the cabin is a classy place to be.

Pick a trim that suits your style since all of them come well-equipped. The xDrive30d is a great mix of speed, smoothness, and fuel efficiency. Parking is a breeze with the Surround View cameras that give you a clear view around the vehicle.

5. Dacia Duster

The Dacia Duster offers incredible value — loads of space without breaking the bank as you would with the Land Rover Defender. If you want a bit more, the Comfort model is a great choice; it comes with a smart infotainment system and sleek alloy wheels.

One standout feature is the option for LPG. The TCe 100 Bi-Fuel model lets you run on LPG or regular petrol, which makes it a budget-friendly choice. The 1.0-litre turbo engine is punchy, and the new model’s bigger tank adds up to 155 extra miles, all while costing the same as the standard petrol version.

For a well-rounded experience, go with the Comfort trim and the 1.5-litre diesel engine. If you’re up for some off-road fun, the all-wheel-drive version handles the rough stuff surprisingly well, and it’s still comfy and efficient on regular roads.

6. Land Rover Discovery

If you’re into Land Rovers but want something a bit more polished than the Land Rover Defender, check out the Land Rover Discovery. It brings the same off-road toughness but adds a layer of luxury for everyday driving.

Inside, you’ll enjoy space and comfort. There’s plenty of room at the front, and the back seats are generous, too — great for family trips. Even though it’s a big SUV, it handles well on the road and provides a smooth, confident drive.

You can choose from a few engines — two diesels and one petrol. For a blend of style and performance, the R-Dynamic trim with the 3.0-litre diesel is a nice pick. It’s not the most thrilling drive, and its design won’t be to everyone’s taste, but the Discovery’s off-road capability and competitive price definitely have an audience.

7. Porsche Cayenne

The Porsche Cayenne seems like an unexpected rival to the Land Rover Defender, but they’re similarly priced and offer interesting experiences. The Cayenne, in particular, is a luxurious SUV with plenty of space and a variety of powerful engine options.

The 3.6-litre V6 engine is more than enough for most drivers. If you prefer diesel, the 245hp V6 turbodiesel offers impressive fuel economy at 39.2mpg, almost double that of the petrol version’s 25.2mpg.

For those who crave speed, the Turbo S is a beast, accelerating from 0-62mph in just 4.5 seconds and reaching a top speed of 175mph. The E-Hybrid combines a petrol V6 with an electric motor and gives you 410hp and a decent 25 miles of electric-only range.

The recommended trim is Standard — it strikes the best balance between features and cost.

8. Subaru Outback

If you’re after a tough, dependable SUV without spending a fortune, the Subaru Outback is worth considering. It’s got a roomy interior, solid features, and impressive off-road skills — all for a lot less money than a Land Rover Defender.

Subaru keeps it simple with the Outback and offers its classic Boxer engines in petrol and diesel. You can pick between a CVT automatic or a manual for the diesel, while the petrol engine only comes with the automatic. What makes the Outback special, though, is Subaru’s top-notch symmetrical all-wheel drive. It handles everything from highways to rough trails and snowy conditions with ease.

The interior isn’t the most stylish, and it isn’t the best on fuel, but it’s built to tackle a range of terrains and keep running reliably for years.

9. Mercedes-Benz G-Class

The Mercedes G-Class has evolved from its military origins into a top-tier luxury SUV, just like the Land Rover Defender. Despite its upscale leather and alloy wheels, it’s still a powerhouse off-road. It is expensive, but it comes loaded with features.

You can pick between a 3.0-litre turbo diesel with 213hp or an exciting Mercedes-AMG V8. The diesel averages around 25.2mpg, which reflects the G-Class’s hefty weight and full-time 4x4 system.

If you want more power, you can find the 540hp Mercedes-AMG G 63 in the UK. It hits 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds and has a top speed of 130mph (limited). The bold quad exhaust pipes add to its striking appearance.

Hop into the G-Wagon, and you’ll discover a roomy and comfortable interior. Everything inside feels well-made and durable, with high-quality materials that give a solid, reassuring touch.

10. Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 is great if you’re after a dependable, practical, and comfy SUV that won’t cost a fortune. It isn’t the top-selling car in the UK, but neither is the Land Rover Defender. But the RAV4 is a global favourite — once ranking as the fourth best-selling car worldwide and the best-selling SUV.

The 122hp 2.0-litre diesel is ideal for everyday use. For a bit more excitement, the front-wheel drive model with 218hp accelerates to 62mph in 8.4 seconds. The all-wheel drive version, with a touch more power, is even quicker. If you want a real thrill, the plug-in hybrid, with 306hp, hits 62mph in just 6.0 seconds.

Toyota has recently added a nifty high-speed management system to the four-wheel drive models. You can switch between Normal and Sport modes. In Normal mode, for example, the RAV4 sends power to the rear wheels if the front ones lose grip.

Conclusion

In the end, whether you’re hunting for a rugged off-roader or a versatile SUV that can handle a bit of adventure, you’ve got plenty of exciting options. Each vehicle on our list offers something unique from the Land Rover Defender, so you can find the perfect match for your needs and style.