Sandra MunozAs an automotive journalist, my tasks include testing and reviewing new automobiles and trucks. As Vice President of the Motor Press Guild, I should assess vehicles with an icy hand and cold heart. Then Land Rover delivered a 2025 Defender 110 for a review, and my objectivity melted away.
We found ourselves gobsmacked by the Defender. Perhaps it was the Defender’s off-road chase scene in No Time to Die, the one in which the Defender shows off its “unstoppable nature.” We took the leap. Several of them, to be honest. First, we traded in our Bronco Badlands for a Defender 130. Then, we dove headfirst into the Land Rover community to get the full feeling about what the rest of the world already knows; if you need to push back on the world’s most challenging terrain, do it in a Land Rover Defender.
The Defender L663 departed from its predecessors’ utilitarian, body-on-frame design. The resulting model adopts a sleek, sophisticated aluminum unibody structure that enhances performance and efficiency. Our 130 features a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6; for those who own their own oil company, there’s the 518-horsepower supercharged 5.0-liter V8. Advanced features like all-terrain drive modes, adaptive air suspension and robust four-wheel-drive support its impressive off-road capabilities.
The Defender boasts a beautifully upgraded interior that blends luxury with function. High-quality materials, spacious seating and cutting-edge technology create a welcoming environment ideal for city commuting and rugged outdoor adventures. Combining style, capability and versatility, the modern Defender can tackle any journey, whether on urban streets or off the beaten path.
What captivated us most about the Defender is how Land Rover events celebrate the marque’s off-road heritage and community spirit. They provide opportunities for owners to test their vehicles, improve their driving skills and connect with fellow enthusiasts.
As eager newcomers to the brand, we signed up for a “Get to Know Your Defender” program last March, sponsored by Land Rover Arrowhead in nearby Glendale, AZ. Since we were new owners, we thought it a good idea to jump headfirst into the pool by participating in our first Land Rover camping and off-roading rally. We’re both seasoned off-roaders who have experienced many different trails, but when trekking along potentially damaging terrain with a brand-new, expensive vehicle, the last thing you want is a mishap or even a pinstripe. It makes you think twice.
Experiences provide the best teaching.
Day One of our dealer event was led skillfully by off-road expert Rick Bucher. A proud Arizona Land Rover Owners (AZLRO) member since the early 2000s, Rick brings decades of expertise, having maneuvered through rugged terrains since 1992, most recently in his ’12 Range Rover L322. The retired firefighter brought his passion for off-roading, and a wealth of knowledge and experiences enriched the course, making each session both informative and inspiring.
As the new kids on the block with the newest vehicle in the group, we fielded tons of questions about our new 2025 Land Rover Defender. Its sleek design and rugged charm just begged for a bit of adventure, and we couldn’t wait to explore the Sonoran Desert in style.
The captivating landscape of eastern Arizona presents an exhilarating array of off-road challenges that showcase the Defender’s impressive capabilities. Each twist and turn of the rugged trails reminded us how adept the Defender is at tackling diverse terrain.
After our first day-long instruction, we all camped at the fascinating Goldfield Ghost Town, a few hours’ drive from Glendale. Celebrating the end of our adventurous day, we settled into our Gazelle Overland tent, a cozy and welcoming oasis for our overnight stay, just as we had expected. Our tent was nestled amidst the breathtaking landscape of the iconic Superstition Mountains. The campground offered a charming glimpse into the Old West, with sweeping views of rugged terrain and vibrant sunsets. At sundown, we indulged in hearty cowboy-style dinners at the rustic saloon, just a stone’s throw from our campsite. This experience beautifully captured the essence of Land Rover’s adventurous heritage, making our rally truly memorable. As the stars began to twinkle overhead, we gathered around a crackling bonfire for a cozy and welcoming meet-and-greet with fellow Land Rover camping enthusiasts. The warm glow of the flames illuminated the campers faces, casting flickering shadows as stories and laughter were shared, creating a sense of camaraderie that filled the cool evening air.
On Day Two, Jim West, a retired firefighter and paramedic from Phoenix, served as our instructor. Back in 1992, Jim paired with Dan Amon to represent the USA in the Camel Trophy in Guyana. Their “Team Spirit Award” proved a testament to their camaraderie and perseverance. West’s journey continued the following year when the Camel Trophy organizers asked him to scout routes in Paraguay, Argentina and Chile for the 1994 Camel Trophy. He meticulously plotted a comprehensive route book to guide competitors through the region’s rugged landscapes. His expertise and engaging personality played a crucial role in the selection and training of every US team from 1993 to 1998, fostering a legacy of excellence in off-road adventure.
Throughout his 30-year career, Jim has navigated remote, vehicle-based events in 30 different countries across five continents. Each of these experiences have added to his wealth of knowledge. His enthusiasm for teaching shines through in his diverse range of courses. They include emergency vehicle operations tailored for firefighters, off-road driving techniques, recovery strategies, vehicle selection, vehicle preparation, and wilderness medicine training for civilians. With every lesson, Jim inspires individuals to embrace adventure confidently and safely.
Over the years, Jim has worked with JLR as a Driving Instructor, and has joined forces with other international training groups such as Wild Trackers, 7P Overland and Cameron Advanced Mobility. More recently, Jim founded MyQuest Adventures, where he shares his passion for driving by offering instruction and emergency medical support during events, ensuring participants are well-prepared for any challenge. He has owned and maintained several different models of Land Rovers.
Our two instructors were top-notch Land Rover owners and enthusiasts. We were impressed with the quality of the instructors and event attendees, some of whom had crossed the pond from England to attend this prestigious event. Oh, and yes, the array of vintage Land Rovers was drool-worthy.
Our final evening was truly unforgettable, serving as the highlight of the rally. As we gathered for dinner and the exciting raffle night, fortune smiled upon us; we struck gold by winning two highly sought-after prizes. However, the real treasures were the friendships we forged amidst the laughter and camaraderie. We left feeling like excited adventurers, enriched with knowledge and proudly confident in our decision to invest in our new Landy.
[Follow Sandra Munoz’s automotive reviews at www.latinaology.com -ed.]