Land Rover pulled the sheet off its 2022 Defender on Wednesday, introducing another high-performance V8 to the off-road segment. This time, it's a 5.0-liter, supercharged V8 boasting 518 horsepower. It will be available in both the Defender 90 and 110 models. In the former, Land Rover says it can crack off a 0-60 run in just 4.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 149 mph. The long-wheelbase 110 will be a bit slower, but "slow" probably isn't the right adjective to use here at all.
But Land Rover isn't the only automaker offering a high-performance variant of its off-road SUV. While Jeep may have been sneered at for presenting the 2021 Wrangler Rubicon 392 on the heels of the 2021 Ford Bronco's introduction, it starts to make a lot more sense in this context. There's reportedly a high-output Bronco on the way, too, so call Jeep the dinosaur of the group all you want, but you can't put a price on being first. Well, you can, actually, but that's not the point.
Thankfully, both Land Rover and Jeep have provided enough specs for us to rough out a comparison chart. Since the Rubicon 392 is offered only in four-door guise, we're looking at the long-wheelbase Defender 110 as its direct competitor here. Have a look:
There are a few caveats to mention off the top. For starters, we don't have an official curb weight for the V8-powered Defender yet, as Land Rover has not finalized its U.S. specs. We used the European figures (as provided by a spokesperson), which we expect to be accurate within about 50 pounds. The 0-60 time provided by Land Rover was for the Defender 90, which is smaller and somewhat lighter than the 110. When equipped with the inline-6, the Defender 110 is about a tenth of a second slower to 60 than the Defender 90, so we figure it should be roughly the same for the V8.
While the Defender has nearly 50 horsepower on the Wrangler, that advantage disappears thanks to the Land Rover V8's monster weight penalty, which will fall somewhere between 600 and 700 pounds depending on equipment. Yikes. On the flip side, however, the Land Rover has the edge in top speed, and it's not even close. Chalk that up to the tires, we suspect. We know for a fact that the Rubicon 392's all-terrains dictate its speed limiter; Jeep's own engineers told us as much. This could make for a (hypothetically) interesting drag race, as the Jeep's advantage off the line may evaporate once triple digits come into play. Whether that happens before the quarter-mile marker remains to be seen.
The Defender's heft and added length also contribute to its towing advantage. You'll note that we left that as "TBA" here as Land Rover has not yet finalized that figure, but we'd be surprised to see it fall anywhere below 5,000 pounds, with a final number closer to 7,500 pounds likely, as the I-6-powered Defender can haul a maximum of 8,200 pounds. The Land Rover's off-road credentials also remain intact. This gives the Defender a slight edge in ground clearance, breakover angle and water-fording depth.
On the pricing front, the nod goes to Jeep, and the gap is significant. The Land Rover Defender 90 V8 will start at $98,550 (including $1,350 for destination); the long-wheelbase 110 V8 will start at $101,750. Meanwhile, the 2021 Rubicon 392 Launch Edition will start at $74,995. Speed and price both favor the Jeep, but we suspect the Land Rover's premium won't be a deal-breaker anywhere outside of hypothetical arguments, even if the advantage looks fairly decisive.
How they compare in pictures
2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
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- 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
slide-2298500 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
- 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
slide-2298503 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
- 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
slide-2298496 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
- 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
slide-2298501 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
- 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
slide-2298497 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
- 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
slide-2298502 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
- 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
slide-2298498 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
- 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
slide-2298504 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
- 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
slide-2298495 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
- 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
slide-2298493 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
- 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
slide-2298492 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
- 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
slide-2298491 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
- 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
slide-2298490 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
- 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
slide-2298489 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
- 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
slide-2298488 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
- 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
slide-2298487 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
- 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
slide-2298486 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
- 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
slide-2298485 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
- 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
slide-2298484 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
- 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
slide-2298483 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
- 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
slide-2298482 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
- 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
slide-2298481 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
- 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
slide-2298480 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
- 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
slide-2298479 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
- 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8
2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392
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- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
slide-2278169 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 and Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 and Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
slide-2278170 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
slide-2278171 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
slide-2278172 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
slide-2278173 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
slide-2278174 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
slide-2278175 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
slide-2278176 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
slide-2278177 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
slide-2278229 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 interior
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 interior
slide-2278230 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 interior
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 interior
- A 7-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) information LED display in the Wrangler Rubicon 392 gauge cluster allows the driver to configure information in more than 100 ways.
slide-2278232 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 interior
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 interior
slide-2278231 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 interior
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 interior
slide-2278179 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
slide-2278181 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
slide-2278182 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
slide-2278183 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
slide-2278184 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
slide-2278186 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
slide-2278187 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
slide-2278188 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
slide-2278189 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
slide-2278190 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
slide-2278191 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
slide-2278192 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
slide-2278193 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
slide-2278194 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
slide-2278195 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
slide-2278196 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
slide-2278197 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
slide-2278198 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
slide-2278199 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
slide-2278200 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
slide-2278201 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
slide-2278202 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
slide-2278203 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
slide-2278204 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
slide-2278205 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
slide-2278206 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
slide-2278207 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
slide-2278208 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
slide-2278209 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
slide-2278210 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
slide-2278211 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
slide-2278212 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
slide-2278213 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
slide-2278214 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
slide-2278215 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
slide-2278217 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
slide-2278218 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392
slide-2278219 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 Hydro-Guide™ air intake system
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 Hydro-Guide™ air intake system
slide-2278221 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 6.4-liter HEMI V-8™
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 6.4-liter HEMI V-8™
slide-2278222 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
slide-2278223 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
slide-2278224 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
slide-2278225 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
slide-2278226 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
slide-2278227 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Jeep Performance Parts
slide-2278228 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 Hydro-Guide™ air intake system
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 Hydro-Guide™ air intake system
- The Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392’s leather-appointed interior, with unique Bronze stitching, includes seats with performance-inspired, integrated upper bolsters to hold comfortably occupants in place.
slide-2278234 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 interior
- 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 interior
slide-2278235 The Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 carries an active dual-mode exhaust to deliver an exhilarating and unmistakable sound.
- The Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 carries an active dual-mode exhaust to deliver an exhilarating and unmistakable sound.
- The Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392’s off-road prowess flows from its heavy-duty Dana 44 front and rear axles with Tru-Lok electronic locking differentials, while an electronic front sway-bar disconnect maximizes suspension travel for the most-demanding off-road conditions.
- A 7-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) information LED display in the Wrangler Rubicon 392 gauge cluster allows the driver to configure information in more than 100 ways.
- Jeep® Off-road Pages allow Wrangler Rubicon 392 owners to monitor pitch, roll, altitude, GPS coordinates, drivetrain power distribution and more.
- Jeep® Off-road Pages allow Wrangler Rubicon 392 owners to monitor pitch, roll, altitude, GPS coordinates, drivetrain power distribution and more.
- Jeep® Off-road Pages allow Wrangler Rubicon 392 owners to monitor pitch, roll, altitude, GPS coordinates, drivetrain power distribution and more.
- Jeep® Off-road Pages allow Wrangler Rubicon 392 owners to monitor pitch, roll, altitude, GPS coordinates, drivetrain power distribution and more.
- Jeep® Off-road Pages allow Wrangler Rubicon 392 owners to monitor pitch, roll, altitude, GPS coordinates, drivetrain power distribution and more.
slide-2278244 The Uconnect system with 8.4-inch screen is standard on the Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392.
- The Uconnect system with 8.4-inch screen is standard on the Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392.
slide-2278245 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 ghosted Chassis
- 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 ghosted Chassis
slide-2278246 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 isolated driveline
- 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 isolated driveline
slide-2278247 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 isolated engine
- 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 isolated engine