Why PHEV if you don’t mind me asking?

 

Back in the day, I had a diesel RRS. In my mind, it was a great combination of power and range / mileage. Since the diesel doesn't seem to be an option for the US market, i'd really like the PHEV just for the mileage and $ savings on the daily commute.

 

Would a regular hybrid also work? I guess what I should really be asking is what are the advantages of a PHEV over a hybrid

 

I don’t have either type, but I understand it that people who live in a city and don’t drive much distance on any given day never have their engine turn on, as they charge every night, so essentially zero gasoline burned/month, unless going on vacation. Whereas with a conventional hybrid, you can only charge the batteries while burning gas, so the engine would come on some during the month. Does that sound about right?

 

that’s it exactly. On commute to work days, you run entirely on the electric motor. When you’re taking long trips camping,etc. you have the gasoline engine. It’s a great combo IMHO.

 

I've been watching the reviews for the GX and the more I watch the clearer it is that Land Rover made the right choice with the Defender.

The market for an overland car is so incredibly small that designing anything that is more than 40% focused off road is senseless.

The GX will sell because of the quality which is undeniable. But the reality is that there is nothing that either of them can do that the other can't. If 90% of your customers aren't going off-road on a regular basis, why would you pivot in that direction?

 

Curious, why is this thread in the Defender subforum if all everyone wants to talk about is the Lexus suv?

 

Are you serious or just wanting to ruffle feathers? Because 25 years into the “automotive forum” age I would think everyone understands how they work.

Your question would be legitimate if this thread were entitled: Which steam iron should I get my wife for Valentines Day.

 

Apologies I wasn’t trying to ruffle feathers. I guess I was more curious about whether it belongs in the other forums still within the site itself since it’s more of a general discussion.

 

No, I haven't bought the GX Overtrail. I understand, I come across like I'd not buy a Defender, but I'm on the site because I already own one LR, and I'm looking to possibly buy a Defender. My existing LR has been great - love it and plan on keeping it. My ideal 110 Defender configuration would have a solid roof, 18" steel wheels, and powered by the 6 cylinder (not the 2.0L). When I started looking at Defender, I figured this would be no big deal. There are those that have posted that they put KO2s on their Defenders, but I think that's misleading as you first had to reconfigure the Defender as you got it from the dealer. From the factory, it's a 19" rim. You lifted the Defender or swapped out the brake calipers, which I don't want to get involved in doing. Other have misleading comments about how Defenders can have 18" rims. It's misleading because you dropped the 6 cylinder part. It's not one or the other, I think JLR should pair the two and provide a Defender trim with 18" steel wheels powered by the mild hybrid engine. The mild hybrid is way, way, way better than the 2.0L as the battery boosts torque. If that's not for you fine, but don't waste time telling folks that JLR sells Defenders with 18" steel rims fitted by the factory on the 6 cylinder - it doesn't, and that's the crux of my disappointment. Others have focused on KO2s, but they again miss the point. It's not about KO2s. An 18" rim gives way more tire choices than a 19" rim. A KO2 is one example, but there are many more. The issue is JLR has limited after-market tire choices, unless you are willing to reconfigure. JLR absolutely does offer the solid roof option I'm looking for - in Australia, where a loaded roof is likely. But not the US market. JLR offers 18" steel wheel - great idea! But not paired to what IMO is the most desirable engine option. I have been holding off a Defender buy, hoping JLR will bring back the solid roof (which they initially did offer in the US), as well as figure out how to fit the 18" steel wheels they have on the 2.0L engine to the more powerful 6 cylinder. This is a limited volume build, and hence I wait.... But I do read the comments in the forum. I love the Defender overall, and if production allows JLR to bring back the solid roof and retire the 2.0L engine for the more powerful, would I buy Defender then? Probably so. It's great, other than my 3 main axes I grind.... As for the GX, who knows - I've not tested it out. What I can say is that I tested the older (departing) GX model before buying my existing LR. What did I think of the prior GX? Well, I bought the LR instead, so it wasn't as appealing. But the new GX is nothing like the old, and I think it's going to be a strong competitor. One commentator implied they owned a Bronco Wildtrack, but rest assured the Defender was better off road. OK, but I've tested that Wildtrack out, and I don't share that perspective. The Wildtrack is effectively a lifted Defender, it's not a fair comparison.