But can I throw $4000 at a Rubicon and get anywhere near the on-road ride quality, roominess, towing, quiet, comfort... as a Defender?

 

I agree, a P300 optioned from the factory with 18s, offroad packs, and the front skid plate wouldn't have been nearly as composed crawling those rocks as that Bronco/Jeep, but it probably would have at least gotten to the top of the trail (probably). Once we get into aftermarket....well then things are going to just get worse. It's a bit of a shame JLR didn't design a few more offroad-centric options/packs/accessories, but on the other hand they probably know their market. Still, would a set of proper rock rails, actual stout offroad rubber, and real substantial skid plates have killed them?

 

Sigh… this wasn’t a test of towing capacity or NVH capabilities. But feel free to change it to a test that better suits the Defender. Of course, then we probably ought to be using the Range Rover or Sport to really maximize those “comfort” qualities. Then we could REALLY beat up on the Wrangler and Bronc.

 

I follow these guys a bit as I'm sure many others have. I thought it was a mistake when Roman gave in and took delivery of the 6 cyl in place of their original configuration that was more of the offroad spec, I think they chose the offroad pack and 18 steelies on the first 110, that would be much better for this purpose. They should've made JLR send them another with the same specs. Reading between the lines at the time I was thinking JLR offered them the six at the same price and Roman took the bait. I would never say the Defender is better than the other two in these conditions, at best, with the most offroad-spec they offer as stock it's going to be very formidable but comparing to these vehicles is not apples to apples IMO. Demuro took the six too, but he's doing more what it's made for, cross country trips and less extreme off-roading. Rock crawling with 20s I don't see the point tbh. If that's what you want to do with it, if that's what you plan to do then 20s makes no sense IMO and of course you would want the offroad pack with the rear locker. This less formidable configuration makes for more views I guess. I mean look at the problems Doug had with his used LR and it probably made his channel what it is today. Problems make for must see TV. lol Then he goes and buys the same brand, I mean it's a win win, great vehicle as a daily driver and viewers all want to watch just to see if anything goes wrong.

 

I prefer to see it as less "changing the test" and more appreciating the fact that the LR has certain inherent qualities that could never be replicated in the Jeep.

33's and a quick lift would get me pretty far in the Defender for not much money.

35's and a subframe lift even farther and I can't wait to see a few more of those out there once these drop to $30k on the used market in a few years.

The Jeep is a one-trick pony and this test highlights its real strength. With a Defender, I can take the lift off when I'm done playing in the dirt, put the 20's back on, and enjoy a wonderfully civilized land yacht.

 

The hate on TFL right now in the comment section of the Youtube channel is picking up steam. People from all different corners (jeep owners, Toyota Owners, LR owners) are coming out swinging against the decision of TFL to blame LR for the failure making it up red cone, and the horrible choice in tire. Ppl are really taking them to task to point that it looks like there might be a redemption video in the works.

 

I think I may go over there and join the mob to fan the flames. They picked the best of breeds for the Bronco / Wrangler, but brought the worst configured Defender. And, who knows if they even had the e-diff, Terrain, extended height, etc. running. They didn't talk about any of the tech that they could have applied as well. The tires were 100% them.

 

They don’t have the e-diff.

 

I think TFL is being really disingenuous when they say “we are using these vehicles as equipped from the factory”. While they HAVE to do that for press vehicles, they can and do modify vehicles they OWN including:
Snow tires on a Tesla, 35” tires and a lift on a Jeep Gladiator, KO2’s on a VW Touareg, the list goes on.
Throw some decent mud-terrains on the Defender (which they own), and you have a better comparison video.
Not to mention, fewer (or none) flat tires.

 

I agree with you on all your points here. I recall Tommy being all p300 and 18" steelies, spartan interior etc etc. He was initially resistant to the p400 SE but then jumped on how the engine was so much better one should not buy the p300...Did they not test drive both originally?

The reasoning for not getting exactly what they needed for the channel just seems lazy....LR gives them a free exchange into a 10K higher priced model but they could not source them a p300 with offroad package anywhere else quickly?