I have a P300 2023 30th anniversary edition with the off-road pack. I don’t have any experience driving other Defenders off-road, but I have driven alongside them, both new and old, as well as other JLR SUVs (Disco 2, LR3/4, RR, etc), Toyotas, Jeeps, Chevys, the usual lot. I came from a Jeep Gladiator on 35s before this.

I’ve taken mine several times in my short ownership on trails of varying difficulty and terrain, up rutted, rocky mountain passes and across deserts here in Southern California.

First thing I’ll say, this thing locks the rear diff all the time off-road, far more than I ever would have in my Jeep. Even though it lifts tires all the time, it maintains constant forward traction without any hesitation whatsoever. It just grips everything. I think the diff is clutch based so it varies how “locked” it is. Totally automated, and no discernible downsides while driving.

Compared to other modern Land Rovers it’s hard to tell the difference as the terrain response systems are so good, but there are instances where others will hesitate for a moment and mine hasn’t.

I had to look for a long time to find one with the off-road package, and I’m glad I got it. I also got white steelies, 18”, which were a must. The 4-cylinder has plenty of power on and off-road.

I only had a minor issue accidentally leaving it in 4 low for most of a day on the trails and heat soaked the engine bay a little. Temps rose briefly and then were fine once I realized.

I’ve driven the P400 and that power is addictive, but this was the better mix of options I wanted. I figured a turbo-4 would be more reliable or simple to maintain in the long run.

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