Skip advert
Advertisement
Car group tests

Sixty years of Land Rover

Land Rover has set the pace off-road for six decades. But which is the greatest Landie of all? We bring the best together to choose a winner

header

For Land Rover, 4x4 = 60! The brand marks its 60th birthday this year, and to celebrate we’ve assembled some of its most influential cars to pick our favourite.

So, where do you start with such a legendary line-up to choose from? The original Series I was first on our list –without it, the firm wouldn’t exist. And we couldn’t ignore the Series III, either. Ask most people to think of a Land Rover, and this would spring to mind. No line-up would be complete without a Defender 90, or a Range Rover. The original three-door version of the latter had a basic hose-clean interior, but it became the world’s first luxury SUV – and our Classic model is the pinnacle of the MkI’s development.

To see how far the premium 4x4 has moved on, we’ve included the latest car. Also in our group is the original Discovery, which filled the gap between the utilitarian Land Rover and luxurious Range Rover in 1989. Last is a Freelander 2. The original invented the compact SUV, and the latest model now tops the class. It’s this newest machine we start with, before heading back in time in our unique shoot-out.

And where better to test and then select the best-ever Land Rover than Eastnor Castle? The Herefordshire estate has been used as a proving ground since the firm’s very first model, so it’s the perfect venue.

Verdict

After testing our Land Rovers at Eastnor, it came down to a three-way fight. The Series I has a unique place in the firm’s history. Its simplicity and rawness are charming, but we all need our creature comforts.

The Range Rover takes some beating, yet new it’s only within reach of a lucky few, so it’s ruled out, too.

That left the Defender as our winner. Thanks to a new engine and improved cabin, it remains a lovable workhorse. If you disagree with our verdict, you can try most of these vehicles for yourself at the Heritage Driving experience in Solihull – although the 1.8 million people who have bought a Defender can’t all be wrong…

Skip advert
Advertisement

More reviews

New & used car deals

Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,200
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £9,584
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,158 off RRP*
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £15,925
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
New Mazda CX-5 revealed with fresh looks, more space and far fewer buttons
Mazda CX-5 - front

New Mazda CX-5 revealed with fresh looks, more space and far fewer buttons

The Mazda CX-5 has been revolutionised to take on the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson
News
10 Jul 2025