It is possible for a vehicle to appear purposeful without a huge grille. Due to its proportions and large wheels the Defender can appear smaller than it is (fairly large).
Short overhangs for off-roading. Sleek box. Quite a bit going on, yet the design comes across as clean.
Though the Defender is a serious off-roader, it has a unibody and an independent rear suspension. This trim looks made to stand on, but is actually designed to give when hitting a pedestrian.
Quite a few hard surfaces, but the Defender's interior comes across as rugged rather than cheap. Passenger gets upholstered grab bar.
Purposeful interior design. The light gray bits are power-coated magnesium. To keep the button count low the knobs perform multiple functions.
Displays let you know what's going on with the front tires, suspension, and differentials. Do the exposed screws on the doors and console enhance the interior appearance?
The driver seat exerted too much pressure beneath my thighs; it could fit you better. Comfortable height off floor, but marginal legroom if space must be made for third-row passengers.
It'll do for occasional use, but comfort and space are both marginal for adults. Room for a row of grocery bags behind the third row.
Fold the third row for a useful amount of cargo room. With the hard plastic floor (which feels a bit flimsy) your stuff will slide. Side-hinged door.
Shouldn't an upscale vehicle have a more upscale engine cover, if it's going to have one? JLR's new inline six might not be much to look at, but otherwise it rates well.