THE CLOSEST WE'LL GET TO A DEFENDER UTE - TOOLS IN THE SHED EP. 140

EV Channels Review

This episode of Tools in the Shed delves into the new Land Rover Defender Hardtop, positioning it as the closest commercial ute alternative to the iconic Defender. While acknowledging its impressive off-road capabilities, three-and-a-half-ton towing capacity, and versatile monocoque construction, the hosts express skepticism about its market reception as a true workhorse. Richard Berry, in particular, likens it to a "mini of SUVs" and believes it will appeal more to style-conscious urban buyers rather than traditional ute customers, suggesting Toyota has little to fear in terms of Hilux sales. Despite this, they anticipate it will be a strong seller for Land Rover, potentially becoming their second-best model. The discussion also touches on the Defender's long development cycle and its potential longevity, contrasting its modern approach with the traditional body-on-frame of competitors like the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series. The segment highlights the Defender's premium positioning and design appeal, even if its full potential might remain untapped by its target demographic.