We spent two days in Utah’s San Rafael Swell with a Defender 110 P400 to evaluate the fundamentals that matter off-road: ground clearance, 4WD hardware, traction electronics, and how it copes with rocks, ruts, sand, and mud under real trail conditions.
Our test truck was a 2024 Defender 110 P400 with the 3.0-liter mild-hybrid inline-six (395 hp, 406 lb-ft) and 8-speed automatic. It featured the two-speed transfer case, the configurable Terrain Response 2 system, air suspension, and the optional active locking rear differential. On air, the Defender offers up to 11.5 inches of ground clearance in its Off-Road height, with factory angles of roughly 38° approach, 28° breakover, and 40° departure, plus a claimed 35.4-inch wading depth. Conditions ranged from a rocky shelf road to a windblown sand wash and muddy, deeply rutted ranch track after an afternoon storm.
We carried two adults, recovery gear, and a full-size spare. Tire pressures were set at 33 psi on-road, dropped to 26 psi for rocks and 20 psi for soft sand, then reinflated with an onboard compressor. Ambient temps ran 52–82°F, and we operated mostly in Low range. Ground clearance proved usable in the real world.
At Off-Road height, the Defender straddled 9–10 inch ruts without diff pumpkin strikes, and we only kissed the front skid once when nosing into a sharp ledge. Breakover protection is decent; the short overhangs help, and the underfloor shields took light scuffs without drama. The ClearSight ground-view camera meaningfully reduces guesswork when cresting blind shelves or threading between rocks. The 4WD system is a highlight.
Terrain Response 2’s Auto mode generally picked well, but Rock Crawl and Mud/Ruts provided more precise throttle mapping and faster traction-control logic when needed. The lockable center diff engaged seamlessly; the rear locker eliminated wheelspin on an offset ledge climb that lifted the right-rear. Low range gives confident control at walking pace, and Hill Descent Control is among the best calibrated—quiet, smooth, and consistent on a loose 30% grade. On mixed terrain, the air suspension’s cross-linked feel keeps tires planted with respectable articulation for an independent setup.
We stabilized a 25° side slope without excessive head toss, and steering remains accurate over chopped rock. Heat management was solid: after repeated climbs there was no brake smell, and no fade in descent control. The limiting factor off-road is tire choice; our truck’s 18-inch wheels with all-terrain rubber worked well, but trucks on 20s give up sidewall and compliance over sharp edges. Overall, the Defender 110 P400 combines meaningful clearance, smart lockers, and well-tuned electronics into a confident, unflustered trail machine.
If you plan frequent rock work, we recommend 18-inch wheels with LT all-terrains, adding recovery points and a front skid upgrade. For buyers balancing long highway drives with serious weekends off pavement, it’s one of the most capable, least fatiguing options in the segment.
