Navigating the automotive review world can sometimes feel a bit like searching for WiFi in the wilderness; occasionally, there’s simply nothing new to connect with. In this line of work, I often encounter vehicles that have seen little in the way of meaningful updates, making it a challenge to summon the creative inspiration needed to fill the screen, let alone excite you, the reader. Normally, I politely defer these reviews until there is one with at least a hint of marrow. However, when I had the chance to review the Land Rover Defender 110 in 2024, it was love at first drive. So, when fate presented a special edition Defender for another review, declining the offer was as likely as skipping dessert at a five-star restaurant, utterly unthinkable.

In retrospect, perhaps I should have declined this assignment, a thought that has crossed my mind more than once over the past three months as I’ve procrastinated putting my fingers to the keyboard. Trying to say something fresh about a vehicle that, truth be told, hasn’t changed much since my last rendezvous with it has been quite the challenge. Regular readers will already know my longstanding skepticism towards “special editions”, a term which, in my experience, is often code for “holdover until the real update arrives.” The Land Rover Defender, as beloved as it is, isn’t immune to this industry trend, and the inevitable redesign looms ever closer. To its credit, there are a few incremental improvements this time around, such as a marginally larger infotainment screen and rumors of enhanced luxury features. Although, I must confess, if those luxury upgrades were hiding in plain sight, they did an admirable job of remaining inconspicuous.

This Defender 110 arrived adorned with the rather exclusive Sedona Edition option, distinguished primarily by a striking, attention-grabbing red paint job that, had time permitted, I would have photographed with the red rocks of Sedona, Arizona. The most notable accoutrement, however, was the adventure-themed exterior storage box, thoughtfully bolted to the rear passenger pillar, a feature that conjures images of rugged overlanders stashing their mud-caked sneakers after a triumphant river crossing. Of course, this dash of outdoorsy flair comes with a trade-off as the box does a marvelous job of obliterating the rear blind spot, leaving you at the mercy of the blind spot monitor to avoid any surprises.

Beneath the eye-catching exterior, the fundamentals of the Defender 110 remain reassuringly familiar. This 110 Series is powered by the more enthusiastic inline six-cylinder engine over the base 2.0-liter turbo, which comes paired with a mild-hybrid system for a little extra pick-me-up; like white powder to a stockbroker. With 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque channeled through a seamless 8-speed automatic, it hustles its considerable bulk with agility. If, however, the powdered snow just isn’t cutting it, Land Rover’s brawny V8 option with a healthy 518 horsepower is still on the table. Meanwhile, elsewhere in the world, Land Rover has introduced an upgraded diesel engine for the 2025 model year, delivering a bit more grunt and efficiency. Which, in classic fashion, remains out of reach for us stateside. So, at least we can take comfort in knowing our friends abroad have something new to write about.

When it comes to the Defender’s arsenal of off-road wizardry, the tale remains largely unchanged as well. The vehicle is still equipped with clever ultrasonic sensors capable of measuring water depth, a feature that’s as reassuring as it is entertaining for those who like to flirt with the occasional river crossing. Add to that a genuinely impressive 360-degree camera system, which allows you to toggle between what feels like a dozen different viewpoints. And then you have its impressive all-time four-wheel drive system that comes loaded with more terrain modes than even the most enthusiastic overlanders could reasonably exhaust. Yet, I can’t help but pause at the sight of those pristine 22-inch gloss black wheels. With such elegant footwear, even the thought of subjecting them to anything as pedestrian as mud or gravel feels like an act of vandalism.

At the very least, while the exterior might bear the brunt of off-road ambition, the Defender’s cabin ensures its occupants remain blissfully unscathed. Nestled into ventilated, cooled leather seats and surrounded by a blend of rugged sophistication. The interior design continues to strike a balance between utilitarian charm and upscale comfort, with exposed bolts artfully set against supple leather panels, reminding you that luxury and adventure need not be mutually exclusive. For 2025, Land Rover has thoughtfully upgraded the central screen to a larger, far more respectable display. Although its overly complicated menu structure remains a test of patience for even the tech-savvy. Fortunately, salvation comes in the form of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Somewhat surprisingly, this Sedona Edition Defender came in at a slightly lower price point than the last example I tested, granted “lower” is a relative term, with the final MSRP ringing up at $86,725. This of course, includes a few indulgent extras, such as the Cold Climate Package and the air suspension system, that makes it drive like a luxury sedan.

Admittedly, while I usually approach special editions with the enthusiasm of a cat at bath time, I must concede that this Sedona Edition wasn’t half bad. The unique color and decal pairing add a touch of flair without screaming for attention, and, even after five years on the market, the Defender manages to look every bit the dashing rogue that is still capable of eliciting a little flutter in my heart.