Great video as always. I have driven my friends new Def and its was amazing, and so easy, it just took the fun out of off road driving. I have to say that the LR off road ability is second to none thanks to the software development. So, anyone with no off road driving ability can drive with no difficulty at all. Personally I prefer not using all these gadgetry. I like to use the analogy of using your gps to navigate and the downside of that reducing your spatial awareness and not being aware where exactly you are, but using paper map and compass does make you more aware of everything around you. I have the original shape defender and it is all manual control, which means I need to take the appropriate lines to be able to traverse off road tracks. Been doing this for the last 30+ years.

I believe the concept of Terrain Response was to make it easier for the novice off roader. At least that is how it was marketed in the UK. I think this proves that it is the complete opposite and that you need to not only be an expert on the vehicles systems and options, but also an expert on the terrain. So as to know which mode to use, or more importantly which modes to not use. On slippery ground the differences are even more pronounced too in my experience. We had a 75th Anniversary 90 on demo recently. Can’t quite remember if it was in auto or comfort. But it got stuck on a simple cross axle. Completely down to the Terrain Response mode (and DSC) killing the throttle. All it needed was a bit of power, slippery damp green longish grass on chalky clay mud, quite slick. It just needed to spin all 4 wheels (factory AT tyres) a bit. But it wouldn’t, it just kept killing the throttle and would do nothing but wobble back and forth a few inches, even at full throttle. If you didn’t know about changing the settings you’d be looking for a tow. In the right mode it did drive straight out requiring quite a bit of wheel spin and spraying mud up the sides. Mud terrains would likely have helped. But again showing you needed to know the terrain and the vehicle settings. Ironically a 100% standard pre Defender Ninety (1989) with open diffs no tcs and BFG all terrains would drive straight through in low 1st with no drama at all.

As a L663 owner I completely concur. Rock crawl does an excellent job is many circumstances. Climbing in sand and using rock crawl is useless. After using these settings for a while it becomes second nature choosing what works and what isn’t working. Mud ruts is the oddball performer, allowing lots of wheel spin.. until it doesn’t. My biggest issue is backing down an incline when it’s slippy (any mode). The brake bias is frontward and all the differentials are seemly unlocked, so little steering or control!

I know it isn't what you are showing but it would be interesting to see a different vehicle on the same trail. Maybe Toyota MTS or something. But interesting stuff. Thank you for sharing.

Do both of the defenders have the same packs installed? Ie the ediff or the off road pack, from what I have seen it makes a difference.

Can you test the Ranger Raptor? it seems like it won't go anywhere without lockers....