Sometimes when you buy a vehicle, you’re buying more than just four wheels and a drivetrain, and seldom is that more literally the case than now. Land Rover North America has announced the return of the Defender Trophy Edition, which gives buyers the opportunity to enter an off-road driving competition.
First offered in 2021, the limited edition SUV is back for another run of 250 models. Of those, 220 will be sold in the U.S. and 30 will be sold at select dealers in Canada. All will come in a heritage-inspired yellow wrap.
“The Defender Trophy Edition continues to embrace the spirit of adventure while honoring Land Rover’s rich and iconic heritage,” said Joe Eberhardt, President and CEO, Jaguar Land Rover North America. “We look forward to welcoming our Defender Trophy Edition customers to put these vehicles to the test at the exclusive adventure competition, while experiencing the breadth of capabilities inherent to the Defender.”
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Based on the 2023 Land Rover Defender 90 P400 X-Dynamic SE model, the Defender Trophy Edition adds the special wrap, a unique trophy badge, extended black exterior package, a tow hitch receiver, the air suspension pack, cold climate pack, off-road pack, and the advanced off-road ability pack.
In addition, it will also come with the expedition roof rack, a deployable roof ladder, an electronic winch plus the winch accessories package, front and rear mudflaps, an integrated air compressor, deep-sided floor mats, and mats for the loading area.
But the benefits don’t stop with what’s physically attached to the vehicle. In addition to getting all of that gear, the purchasers of the Trophy Edition Defender will also have the opportunity to gain entry to a one-day, two-person off-road adventure in their vehicle.
Hosted in Manchester, Vermont, competitors will face a number of on- and off-road challenges that test both vehicle control and teamwork. Participants will also get one-on-one expert coaching and the overall winners of the competition will be invited to take part in the Classic Land Rover Trophy Competition in the U.K., which is set to take place in the spring of 2023.
Not everyone who buys the Defender Trophy Edition will necessarily be able to compete, though. Land Rover is offering just 90 spots, on a first come, first served basis, meaning that buyers who want to participate in the off-road challenge shouldn’t wait, especially as owners of the 2021 model can also enter the Trophy Competition at a cost of $5,000 per team.
The competition starts on October 8, 2022, with six waves of 15 teams running throughout the month. The Defender Trophy Edition will be available this month at a price of $96,475 (including $1,475 destination fee) in the U.S. and CAD$115,400 ($89,111) in Canada (before destination).
