Talking Semi-Autonomous Safety (and lack thereof) with Benjamin Hunting
Kristin and Aaron
Kristin Shaw lives in Texas and is a well-known automotive writer as well as president of the Texas Auto Writers Association. She won two Excellence In Craft awards for 2019 prior to taking the helm of TAWA.
Aaron Turpen is based in Wyoming and is a member of several automotive journalism groups. He is most well known for his reviews and opinion pieces in consumer automotive and the varied background he brings to them.
Automotive Industry (20)
Automotive Industry Interviews (62)
Automotive Press (7)
Automotive Safety (12)
Automotive Segments (4)
Buying Guides (14)
Consumer Issues (8)
Interesting News (17)
Questions Answered (15)
Video Channel Episodes (32)
Kristin and Aaron, Raising Eyebrows On Automotive
The Land Rover Defender: Off-Road Luxury with Signature Style
by Nicole Wakelin December 7, 2020
written by Nicole Wakelin
The Defender is Back
The Land Rover Defender is back after a too-long absence from the U.S. market. This boxy off-roader combines the luxury of a Land Rover with the off-road chops of, well, a Land Rover. Available with two-doors or four-doors, if you're looking for a luxury SUV equally suited to city streets and muddy fields with stand-out styling, then you should take a closer look at the 2020 Land Rover Defender.
Let's start with the look of the Defender. You're either going to love this SUV or think it's odd. We rather like its style because it doesn't look like every other SUV on the road. It's boxier than the rest, tall, and imposing. It looks like it should be capable and because this is a Land Rover, it lives up to that expectation.
There's a tailgate-mounted spare tire that gives it an old-school vibe, but that tire is flanked by rounded square lights that are thoroughly modern. There are inset panels on the hood that look a bit like tire tracks and give what would otherwise be an expanse of sheet metal some visual punch. It's modern and vintage all at once and it attracts attention.
Tough Luxury
Inside, there's seating for up to seven with an airy, open interior. Those in back get a bit of extra light thanks to what Land Rover calls Alpine lights. These narrow, rectangular windows sit at the roofline and not only brighten the interior but add to the Defender's unique presence.
Nothing in this SUV is delicate or timid. While some luxury SUVs have a level of refinement that make them feel fragile, not so with the Defender. It's comfortable, with quality materials throughout and feels every bit the luxury vehicle, but it's not one you'll be afraid to get dirty. There's a toughness to the Defender's interior that won't have you panicked the first time the family dog runs through it with muddy paws.
And there will be mud if you're doing it right because the Defender has ample off-road capability. All-wheel drive is standard along with hill descent control, and a range of drive modes to suit most every terrain. The Terrain Response system allows for normal, rock crawl, grass/gravel/snow, mud/ruts, or sand modes. The Defender can also wade through nearly three feet of water. If you have serious off-road plans, then the Defender is ready.
Plenty of Power
Power for the Defender 110 SE we drove comes from a 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine with 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission. It's a responsive powertrain that has no trouble getting the Defender's bulk up to highway speeds. Much like the interior of the Defender is rugged without the delicacy of other luxury SUVs, the engine in the Defender isn't a mild-mannered thing.
You feel and hear its power when you step on the gas, but it's not intrusive or annoying. This capable SUV is still a luxury vehicle, so there's nothing harsh about the engine or the ride. It's power with a dose of refinement. As capable as it is off-road, on-road it's well-mannered and composed making it a relaxing ride for driver and passenger alike.
While there are other vehicles that can handle off-road adventures, there aren't many that also boast a luxury pedigree. That sets the Defender apart from the rest, as does its price. As tested, with extras including a sliding panoramic roof, heated third row, 14-way heated and cooled front seats, and three-zone climate control with rear cooling assist, our Defender came in at $75,440.
It's not the most affordable off-road choice, but those looking for an off-road luxury SUV will find it's well worth the investment.
2020 Land Rover Discovery Review
by Aaron Turpen June 8, 2020
written by Aaron Turpen
How do you off-road AND live in luxury? With Land Rover, of course. As the "lower end" (that's entirely subjective) of the Jaguar Land Rover SUV offerings, the Land Rover line includes the extremely well-outfitted Discovery. In this review of the 2020 Discovery model, Aaron walks through its high points and talks off-roading in this luxurious SUV.
Automotive Industry Interviews
2021 Land Rover Defender Walkaround
by Kristin Shaw February 26, 2020
written by Kristin Shaw
At the Chicago Auto Show, we took the opportunity to check out the new Land Rover Defender. Here, Kristin talks with Rob Filipovic of Jaguar Land Rover about the new Defender. Rob explains why someone like Kristin, whose family already has two Land Rovers, should consider the new Defender as an option. This full walkaround of the 110 four-door model shows feature highlights, design highlights, and more.
2021 Jaguar F-Type Walkaround
by Aaron Turpen February 25, 2020
While at the Chicago Auto Show, we had the chance to check out the newly-updated and beautifully designed Jaguar F-Type. Still purring like a panther after a nap, the F-Type has a few changes that complement its already sleek personality. Rob Filipovic of Jaguar Land Rover walks us around the car as Aaron makes commentary regarding the F-Type's quirks. He's clearly in love. With the car, we assume.
The New Land Rover Defender at #HAS2020 – How Good Is It?
by Kristin Shaw January 23, 2020
Kristin teams up with Teia Collier of DallasSingleMom.com (https://dallassinglemom.com/) while sitting in the new Land rover Defender at the Houston Auto Show. What's it like? How does it feel? Is this really a Defender? All questions answered in this episode. Plus Teia channels her inner Aaron and a funky breakdown happens at the end. Cheggitout!