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While the Defender may have returned for 2021, some versions have been off-limits to US customers. That includes the limited return of the classic Land Rover Defender, complete with a V8. But now, the company has revealed a special edition of the boxy SUV/crossover just for the States. And in a way, the 2022 Land Rover Defender Trophy Edition is the Camel Trophy SUV we never got.

Land Rover calls back to its Camel Trophy race days with the 2022 Defender Trophy Edition

A yellow 1995 Land Rover Defender Camel Trophy in a forest
1995 Land Rover Defender Camel Trophy | National Motor Museum/Heritage Images via Getty Images

From 1981-2000, the wildest parts of the world served as Land Rover’s ersatz proving grounds. This was the era of the Camel Trophy, which saw specially-prepped yellow Land Rovers conquer thick jungles, muddy rivers, and sweeping desert sands. But while the Discovery is closely tied to “the Olympics of 4×4,” it wasn’t the only SUV that made the trek, MotorTrend explains. The original Land Rover Defender also regularly proved its mettle in the Camel Trophy.

Earlier this year, Land Rover honored its Camel Trophy legacy by releasing the limited-edition Defender V8 Works Trophy. Or rather, ‘re-releasing,’ because it was based on the boxy, body-on-frame second-gen classic Defender. And while the 2022 Defender V8 is coming here, Land Rover didn’t offer the V8 Works Trophy to US buyers.

The British SUV brand does have a consolation prize of sorts, though. It’s not a V8 Works Trophy, but it is the 2022 Land Rover Defender Trophy Edition. And while the company claims the 2022 SUV is inspired by the V8 Works, the yellow-and-black paint scheme is all Camel Trophy. But the new Trophy Edition is more than just an appearance package.

What’s special about the 2022 Land Rover Defender Trophy Edition?

The yellow-and-black 2022 Land Rover Defender Trophy Edition with optional winch in a forest
2022 Land Rover Defender Trophy Edition with optional winch | Land Rover

Mechanically, the 2022 Land Rover Defender Trophy Edition is based on the Defender 110 P400 X-Dynamic SE. So, while it doesn’t have a V8, it does have a 3.0-liter supercharged mild-hybrid inline-six engine with 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. That power goes to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD with a two-speed transfer case. That’s enough for a 6.5-second 0-60 mph time, MT says.

Straight-line paved-road speed, though, isn’t the 2022 Land Rover Defender Trophy Edition’s goal. After all, the Camel Trophy was about off-roading, and this Land Rover comes equipped for the job.

The rear 3/4 view of a yellow-and-black 2022 Land Rover Defender Trophy Edition in a forest
2022 Land Rover Defender Trophy Edition rear 3/4 | Land Rover

Besides AWD, the Defender Trophy Edition has a front skid plate, mud flaps, a roof rack with a deployable ladder, and a tow hitch receiver. It also comes with adjustable air suspension, an electronically-controlled rear differential, a winch installation kit, and all-terrain tires. And if you have to deflate those tires for extra traction, the SUV has an integrated air compressor. But the winch itself is extra, Motor1 notes.

Inside, the 2022 Defender Trophy Edition swaps the 10” center touchscreen for an 11.4” unit. It also has a heated steering wheel, windshield, and washer nozzles, Autoblog reports, and rubber floor mats for the rear cargo area. Plus, it gets extra off-road driving modes, off-road cruise control, and a 360° camera system for spotting obstacles.

How can you get one?

Land Rover is only making 220 Defender Trophy Editions for the US, with orders starting in August 2021. And if you want one, prices start at $90,000 before destination.

It’s worth noting that the Trophy Edition’s extra off-road features aren’t exclusive. They’re available as option packages on the regular Defender 110. So, if you can’t get your hands on the Camel Trophy-liveried Defender, you can recreate it mechanically. Though Autoblog notes such an SUV will still cost around $85,000.

However, as noted earlier, that $90,000 asking price includes more than just the color scheme. Defender Trophy Edition buyers get a two-person entry to the US Trophy Competition. It’s an off-road race set at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, spread out over 8000 acres. The teams get one-on-one coaching from Land Rover representatives before the race. And the winning team goes on to the final round at the UK’s Eastnor Castle.

But if you want to christen your limited-edition Land Rover in a mini-Camel Trophy, you’ll have to get in line fast. Only the first 90 buyers get entries into the Trophy Competition.

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MotorBiscuit Staff Writer, Producer - Sedans & Coupes

Matthew Skwarczek

Matthew Skwarczek started blogging in 2015 and focuses his writing on motorcycles and engineering science. A graduate of Northwestern University, where he earned his Master’s in Chemical Engineering, Matthew served as an applications engineer for BASF before joining MotorBiscuit in 2019.

In Matthew’s words, the visceral nature of riding requires you to be in the moment. Combined with his fascination in the analytics surrounding the building and designing of cars and bikes, both modern and classic, you’ll find his voice blends functionality and phenomena. He rides motorcycles and bicycles often, photographing them as well.

Matthew has contributed to Oppositelock and is now an alumnus. He plays Dungeons & Dragons and reads sci-fi and fantasy in his spare time, and appreciates the works of Peter Egan, Sam Smith, Brandon Sanderson, and Alex Goy.