Take a Ride onthe Wild Side

The Land Rover Experience in Manchester, Vermont, is everything you hope it will be – and more! 

STORY BY CRAIG LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK BURCHARD 

Deep in the lush woodlands of Vermont, there’s a Land Rover Defender conquering terrain obstacles with no drama, no tire spin outs, and no panic. 

Years ago, this trail might have been reserved for the most seasoned off-roaders, armed with custom-built rigs and miles of experience. Today, a first-timer can take the wheel of a new Defender with one foot off the brake, both hands lightly on the wheel, and an instructor calmly coaching from the passenger seat. 

Welcome to the Land Rover Experience Center in Manchester, Vermont, one of only two such facilities in the United States (and the only one nestled in the heart of New England’s rugged, picturesque terrain). With 65 private acres of trails, obstacles, mud pits, and rocky climbs, this course offers a uniquely immersive taste of what the modern Defender can do. Drivers are given the option to choose their vehicle: the Defender 130, Discovery, Range Rover, and the Range Rover Sport. For our journey, we chose the Defender. And what it can do... is nothing short of remarkable.

A High-Tech Tank on Four Wheels

At the heart of the experience is the New Land Rover Defender—a reinvention of a British off-road icon. Far from being a rough, rattling, utilitarian box on wheels, the new Defender is a masterclass in engineering and refinement. Think expedition-ready armor meets modern luxury SUV. Its unified monocoque construction—a move away from the traditional steel ladder frame—means a stiffer body and more precise handling both on and off-road.

Underneath, the Defender boasts air springs that can raise or lower the ride height. Out on the trail, the instructor taps a button on the infotainment screen, giving us several additional inches of ground clearance. Now we’re floating over boulders and straddling trenches that could stop a standard SUV cold.

The 8-speed automatic transmission with a low range gearbox is another hero of the day. Low range drops gear ratios three times lower than normal, giving the wheels more torque at low speeds—perfect for crawling over rocks or inching through a muddy rut. In fact, Land Rover’s low range system is so advanced, the driver barely has to touch the accelerator. Just aim the steering wheel, ease off the brakes, and let the Defender do the rest.

It’s Not a Car, It’s a Guide

The Defender makes you a better driver—even when you’re sliding.

On a slippery, leaf-covered trail, the instructor tells us to let go of the brake entirely. This isn’t a mistake. The Defender’s Hill Descent Control—originally invented by Land Rover—takes over, automatically modulating the brakes for each wheel to maintain a slow, controlled descent. It’s eerie at first, but you quickly realize: the car is better at this than you are.

Add in infinitely variable differentials that constantly shift power between the wheels, and you’re nearly invincible. 

The instructor calls this “Slip”—but the kind that actually helps. The car senses slippage and counters it instantly, sending torque to the wheels with the most grip. Your job? Just stay calm and steer. The Defender, with its Terrain Response system, is always thinking five steps ahead.

“Most people panic when they feel a slide,” the instructor says, as we start a controlled drift across a slope. “But in this car, you just go with gravity. Don’t fight it. Steer into it.” We’re told not to steer up the hill—“Match the severity of the terrain with your pace”—and this simple mantra keeps the Defender confidently upright as we cross a cambered trail.

Inside: Space-Age Functionality Meets Expedition Chic

Inside the cabin, the luxury is more than skin deep. 

There’s a 400-horsepower engine under the hood, and yet, silence inside. The Defender glides over Vermont’s rugged terrain like it’s a freshly paved highway. There’s even a refrigerator in the center console—because after all, who doesn’t want chilled beverages while crawling through the woods?

Another helpful party trick is the flip rearview mirror, which turns into a digital screen showing a live feed from the back of the car. Handy when your view is blocked by headrests or cargo. There’s also the 4x4 info screen, which displays everything from wheel articulation to pitch, roll, and drivetrain activity. You don’t need to understand it all, but it’s oddly satisfying to watch the Defender’s brain work.

The Alpine lights—narrow, skylight-like windows above the rear seats—let natural light stream in, a nod to the original Defender’s utilitarian roots. But the expedition styling is where form meets function: rugged rubberized floors, grab handles, and industrial stitching give it that go-anywhere confidence.

Under the vehicle, a built-in camera system stitches together a live image of the terrain beneath the front bumper. It’s like having X-ray vision for the trail ahead—a serious advantage when crawling over unseen rocks or navigating a tight turn.

From Weekend Warrior to Owner

During the Experience, no one is trying to sell you a car. But after a few hours behind the wheel, you might just sell yourself. One recent group of friends booked a bachelor party off-road session and ended the day by placing an order for a new Defender. 

Talk about a memorable test drive! The program offers various experiences—from 1-hour introductory drives to full-day adventures, to courses on Winch & Recovery Techniques. The half-day is the sweet spot for those wanting to really get into the mechanics of off-road driving without committing a full day.

A Trail with a Story

The Manchester course was originally designed in the late 1990s, and its layout has evolved over time to reflect changing vehicles and technologies. There’s a trail here for everyone—from gentle scenic loops through the sugar maples to stomach-dropping hill climbs that test every inch of the vehicle’s engineering.

The Final Descent

After a few hours of trails, the Defender begins its descent back to the streets. If you happen

to forget to toggle the off-road capabilities back to normal, when your speed increases past 50 mph, it automatically lowers the ride height for improved aerodynamics and stability. Even that is handled without fanfare.

There’s a reason the Defender is still the vehicle of choice for explorers, conservationists, and off-grid adventurers across the world. And there’s a reason people drive hours to rural Vermont just to put it to the test.

The Land Rover Experience isn’t just about driving—it’s about discovering. You discover what the Defender can do. You discover a part of Vermont few ever see. And most importantly, you discover that even when the terrain gets tough, you can handle it—because you’re protected; you’ve got a Defender.