hasan tariq 
The UAE SUV market is built for power, prestige, and performance. From city cruising on Sheikh Zayed Road to weekend dune adventures in Liwa, drivers demand vehicles that can handle everything. Two names dominating conversations today are the Jetour T2 and the legendary Land Rover Defender.
One offers exceptional value with premium features, while the other delivers heritage off-road mastery and luxury prestige. In this in-depth comparison, we analyze performance, off-road ability, interior tech, safety, ownership costs, resale value, and UAE pricing to help you choose the perfect SUV for your lifestyle.
Brand Background & Market Position
Jetour T2 – Smart Adventure from China
Jetour, a sub-brand of Chery Auto, has quickly gained traction in the UAE for producing feature-rich SUVs at competitive prices. The Jetour T2 is built to attract modern buyers who want:
- Bold off-road styling
- Advanced infotainment
- Strong engine performance
- Excellent value for money
It targets drivers who want Defender looks without Defender pricing.
Land Rover Defender – British Icon
The Defender needs no introduction. With decades of off-road heritage, it is:
- Trusted by explorers worldwide
- Engineered for extreme terrain
- A symbol of luxury adventure
The Defender appeals to buyers who value brand legacy, rugged capability, and premium craftsmanship.
Engine & Performance Comparison
| Specification | Jetour T2 | Defender 90 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L Turbo | 2.0L Turbo |
| Power | 250 hp | 400 hp |
| Torque | 390 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Gearbox | 7-speed Auto | 8-speed Auto |
| 0-100 km/h | 6 sec | 5.8 sec |
| Top Speed | 180 km/h | 208 km/h |
| Drive System | AWD | AWD |
Performance Verdict
The Defender clearly dominates in raw power and torque, making it ideal for:
- Heavy towing
- Rock crawling
- High-speed highway driving
However, the Jetour T2 delivers smooth daily drivability, excellent low-RPM torque, and strong real-world performance at half the price.
Off-Road Capability
Jetour T2
- Intelligent AWD system
- Terrain drive modes
- Hill descent control
- 220 mm ground clearance
- Approach/departure optimized bumpers
Defender
- Terrain Response 2 system
- Air suspension (select trims)
- Locking differentials
- Up to 291 mm clearance
- Wading depth: 900 mm
Winner: Defender
For serious off-roaders, the Defender remains unmatched. But for weekend desert drives, the T2 performs impressively.
Dimensions & Practicality
| Measurement | Jetour T2 | Defender 90 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,785 mm | 4,583 mm |
| Width | 2,006 mm | 2,008 mm |
| Height | 1,880 mm | 1,969 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,800 mm | 2,587 mm |
| Boot Space | Larger | Smaller |
Practicality Winner
Jetour T2
More interior space, better rear seat comfort, and larger cargo capacity make it ideal for:
- Families
- Camping trips
- Daily commuting
Fuel Economy & Range
| Metric | Jetour T2 | Defender |
|---|---|---|
| City | 9 km/L | 9 km/L |
| Highway | 11 km/L | 11 km/L |
| Tank | 70L | 90L |
Despite similar efficiency, the Defender’s larger tank provides longer range, but also higher fuel cost.
Interior & Technology
Jetour T2 – Luxury on a Budget
- Massage seats
- Ventilated front seats
- 15.6” infotainment screen
- Snapdragon 8155 chipset
- Sony premium sound
- Ambient lighting
- Panoramic roof
Defender – Premium Rugged
- Leather/fabric seats
- Physical off-road dials
- Digital cluster
- Premium sound
- Strong cabin materials
Tech Winner: Jetour T2
You get luxury features normally found in premium SUVs.
Safety & Driver Assistance
Jetour T2
- Adaptive cruise
- Emergency braking
- Lane assist
- Blind-spot monitor
- 6 airbags
- 360 camera
Defender
- Terrain traction control
- Stability control
- Hill assist
- Multiple airbags
Both offer strong safety, but Jetour includes more ADAS tech as standard.
Exterior Design
Jetour T2
- Boxy modern styling
- Electric tailgate
- LED matrix lights
- Roof rails
- Hidden door handles
Defender
- Classic silhouette
- Side-mounted accessories
- Heavy skid plates
- Custom off-road packs
Style Preference:
- Jetour = modern luxury
- Defender = classic rugged
UAE Price Comparison (2026)
| Model | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Jetour T2 | AED 135,000 – 150,000 |
| Defender 90 | AED 300,000 – 380,000 |
Cost of Ownership
Jetour wins on:
- Insurance
- Maintenance
- Parts cost
- Fuel economy
Defender wins on:
- Brand prestige
- Resale value
Resale Value
| Vehicle | Resale |
|---|---|
| Jetour T2 | Medium |
| Defender | Very High |
Defender retains value due to brand trust.
Pros & Cons
Jetour T2 Pros
✔ Outstanding value
✔ Premium interior tech
✔ Family-friendly space
✔ Low ownership cost
✔ Modern design
Jetour T2 Cons
✖ Lower brand recognition
✖ Resale not as strong
Defender Pros
✔ Legendary off-road ability
✔ Powerful engine
✔ High resale
✔ Premium materials
Defender Cons
✖ Very expensive
✖ High maintenance
✖ Fuel hungry
Which One Should You Buy in the UAE?
Choose Jetour T2 if:
- You want luxury features under AED 150k
- Daily city driving + weekend desert trips
- Budget-friendly ownership
- Family comfort matters
Choose Defender if:
- You want true off-road mastery
- Brand prestige matters
- You tow or off-road heavily
- Budget is not a concern
Final Verdict
The Jetour T2 is the smart buyer’s choice. It delivers modern luxury, advanced technology, and off-road capability at a price that makes sense.
The Defender is the emotional choice. You pay for history, prestige, and unmatched off-road pedigree.
Smart money? Jetour T2.
Dream machine? Defender.
