Which Land Rover Handles Ski Season Better: Range Rover Sport or Defender 110?

Montreal winters demand more than just any SUV. For families heading to Mont-Tremblant or the Laurentians, the question isn't if your vehicle can handle the snow—it's if it can handle your gear, your crew, and your après-ski comfort. Enter two pre-owned Land Rover icons: the Range Rover Sport and the Defender 110. Both are available in Montreal's pre-owned market, both are legendary for winter capability, and both promise British luxury. But which one truly fits the ski-season lifestyle?

Here's a real-world comparison of cargo space, loading ease, and winter performance—a head-to-head for families who want their SUV to feel like a concierge service, not a cargo van.

Cargo Capacity: Skis Inside or on the Roof?

The first question any ski family asks: Can we fit four pairs of skis inside, or are we strapping them to the roof?

The Range Rover Sport offers generous cargo space with the rear seats up—enough for weekend bags and après-ski essentials. Fold the seats down, and you unlock substantial room for skis, boots, poles, and even a cooler for the drive home. The Sport's lower roofline and optional ski pass-through make it easier to slide longer equipment inside without wrestling with a roof rack. For urban families who park in underground garages or prefer the convenience of interior storage, the Sport is the natural choice.

The Defender 110, on the other hand, is built for adventure. With more cargo volume and a taller profile, it edges out the Sport in sheer capacity. The Defender's modular roof rails make roof storage a breeze—ideal for families who need to maximize interior space for passengers or gear. If you're hauling four pairs of skis plus snowboards, the Defender's roof-mounted setup keeps the cabin free for jackets, helmets, and snacks.

Verdict: The Sport wins on interior convenience and garage-friendly design. The Defender wins on total cargo flexibility and roof-mounted storage.

Loading Ease: Ski Boots and All

Loading gear in ski boots is a test of patience—and liftover height. The Range Rover Sport sits lower to the ground, with a more accessible cargo floor. The powered tailgate and hands-free liftgate option (available on many pre-owned models) make loading effortless, even when your hands are full of poles and goggles. The Sport's 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats add versatility, letting you slide skis through the centre while keeping two passengers comfortable in the back.

The Defender 110 trades accessibility for ruggedness. With higher ground clearance, the cargo floor sits higher—a minor inconvenience for families in ski boots, but a major advantage for deep snow or unmaintained resort roads. The Defender's side steps (standard on many trims) help bridge the gap, and its powered tailgate (with programmable height settings) ensures you won't bump your head in tight parking spots. The Defender's 60/40 split-folding seats are less flexible than the Sport's, but the trade-off is a more robust, adventure-ready design.

Verdict: The Sport wins on ease of loading for everyday ski trips. The Defender wins on off-road capability and deep-snow access.

Winter Performance: Terrain Response and Beyond

Both Land Rovers are built for Quebec winters, but they approach the challenge differently. The Range Rover Sport features Terrain Response, which adjusts throttle, transmission, and traction settings for snow, ice, or slush. The Sport's air suspension lowers for highway cruising (reducing drag and improving fuel economy) and raises for snowy backroads. Heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control ensure the cabin feels like a luxury chalet, even when it's -20°C outside.

The Defender 110 takes winter performance further. Its Terrain Response system includes dedicated snow and gravel modes, plus low-speed cruise control for slippery conditions. The Defender's higher ground clearance and more aggressive approach angle make it the better choice for unplowed resort roads or backcountry trails. Heated seats, a heated windshield, and optional air suspension (with adjustable ride height) round out the winter package.

Verdict: The Sport wins on highway refinement and everyday winter comfort. The Defender wins on extreme winter capability and off-road prowess.

The Verdict: Which One Fits Your Ski Season?

If your ski weekends involve smooth drives to Mont-Tremblant, underground parking, and a preference for interior ski storage, the Range Rover Sport is your valet-like companion. Its refined ride, lower liftover height, and generous cargo space make it ideal for families who value convenience and luxury.

If your adventures take you beyond the groomed trails—think backcountry access roads, deep snow, or multi-family ski trips—the Defender 110 is your go-to. Its superior ground clearance, larger cargo capacity, and rugged design make it the ski-season workhorse.

Both are available in Montreal's pre-owned market, both offer legendary Land Rover winter capability, and both deliver British luxury. The choice comes down to your lifestyle: city-to-slope sophistication or adventure-ready versatility?

Explore Pre-Owned Land Rovers at Decarie Motors in Montréal

If you're drawn to the Range Rover Sport's refined elegance or the Defender 110's rugged capability, our team at Decarie Motors in Montréal is here to help you find the ideal pre-owned Land Rover for your ski-season adventures. Visit us to explore our curated selection, schedule a test drive, and discover why Montreal families trust us for British luxury motoring.