Not so much about best as that is a very subjective thing. It is all the things you say for sure (although as i say new ones are a big improvement but far from modern car standards). But it also has personality. Most Defender drivers wave to each other on the road. No other drivers (apart from VW campers!) do that afaik. Like singlespeed, or 29, or riding fully rigid. A lot of people say “why? Makes no sense” but for those who are into it, it is the way forward. There is more to them than “which is best” – they have some soul about them.
A 5 year old passat estate is cheaper, more reliable, carries nearly as much, is more comfortable, burns less diesel, holds its value better, doesn’t rust, goes faster, is quieter etc etc. Would I swap my defender for one? Would I ****!