2025 Land Rover Defender

Overview

This generation of Land Rover Defender SUV exists at the intersection of the form-follows-function ethos of the rugged original models and the luxury-at-nearly-any-cost (whilst retaining genuine off-road chops) agenda of the current Range Rover lineup. In short, not only is the Defender a natural in the rough, keeping pace with truck-ish rivals like the Jeep Wrangler and the Lexus GX but its on-road manners and well-curated interior keep things civilized when you leave the trail behind. Offered in numerous trims, the 2025 lineup is joined by the new range-topping Octa model featuring a twin-turbo V-8, an advanced suspension, and an even more luxurious interior. The quartet of available powertrains and three body styles enhance its versatility quotient; the two-door Defender 90 model is the purist of the bunch, while the 130’s extended-wheelbase and third row-seating make it the choice for people and gear hauling. Between them is the 110, which offers the 90’s cool factor with the functional practicality of a four-door layout. Regardless of which Defender best suits your needs, you’ll find that Rover has pulled off a successful reinvention of this off-road icon, blending modern conveniences into a classic, instantly recognizable profile.

Where This Vehicle Ranks

#12 in Best Mid-Size Luxury SUVs

1

Genesis GV80

STARTING AT: $59,000

2

Porsche Cayenne

STARTING AT: $81,000

3

BMW X5

STARTING AT: $66,875

4

Volvo XC90

STARTING AT: $57,895

5

Lexus GX

STARTING AT: $64,250

12

Land Rover Defender

STARTING AT: $58,000

What's New for 2025?

This year sees the introduction of the new range-topping Defender Octa model. The name plays off the idea of a diamond, referencing the gem's typical eight-sided shape and the fact that it is the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth. The Defender is equipped with a twin Turbo V-8 and a versatile air spring suspension with hydraulicly linked dampers—6D Dynamics in Rover vernacular. The company claims it to be the most capable Defender yet, all while retaining reassuring on-road dynamics and equipped with the type of luxurious furnishings typically associated with full-boat Range Rovers.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

We’re intrigued by the new Octa trim but as the new top-tier offering, its price will undoubtedly bleed into Range Rover territory—not to mention knocking on the door of several competing luxury SUV makes. We think the Defender is best experienced with less pomp, and although the two-door 90 has undeniable charm, the 110 ES hits the sweet spot between retro style, luxury, and raw capability. The SE trim's features include 19-inch aluminum wheels, automatic high-beam headlamps, 12-way power-adjustable front seats, and a digital gauge display. Plus, Land Rover offers an extensive list of options and add-ons including several specially-themed accessory packages, so it’s easy to outfit even the base Defender models to taste.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The standard Defender powertrain consists of a 296-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Naturally, four-wheel drive and locking differentials are standard across the lineup. There’s also an available 395-hp 3.0-liter inline-six which utilizes an electric supercharger, a turbocharger, and a 48-volt hybrid system. If you deem additional speed necessary, the available 518-hp supercharged V-8 is your ticket; we tested a Defender 90 with the V-8 and it hit 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. Sitting atop powertrain mountain is the twin-turbo V-8 earmarked for the forthcoming Defender Octa flagship. Though the specifics remain unconfirmed, we think it's likely that the Octa will feature the same 626-hp twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 found in the revamped Range Rover Sport SV. Notably, the current Defender is built on a unibody platform rather than the OG’s body-on-frame construction, and rides on a fully independent suspension in place of solid axles. Coil springs are standard, but an air suspension that enables adjustable ride height is available. The new Octa trim utilizes the maker’s “6D Dynamics” hydraulically linked damper setup that eliminates the need for traditional anti-roll bars. The Defender has 11.5 inches of ground clearance and the ability to ford through 35 inches of water, which exceeds both the Jeep Wrangler's maximum clearance and its wading ability.

0–60-MPH Times

The long-wheelbase 130 Outbound we tested with the 395-hp inline-six powertrain ran to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. We tested a Defender 90 with the 518-hp supercharged V-8 that vaulted to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. We expect the forthcoming 2025 Defender Octa to be even quicker thanks to its more powerful twin-turbo V-8; though official power ratings are not yet available, Land Rover says it will be the most powerful Defender in the lineup.

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Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Remarkably, EPA fuel economy ratings for the various Defender models are similar regardless of what's under the hood. The 90 model with the four-cylinder receives ratings of 18 mpg city and 21 highway. Step up to the six-cylinder engine and the 90's city rating drops to 17 mpg but the highway rating goes up to 23. The 110 model with the six-cylinder engine has the same estimates as the six-cylinder 90, but the long-wheelbase 130 is rated for 17 mpg city and 21 mpg highway with the six-cylinder. The V-8 variant of the 110 is rated for 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway; the 90 with the V-8 is good for 15 mpg city and 19 mpg highway. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, a Defender 110X with the optional six-cylinder powertrain delivered a disappointing 18 mpg; the 130 Outbound managed only 19 mpg in the same test. For more information about the Defender's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Defender's cabin walks the line between premium and utilitarian, with just enough design cues from the rest of the Land Rover lineup to make those familiar with the brand feel at home. Exposed rivets in the door panels add a rugged appearance, and a magnesium beam that runs the full width of the dashboard isn't entirely cosmetic—it's also structural. Under the infotainment display, a trapezoidal extension of the dashboard provides a place for buttons and switches for the climate-control system and driving mode. The shift lever and ignition switch are also mounted on this center stack rather than the center console. In some models, the center console can be flipped back to create a jump seat between the driver and passenger, similar to a three-across bench in some full-size pickup trucks. Cargo space behind the rear seat in 90 and 110 models is limited but on par with rival off-roaders such as the Wrangler; the rear seats can be folded to open up a much larger cargo bay but those seeking to haul people and gear may want to look at the larger Land Rover Discovery or invest in a roof-top cargo carrier. The longer 130 model offers additional cargo space with the third row stowed, but with it in use, there’s not much room for gear. If you don't plan to use the third row, consider the 130 Outbound instead, which scraps the rearmost seat entirely to prioritize cargo space.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

The Defender's dashboard sports a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system that runs a new interface for Land Rover called Pivi Pro; a larger 11.4-inch display is optional. Compared to the rest of the Land Rover lineup's Touch Pro Duo interface, the Defender's system relies on a single touchscreen instead of two, offers quicker response times, and can handle over-the-air software updates for future releases. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard, as is an in-dash navigation system, a six-speaker stereo, and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot. Both 10- and 14-speaker Meridian stereo systems are optional, and buyers of higher-end Defenders receive a digital gauge cluster and a head-up display.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Among the slew of available driver-assistance technology, the Rover has several unique systems tailored for off-roading and towing. For more information about the Defender's crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Like its stablemates, the Defender comes with a standard warranty package that spans four years or 50,000 miles. The Lexus GX, a similarly posh off-roader, offers more value here in the form of a six-year powertrain warranty and a year of complimentary maintenance.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

Specifications

Specifications

2024 Land Rover Defender 130 Outbound
Vehicle Type: front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon

PRICE
Base/As Tested: $85,975/$94,738

ENGINE
supercharged, turbocharged, and intercooled DOHC 24-valve inline-6, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 183 in³, 2996 cm³
Power: 395 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque: 406 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm

TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic

CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: multilink/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 14.3-in vented disc/13.8-in vented disc
Tires: Goodyear Wrangler Territory Duratrac
255/60R-20 113O LR POR M+S

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 119.0 in
Length: 211.7 in
Width: 79.1 in
Height: 77.6 in
Cargo Volume, behind F/R: 76/36 ft³
Curb Weight: 5901 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 6.2 sec
1/4-Mile: 14.6 sec @ 95 mph
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.8 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 4.0 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.5 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 100 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 183 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.77 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 15 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 19 mpg
75-mph Highway Range: 450 mi

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 17/16/18 mpg

2022 Land Rover Defender 90 V8
Vehicle Type: front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 2-door wagon

PRICE
Base/As Tested: $106,260/$113,500

ENGINE
supercharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 305 in³, 5000 cm³
Power: 518 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 461 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm

TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic

CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: multilink/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 15.0-in vented disc/14.4-in vented disc
Tires: Continental CrossContact RX
275/45R-22 112W M+S LR

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 101.9 in
Length: 180.4 in
Width: 79.1 in
Height: 77.5 in
Passenger Volume: 102 ft³
Cargo Volume: 16 ft³
Curb Weight: 5334 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 4.4 sec
100 mph: 10.6 sec
1/4-Mile: 12.9 sec @ 109 mph
130 mph: 19.8 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.1 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.0 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.6 sec
Top Speed (mfr's claim): 149 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 195 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 379 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.78 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 15 mpg

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 16/15/19 mpg

C/D TESTING EXPLAINED

More Features and Specs