2025 Land Rover Defender
MSRP: $56,400
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Overview
The 2025 Land Rover Defender midsize SUV sits between traditional off-road toughness and modern luxury. This latest interpretation uses a unibody platform with fully independent suspension, delivering real trail capability without sacrificing on-road comfort. Three body styles shape the lineup: the two-door Defender 90, the four-door Defender 110, and the extended-cab Defender 130.
The four powertrain choices include a turbocharged four-cylinder, a mild-hybrid inline-six, a 518-hp supercharged V8, and a new BMW-sourced 626-hp twin-turbo V8 reserved for the new OCTA flagship. Four-wheel drive comes standard, ground clearance measures 11.5 inches, and water-fording capacity reaches 35 inches. Inside, the cabin focuses on comfort and usability, making the Defender just as capable on pavement as it is on dirt.
What's New for 2025?
The biggest change for the 2025 Defender is the introduction of the Defender OCTA, the most powerful and most capable model ever. A 626-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 powers the OCTA, paired with a hydraulically linked suspension system called 6D Dynamics. This setup removes traditional anti-roll bars, improving wheel articulation off-road while keeping body control in check on the street.
The rest of the lineup carries forward with minimal updates. The three-row Defender 130 now offers second-row captain's chairs. An 11.4-inch touchscreen and a Meridian audio system now come standard across all trims.
Exterior
The Defender's exterior design remains instantly recognizable. Upright proportions, squared edges, and short overhangs define the shape, improving approach and departure angles while reinforcing its rugged identity. Design elements such as exposed rear recovery points, a rear-mounted spare tire, and optional roof rails underline its functional intent.
LED headlights with signature daytime running lights appear across the range. Higher trims introduce black contrasting roof and hood finishes. V8 models add quad exhaust outlets and exclusive wheel designs that grow as large as 22 inches.
Interior
Inside, the Land Rover Defender blends durability with refinement in a way few SUVs do. A structural magnesium beam runs across the dashboard, serving both aesthetic and functional roles. Exposed fasteners in the door panels contribute to an industrial look, while leather seating and upscale materials reinforce its luxury positioning.
The shifter and ignition mount to a trapezoidal center stack rather than a traditional console. Some configurations include a fold-flat center console that doubles as a jump seat. An 11.4-inch Pivi Pro touchscreen manages infotainment, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation included as standard. Higher trims upgrade to a 13.1-inch display. Seating capacity ranges from five passengers in the 90 and 110 to as many as eight in the Defender 130 with its third row.
Price Range and Best Value Trim
Trim Level | Price |
Base trim: Defender 90 S (P300) | $56,400 |
Mid-range: Defender 110 X-Dynamic SE (P400) | $72,200 |
Top trim: Defender OCTA Edition One | $167,800 |
Best value trim: Defender 110 X-Dynamic SE | $72,200 |
Within the 2025 Land Rover Defender's price spread, the Defender 110 X-Dynamic SE stands out as the most balanced choice. It pairs the 395-hp mild-hybrid inline-six with 20-inch wheels, 12-way power seats, Meridian audio, and a digital gauge cluster. The four-door 110 body style delivers the strongest mix of space, comfort, and trail capability.
Key Specs
Powertrain
Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Claimed 0-60 mph |
2.0L Turbo I-4 (P300) | 296 hp | 295 lb-ft | 7.0-7.5 sec |
3.0L MHEV I-6 (P400) | 395 hp | 406 lb-ft | 5.8-6.3 sec |
5.0L Supercharged V-8 (P525) | 518 hp | 461 lb-ft | 4.9-5.4 sec |
4.4L Twin-Turbo V-8 (OCTA) | 626 hp | 590 lb-ft | 3.8 sec |
Fuel Economy (MPG)
Configuration | City | Highway | Combined |
Defender 90 / 110 (2.0L I4) | 18 | 20-21 | 19 |
Defender 90 / 110 / 130 MHEV (3.0L I6) | 17-18 | 20-21 | 18-19 |
Defender 90 / 110 / 130 (5.0L V8) | 14-15 | 18-19 | 16 |
Defender 110 MHEV (4.4L V8 OCTA) | 15 | 19 | 17 |
Warranty
Coverage | Duration |
Limited Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Powertrain Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Corrosion Warranty | 6 years / Unlimited Miles |
Complimentary Maintenance | None |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Iconic retro-modern styling with strong road presence
- Genuine off-road hardware with 11.5 inches of ground clearance
- Three body styles and four powertrains cover a wide range of needs
- Cabin combines rugged design with upscale materials
Cons:
- Fuel consumption remains high across the lineup
- Cargo space is tight in Defender 90 and 110 models
- Pricing climbs quickly into six-figure territory
- Poor reliability-survey results
Verdict
The Land Rover Defender continues to stand apart in the SUV landscape. It combines real off-road ability with levels of comfort and refinement that earlier generations never attempted. The range stretches from $56,000-160,000, creating one of the broadest spreads in the segment.
The Defender 110 X-Dynamic SE remains the smart pick, delivering good performance and balancing daily usability with trail readiness. The OCTA flagship raises the bar for power and suspension technology, but its pricing places it closer to Range Rover territory.
Fuel economy lags behind competitors, reliability questions persist, and option costs add up quickly. Even so, few vehicles match the Defender's blend of character, capability, and modern comfort. As a full-size SUV, it remains a distinctive choice for buyers who want something genuinely capable and unapologetically different.
Competitors
- Ineos Grenadier
- Land Rover Discovery
- Mercedes G-Class
- Jeep Wrangler
- Toyota Land Cruiser
- Lexus GX
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This story was originally published June 16, 2026 at 2:55 AM.