2025 Land Rover Defender

Overview
The 2025 Land Rover Defender continues its legacy as a rugged yet refined midsize luxury SUV, blending off-road prowess with modern comfort. Originally launched in 1983 and reimagined for the U.S. market in 2020, the Defender now spans three body styles: the compact two-door Defender 90, the mid-size four-door Defender 110, and the extended three-row Defender 130. For 2025, updates include the introduction of the high-performance Octa variant and optional second-row captain's chairs for the Defender 130. The Defender seats five to eight passengers depending on configuration and, given it true off-road capabilities, competes with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Lexus GX, Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Rivian R1S.

Trim levels include P300, P400, and the new Octa, each offering distinct powertrains. The P300 features a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder producing 296 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The P400 upgrades to a 3.0L inline-six mild hybrid with 395 hp and 406 lb-ft. The Octa, tuned for extreme performance, uses a twin-turbo V8 delivering over 600 hp. All models come standard with full-time all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission. Towing capacity ranges from 7,716 to 8,201 pounds depending on engine and trim.

Pricing starts at $56,900 for the Defender 90 P300 and climbs to $167,800 for the fully loaded Octa. Standard features include an 11.4-inch touchscreen with Google-based infotainment, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a Meridian audio system. Optional upgrades span air suspension, adaptive cruise control, and a matte paint protection film. Safety tech includes lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a 3D surround camera. The X-Dynamic and X-Pro trims add off-road enhancements, while the Octa stands out as a halo edition with bespoke styling and performance tuning.

Engine Performance
The Defender's engine lineup offers a broad spectrum of performance. The P300 delivers adequate acceleration for daily driving, hitting 0-60 mph in around 7.6 seconds. The P400's mild-hybrid inline-six drops that time to 5.8 seconds, offering strong mid-range torque for confident passing. The Octa's twin-turbo V8 rockets to 60 mph in just 4.0 seconds, rivaling performance SUVs. Across the board, the 8-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and adapts well to both highway cruising and off-road crawling.

Fuel Economy
EPA estimates for the Defender vary by engine and body style. The P300 returns 18 mpg city / 21 mpg highway / 19 mpg combined, while the P400 mild hybrid improves slightly to 19 mpg city / 23 mpg highway / 21 mpg combined. All models use premium gasoline and feature a 23.4-gallon tank, yielding a highway range of roughly 400-450 miles. Real-world fuel economy tends to fall 1-2 mpg below EPA ratings, especially in off-road or urban driving.

All-Wheel Drive & Off-Road Capability
Every Defender comes with permanent AWD and Land Rover's Terrain Response system, offering selectable drive modes for mud, sand, snow, and rock crawling. The X-Pro trim adds locking front and rear differentials, low-range gearing, and height-adjustable air suspension. A ClearSight ground-view camera and hill descent control further enhance trail visibility and control. The Octa builds on this with performance-tuned off-road settings and upgraded tires.

Ride Quality
Ride comfort in the Defender is surprisingly plush for an off-road-focused SUV. Coil-spring models offer firm but controlled damping, while air-suspension-equipped trims like the X-Pro and Octa deliver a smoother, floatier ride over rough terrain. Bump absorption is excellent, especially with the adaptive dampers. The Defender 130's longer wheelbase improves highway stability but can feel slightly more cumbersome in tight turns.

Handling Characteristics
Steering is light but accurate, with good on-center feel and minimal kickback off-road. Body roll is well-managed thanks to the independent suspension, though the tall build does mean there's a bit of body lean in corners. Braking is strong and progressive, with a firm pedal feel that inspires confidence both on pavement and descending steep trails.

Interior Noise Levels
The Defender's cabin is impressively quiet, especially in the P400 and Octa trims with acoustic glass and additional sound insulation. Wind and road noise are well-muted, even at highway speeds. Compared to rivals like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Lexus GX, the Defender offers a more serene driving experience.

Interior Design & Materials
Inside, the Defender blends utilitarian charm with upscale finishes. Exposed fasteners and rubberized flooring nod to its rugged roots, while soft-touch surfaces, genuine wood trim, and optional leather elevate the ambiance. The dashboard is cleanly laid out, with physical controls for climate and drive modes complementing the digital interface. One oddity are dual function knobs to control both temperature and off-road settings. Though somewhat cumbersome to operate, the design does reduce the overall number of buttons and knobs. The cabin feels airy thanks to large windows and available panoramic roof.

Technology & Safety Features
Tech highlights include the 11.4-inch touchscreen with Google Maps integration, voice assistant, and over-the-air updates. A head-up display, wireless charging, and configurable digital gauge cluster are available. Safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane centering, emergency braking, and a surround-view camera with off-road overlays. The Defender earns high marks for active safety, though some software quirks persist.

Seating & Comfort
Seating configurations range from two-row five-passenger setups in the Defender 90 and 110 to three-row layouts in the Defender 130. The second-row captain's chairs now available in the 130 improve comfort and access. Front seats are supportive and offer heating, ventilation, and massage in upper trims. Second-row legroom is generous, while third-row access is tight and best suited for children. Entry and exit are easy thanks to wide-opening doors and adjustable ride height.

Cargo Capacity & Storage
Cargo space varies by model. The Defender 90 offers 15.6 cu ft behind the second row and 58.3 cu ft with seats folded. The Defender 110 expands that to 34.0 / 78.8 cu ft, while the Defender 130 offers up to 80.9 cu ft with all seats folded. Regardless of model, all feature a swing-open rear tailgate that makes loading and unloading in tight spaces and on the curb side difficult. Interior storage includes a deep center console, door bins, and underfloor compartments. USB-C ports are available in all rows, and select trims offer a 110V AC outlet in the cargo area.

Bottom Line
The 2025 Defender stands out in the midsize luxury SUV segment for its blend of off-road capability, premium features, and distinctive styling. It's more versatile than the Lexus GX, more rugged than the Jeep Grand Cherokee, and more upscale than the than the para-military Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon. Weak points include fuel economy and a complex options structure. For most buyers, the Defender 110 P400 X-Dynamic SE strikes the best balance of performance, features, and price.