The New Land Rover Defender: Redefining Rugged Luxury (Your Ultimate Review & Buying Guide)

The Land Rover Defender has long been revered as a symbol of adventure, capability, and unmistakable British heritage. Once a utilitarian workhorse favored by farmers and explorers, the new Land Rover Defender now straddles two worlds—rugged off-road durability and high-end urban sophistication. But does this modern reboot stay true to its roots while meeting the demands of luxury SUV buyers?

This ultimate guide explores everything you need to know about the 2025 Land Rover Defender, including its trims, features, pricing, off-road capabilities, and how it stacks up against the competition. Whether you're eyeing a weekend overlanding rig, a refined 4x4 vehicle for daily driving, or a cutting-edge luxury SUV with serious off-road chops, this Land Rover Defender review has you covered.

A Quick Overview: What Is the New Land Rover Defender?

Completely reimagined in 2020 and continuously refined through 2025, the Land Rover Defender is now offered in multiple configurations:

• Defender 90 (2-door): Compact, agile, and trail-ready
• Defender 110 (4-door): The balanced choice with optional third-row seating
• Defender 130 (extended): Roomy with three rows for up to 8 passengers

These Land Rover Defender models cater to different lifestyles—from off-road purists to large families seeking adventure. All are built on a robust aluminum-intensive unibody construction platform, a departure from the ladder-frame chassis of the old Defender.

Trims and Pricing: What Does a New Land Rover Defender Cost?

If you’re asking how much does a new Land Rover Defender cost, here’s a breakdown of base prices (MSRP) for 2025:

• Defender 90: Starting around $57,000
• Defender 110: From $60,600
• Defender 130: Starts at approximately $69,000
• Defender V8: Expect $108,000+

Final pricing can rise significantly based on trim levels, packages, and accessories. Popular add-ons like the Meridian sound system, Clearsight Ground View, and air suspension boost the luxury factor—and the price tag.

For deals or certified pre-owned options, check Land Rover Defender for sale listings at authorized Land Rover dealerships near you.

Land Rover Defender Trim Levels: From S to X to V8

One of the most frequent questions is: What are the Defender trim levels? Here's a summary of the major trims:

• S: The base luxury trim with leather seats and Pivi Pro
• SE: Adds upgraded wheels, Matrix LED headlights
• X-Dynamic SE/X: Sportier accents and enhanced interior
• V8 & V8 Carpathian Edition: The ultimate performance and exclusivity
• Outbound (Defender 130 only): Two-row layout with expansive cargo space

Looking for the best Land Rover Defender trim? The SE strikes the best balance of value, luxury, and capability, while the X-Dynamic and V8 trims cater to drivers seeking bold design or thrilling performance.

Defender Engine Options and Performance

Each Defender model offers multiple powertrains, all mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and full-time AWD:

• P300: 2.0L Turbo I4, 296 hp
• P400: 3.0L I6 Mild-Hybrid, 395 hp
• V8: 5.0L Supercharged V8, 518 hp

When considering the Land Rover Defender engine options, the P400 offers the best mix of smoothness and strength. The V8 is undeniably thrilling, perfect for those who want the roar of performance in a luxury shell.

Defender Off-Road Capabilities Explained

The Land Rover Defender shines in the wilderness. With Terrain Response 2, locking center/rear differentials, and air suspension, it's a true off-road SUV that laughs in the face of terrain others fear.

Key Off-Road Specs:

• Towing Capacity: Up to 8,201 lbs
• Ground Clearance: Up to 11.5 inches
• Wade Depth: 35.4 inches (among best in class)
• Approach/Departure Angles: Up to 38°/40°

For those wondering, defender off-road capabilities easily rival that of the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon or Toyota Land Cruiser, while offering greater comfort and refinement.

Interior & Cargo: Defender as a Daily Driver

The Defender interior merges rugged details with upscale materials. Rubberized floors, exposed screw heads, and grab handles hint at its trail DNA, but buyers also enjoy heated/ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and premium leather finishes.

Cargo Space by Model:

• Defender 90: Up to 58.3 cu ft (seats down)
• Defender 110: 70.4 cu ft
• Defender 130: 80.9 cu ft (2-row Outbound trim offers max space)

Third-row availability in the Defender 110 and 130 makes it family-friendly, answering the question: Does the Land Rover Defender have a third row? Yes—depending on the trim.

Defender Technology & Infotainment

Land Rover’s Pivi Pro infotainment system features prominently in the Defender. A responsive 11.4” touchscreen (standard or optional depending on trim) provides access to:

• Navigation with over-the-air updates
• Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
• 3D Surround Camera with Clearsight Ground View
• Off-road navigation and live terrain data

The defender technology experience feels intuitive, though occasional lag has been noted in early builds. For audiophiles, the optional Meridian sound system delivers stunning clarity.

Safety, Ratings & Reliability

While modern Land Rovers have faced criticism for common Land Rover Defender problems like early infotainment bugs and electrical glitches, overall reliability is improving.

Key Safety Features Include:

• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Blind Spot Assist
• Lane Keep Assist
• Emergency Braking
• Surround-View Camera

As of the 2025 model year, defender safety ratings remain solid. It received high marks from Euro NCAP and is being evaluated further for U.S. safety tests.

Defender Pros and Cons

Land Rover Defender Pros:

• Unbeatable off-road capability
• Luxurious, well-appointed interior
• Impressive towing and wading specs
• Strong engine lineup, especially V8
• Iconic, modernized design

Land Rover Defender Cons:

• Steep price increases with add-ons
• Not the best fuel economy (~17–22 mpg)
• Some reliability concerns
• Limited rear seat space in Defender 90
• Size can be unwieldy in urban areas

Defender 90 vs 110 vs 130: Which One Should You Buy?

• Defender 90: Best for solo adventurers or couples. Compact, nimble, but tight on space.
• Defender 110: The Goldilocks option. Good balance of room, performance, and price.
• Defender 130: Ideal for larger families or gear-heavy expeditions. Max cargo and seating.

Use cases matter. If you’re asking, is the Defender good for daily driving, the Defender 110 hits the sweet spot.

Accessories, Tires & Overlanding Setups

From rooftop tents to winches and off-road tires, the Land Rover Defender accessories catalog is deep. Key upgrades include:

• Expedition roof rack
• Raised air intake
• Integrated air compressor
• Side-mounted gear carrier
• Portable rinse system

For serious overlanding or expedition builds, the Defender offers more factory-supported mods than most SUVs in its class.

Defender vs the Competition

How does the Defender stack up against others?

• Defender vs Jeep Wrangler Rubicon: Defender is more luxurious, smoother on-road, better tech. Wrangler is more modifiable and more affordable.
• Defender vs Mercedes G-Wagen: Defender is more practical and significantly cheaper. G-Wagen is flashier but lacks Defender’s innovation per dollar.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the New Land Rover Defender?

If you're searching for a vehicle that offers luxury, off-road capability, and modern tech all in one bold package, the new Land Rover Defender is tough to beat. It doesn’t just redefine rugged luxury—it dominates it.

Whether you’re ready to buy a Land Rover Defender, or just window-shopping for your next adventure vehicle, the Defender delivers on nearly every front.