Land Rover Defender 2025 – Tough 4x4 With a Modern Edge

Few names in the automotive world carry the heritage and respect that the Land Rover Defender does. Since its inception in 1948, the Defender has embodied rugged capability and go-anywhere toughness. Over the decades, it has evolved from a utilitarian farm vehicle into a luxury 4x4, without losing its off-road soul.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender takes this legacy further, marrying traditional toughness with cutting-edge technology, improved efficiency, and modern comfort. For Australian buyers, who prize both durability and versatility, the new Defender positions itself as a serious contender in the premium off-road SUV market. Whether navigating the red dirt of the Outback, towing boats along the coast, or cruising city streets, the 2025 Defender aims to be the all-rounder Aussies demand.

This review explores every angle of the 2025 Land Rover Defender — design, performance, off-road credentials, interior features, safety, practicality, and ownership experience — to help you decide if this is the right SUV for your lifestyle.

Evolution of the Defender

The Defender’s story has always been about evolution, not reinvention. What began as the Land Rover Series I has gradually transformed across generations. The relaunch of the modern Defender in 2020 was a turning point: rugged enough for explorers but refined for urban living.

By 2025, Land Rover has fine-tuned this formula. With Australians increasingly demanding dual-purpose vehicles — something equally at home tackling corrugated tracks as it is in Melbourne’s CBD — the Defender has become a symbol of versatility. The new model emphasises three things:

• Capability – unmatched off-road engineering.
• Luxury – interiors now rival premium SUVs.
• Technology – advanced connectivity, driver assistance, and electrified powertrains.

This balance of old and new makes the 2025 Defender stand apart from conventional 4x4s and premium crossovers alike.

Exterior Design – Rugged but Sophisticated

The 2025 Defender’s design continues to strike a careful balance between heritage and modernity. It retains its boxy, upright stance, strong shoulders, and short overhangs — all traits that contribute to its off-road geometry.

Updates for 2025 include:

• Refined front fascia with slimmer LED headlights and a reshaped grille for a more aerodynamic profile.
• Optional black styling package that adds a stealthier, urban look.
• New alloy wheel designs ranging from 18-inch utilitarian rims to 22-inch luxury-focused options.
• Fresh paint choices, including bold finishes like Carpathian Grey, Tasman Blue, and Sedona Red.

The Defender comes in multiple body styles: the compact Defender 90, versatile Defender 110, and adventure-ready Defender 130. For Australians who need practicality, the 110 and 130 offer the best balance of interior space and rugged presence.

While unmistakably a Defender, the 2025 model has subtle refinements that make it look more premium without diluting its rugged image.

Interior and Comfort – Luxury Meets Utility

Step inside the 2025 Defender, and you’re greeted with a cabin that blends durability with luxury. Hard-wearing materials are used in key areas, but soft-touch surfaces and premium finishes elevate the experience.

Highlights include:

• Seating: Available in durable cloth, Windsor leather, or eco-friendly Kvadrat upholstery. Heated, ventilated, and massage functions are optional in higher trims.
• Layout: The Defender 90 offers a unique optional front jump seat, creating a three-abreast setup reminiscent of early Land Rovers. The 110 and 130 provide spacious seating for up to seven or eight passengers.
• Practicality: Washable floor mats, exposed structural elements, and smart storage bins remind you this is still a Defender at heart.
• Luxury touches: Panoramic glass roof, premium Meridian sound system, and ambient lighting deliver a high-end feel.

One of the biggest updates for 2025 is the larger infotainment system, which now comes with a curved 13.1-inch display on higher trims. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and over-the-air updates.

Comfort levels are impressive for long drives, making the Defender as capable in Sydney traffic as it is in the Kimberley.

Technology and Features

Land Rover has equipped the 2025 Defender with some of the most advanced features in its segment:

• Pivi Pro Infotainment: Faster, smoother, and more intuitive, with integrated navigation optimised for Australian maps and off-road trails.
• Digital Driver Display: Fully configurable 12.3-inch screen with off-road info like pitch, roll, and wading depth.
• Connected Car Features: Remote lock/unlock, vehicle locator, and over-the-air software updates.
• Advanced Camera Systems: 3D surround-view and ClearSight Ground View, allowing drivers to see beneath the front wheels — a game-changer for rock crawling.
• Head-Up Display: Projects key info onto the windscreen, reducing distractions.
• Driver Assistance: Adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition.

This level of tech firmly places the Defender in premium territory, while still keeping functionality geared toward practical use.

Performance and Powertrain Options

Australian buyers will appreciate the range of engines available for the 2025 Defender, catering to different driving styles:

• Turbocharged Petrol: A 2.0-litre four-cylinder (P300) and 3.0-litre six-cylinder mild-hybrid (P400), offering strong performance for everyday use.
• Diesel Options: The D250 and D300 inline-six diesels deliver excellent torque and fuel economy, ideal for towing caravans or boats.
• High-Performance V8: The 5.0-litre supercharged V8 remains available in select trims, producing thrilling power for enthusiasts.
• Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV): The P400e combines a petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering strong acceleration with lower emissions — appealing to eco-conscious buyers in urban areas.

All engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox and Land Rover’s advanced all-wheel-drive system.

The Defender’s towing capacity is among the best in its class, rated up to 3,500kg, making it a serious workhorse for Australian adventurers and tradies alike.

Off-Road Capability – The Heart of the Defender

The Defender is synonymous with off-road performance, and the 2025 version continues this legacy with class-leading engineering.

Key features include:

• Terrain Response 2 System: Automatically adjusts throttle, gearbox, and traction settings for sand, mud, rocks, or snow.
• Adjustable Air Suspension: Increases ground clearance to over 290mm for tackling ruts and obstacles.
• Wading Depth: Capable of safely driving through water up to 900mm deep.
• Locking Differentials: Centre and rear locking diffs provide maximum traction in extreme conditions.
• Approach, Breakover, and Departure Angles: Optimised geometry ensures superior clearance compared to rivals.

In real-world terms, this means a Defender can comfortably tackle Fraser Island’s soft sands, Cape York’s rugged tracks, or the rocky terrain of the Victorian High Country — all without breaking a sweat.

On-Road Driving Experience

While its off-road prowess is legendary, the 2025 Defender is equally impressive on the bitumen. Thanks to its independent suspension setup and advanced damping, the ride is smooth and composed.

• Highway Cruising: The Defender feels stable and refined, with minimal wind and road noise despite its boxy shape.
• City Driving: Surprisingly manageable, especially with driver aids like parking sensors and a 360-degree camera system.
• Handling: Not sports-car sharp, but body control is impressive for a large SUV. The V8 variant adds a dose of excitement with sports-tuned suspension.

This balance of off-road toughness and on-road comfort is one of the Defender’s biggest selling points.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The 2025 Defender prioritises safety, equipped with both passive and active systems:

• Standard airbags include front, side, curtain, and even innovative front-centre airbags.
• Driver aids: Emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
• ANCAP rating: Expected to maintain its 5-star safety rating, reassuring families and fleet buyers alike.
• Off-road safety tech: Hill descent control, gradient release control, and wade sensing.

For families, the Defender provides multiple ISOFIX mounting points, making it as suitable for school runs as it is for adventure trips.

Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs

Fuel consumption varies depending on the engine choice:

• Diesel engines: Around 7.5–8.5L/100km — the most economical for long-distance touring.
• Petrol six-cylinder: Around 10–11L/100km.
• V8: Upwards of 14L/100km, for buyers who prioritise performance over economy.
• Plug-in Hybrid: Capable of up to 50km of electric-only range, perfect for daily commutes in Australian cities.

Running costs are on the premium side, but Land Rover’s capped-price servicing program and growing dealer network in Australia help provide peace of mind.

Practicality and Everyday Usability

The Defender isn’t just about adventure — it’s also designed for everyday family life.

• Boot space: Ranges from 646 litres (Defender 110) to over 1,200 litres with seats folded.
• Seating flexibility: Seven or eight-seat configurations in the Defender 130 suit larger families.
• Towing and payload: With a towing rating of 3,500kg and payload capacity over 800kg, it’s ready for serious work.
• Roof load: Rated up to 300kg (static), allowing rooftop tents for camping trips.

This practicality is one of the reasons the Defender is growing in popularity among Aussie buyers who want a vehicle that truly does it all.

Competitors in Australia

The 2025 Defender competes in a crowded segment of premium 4x4s and SUVs. Key rivals include:

• Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series – unmatched reliability and outback dominance.
• Lexus GX and LX – luxury alternatives with Toyota durability.
• Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee – strong off-roaders with American flair.
• Mercedes-Benz G-Class – a far pricier icon, but similar blend of luxury and toughness.

Against these, the Defender stands out for its balance of heritage, modern tech, and distinctive style.

Ownership Experience

Land Rover has worked hard to improve ownership confidence. In Australia, the Defender comes with:

• 5-year/unlimited kilometre warranty
• 5 years of roadside assistance
• Capped-price servicing for predictable costs

Resale values have also improved thanks to high demand and limited supply, making the Defender a relatively strong investment in the premium SUV space.

Verdict – Should You Buy the 2025 Defender?

The Land Rover Defender 2025 is not just a car; it’s a statement. It represents a blend of tradition and innovation, delivering true off-road ability while offering the comfort, luxury, and tech today’s buyers expect.

For Australians who want a versatile SUV — one that can tow heavy loads, handle extreme terrain, and still be comfortable for family duties — the Defender makes a compelling case. It’s not the cheapest option, and running costs are higher than some rivals, but few vehicles combine such character, capability, and presence.

If your lifestyle involves both city living and rugged adventure, the 2025 Land Rover Defender deserves a top spot on your shortlist.