2024 Land Rover Defender vs 2025 Land Rover Defender

The 2024 Land Rover Defender presented a harmonious blend of classic and contemporary design elements. Its exterior maintained a traditional boxy silhouette, complemented by modern angular headlights that linked it visually to other Land Rover models. Inside, the Defender's cabin diverged from its siblings, offering a rugged and adventure-ready atmosphere akin to a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, yet with more refined soft-touch materials. The Defender was available in three body styles: the two-door 90, the four-door 110, and the extended-wheelbase four-door 130, each with various trims like S, X-Dynamic SE, X, Carpathian Edition, and Outbound. Our test drive of the Defender 110 S, featuring the County visual package, highlighted its retro appeal with white wheels and vintage graphics, while also offering modern styling options for those seeking a contemporary look.

In contrast, the 2025 Land Rover Defender's design was a mix of ruggedness and customization potential. The Defender 90 appeared compact, while the 130 seemed visually heavy over its rear wheels, with the 110 four-door striking a balance. Base prices ranged from $58,525 for a 90 to $120,525 for a 130 V8, with the new Defender OCTA priced at $153,625. Our test vehicle, a Defender 130 in X trim, featured the Extended Black Exterior Pack and upgraded interior materials. It swapped standard 22-inch wheels for 20s with Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires, and options like the Towing Pack and Climate Pack brought the MSRP to $106,092. The Gondwana Stone paint and orange brake calipers didn't complement each other well, and the 20-inch wheels seemed delicate. Inside, the Defender X upgraded to premium Windsor hides with Kvadrat fabric, offering a choice of Ebony or Caraway colors. The cabin maintained an industrial theme, focusing on purpose over luxury.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender offered a range of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the P300, producing 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Our P400 test model featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, delivering 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Two supercharged 5.0-liter V8 options, the P500 and P525, provided 493 hp and 450 lb-ft, and 518 hp and 461 lb-ft, respectively. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time active four-wheel drive. The six-cylinder and eight-cylinder powertrains allowed for a towing capacity of up to 7,716 pounds, while the four-cylinder version could tow up to 5,500 pounds. The Defender excelled in off-road capabilities, with features like adaptive air suspension and Terrain Response 2 system, making it a formidable off-road vehicle.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender's test vehicle featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, one of four powertrain options, paired with a mild-hybrid system. It produced 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission with Sport and manual shift modes. The standard all-wheel-drive system included a low-range setting for off-roading, with a maximum tow rating of 8,200 pounds. The Defender 130 X accelerated to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. Standard features included an adaptive air suspension, hill descent control, and Terrain Response 2 driving modes. The Off-Road Pack added an electronic active differential and wade-sensing technology. Despite its off-road prowess, the test vehicle's 20-inch wheels and Pirelli tires limited its on-road enthusiasm. The Defender 130 provided 11.4 inches of ground clearance, a 37.5-degree approach angle, and a 28.8-degree departure angle, with a maximum wading depth of 35.4 inches.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender struck a balance between luxury and functionality, featuring soft-touch materials, grip handles, rubberized floors, and ample cargo compartments. It offered seating for five to eight passengers, depending on the configuration. The Defender 110 had an optional third row, while the Defender 130 provided three seats in the third row, though space was limited. Cargo capacity varied by model, with the Defender 130 offering 15.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 35.8 cubic feet behind the second row, and 76.1 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. The Defender 110's two-row version provided 34 cubic feet behind the second row and 78.8 cubic feet with the first row folded. The two-door Defender 90 offered 15.6 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 58.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender 130 required effort to enter and exit unless the air suspension was programmed to lower. It offered three rows of spacious seating, with 12-way power-adjustable front seats featuring heating and ventilation. The Defender 130 provided excellent forward visibility, though the square side mirrors seemed undersized. A panoramic sunroof and fixed glass panel over the third row created an open and airy feel. Storage space was plentiful in the front, but less accommodating for passengers' belongings in the rear. The Defender 130's third-row seat was heated and comfortable for adults. The side-hinged cargo door was heavy and awkward, with a high load floor. Cargo space behind the third row was 15.3 cubic feet, expanding to 43.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 89 cubic feet with all rear seats folded.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender featured a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument panel and an 11.4-inch touchscreen. While the touchscreen seemed small compared to competitors, it was simple and aligned with the Defender's utilitarian persona. Standard features included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, HD radio, and a 10-speaker Meridian stereo system. The straightforward setup blended refinement and utility, with home buttons for easy navigation.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender was equipped with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, accessible via an 11.4-inch touchscreen. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and connected services. Pivi Pro's response to voice commands was slower than preferred, but its accuracy was impressive. The user experience was more intuitive, with fewer dead ends. The Defender's Meridian premium sound system was also noteworthy. Additional features included a head-up display, ClearSight digital rearview mirror, and a surround-view camera system. The optional Towing Pack added a hands-free trailer reverse-steering system.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender came with a comprehensive list of standard driver assistance features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Other standard safety tech included traffic sign recognition, automatic high beams, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a 360-degree parking camera system. The lane-departure and lane-keeping assist were touchy, but could be deactivated. Crash-test ratings were unavailable from IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender was equipped with several driver aids, including automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality. A lane-centering assist feature was available with adaptive cruise control. The Driver Assistance Mode menu allowed customization of assistance levels. The lane-keep assist was decisive, and adaptive cruise control operated transparently. Crash-test ratings were unavailable from NHTSA and IIHS.