If you’ve been waiting for Land Rover to get the Defender just right, 2025 might be your year. The British brand has addressed some of the most requested changes while staying true to what makes the Defender special in the first place.
Visual Refresh That Actually Matters
The 2025 Defender doesn’t look dramatically different at first glance but the details tell a better story. Those new LED headlights aren’t just brighter – they give the truck a more modern presence without losing that ruggedness. The flush-fitting taillights with dark-tinted finish tidy up the rear nicely, while the gloss black grille elements add just enough aggression without going overboard.
What catches your eye are the new 22-inch seven-spoke wheels in Diamond Turned Dark Grey. They’re bold without being flashy and those Gloss Black centre caps with Defender branding are a nice touch. The Woolstone Green and Borasco Grey paint options give buyers new choices to the usual palette.
Inside Story: That Screen Makes All the Difference
As soon as you step inside, the huge 13.1-inch Pivi Pro touchscreen immediately stands out. Up from the previous 11.4-inch unit, the extra screen real estate makes everything feel more spacious and easier to use. It’s not just bigger – it’s actually faster and more responsive, which anyone who’s used the old system will appreciate.
The new centre console deserves a mention too. That sliding section to hide your phone and keys is genius and the deeper storage underneath actually holds useful stuff. If you opt for the Signature Suite upgrade those removable side pockets with cable routing keep charging cables tidy – small details that make daily life easier.
For Defender 130 buyers the optional Captain Chairs in the second row transform the back seat experience. Individual heating, cooling and those winged headrests make longer journeys actually comfortable for rear passengers.
Power and Performance
Under the bonnet the new D350 diesel replaces the D300 with more power and torque than any diesel Defender ever. It’s the same reliable character but with a bit more oomph when you need it for towing or highway merging. The engine range also includes a new P300e plug-in hybrid and an updated 425PS V8 for those who want serious performance.
The real hero for off-roaders is the new Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control. This isn’t your average highway cruise – it adjusts speed over rough terrain to maintain comfort levels. If you’ve ever spent hours crawling over rocky trails you’ll know why this feature matters. It reduces driver fatigue and lets you focus on steering rather than constant throttle modulation.
Safety and Tech That Works
The latest Driver Attention Monitor checks for fatigue and distraction using a camera in the steering column. It’s adjustable from the driver assistance menu, so you’re not inundated with false alerts. All variants now feature Thatcham’s S5 approved Secure Tracker Pro, in addition to Walk-Away Locking and a Spare Wheel Lock for greater security.
The Defender 130 gets an optional integrated air compressor – one of those features that seems minor until you need it, then it’s priceless.
OCTA Takes It Further
Top-quality Defender the OCTA also gets a mention, which has 6D Dynamics suspension including hydraulic interlinked dampers. In Sargasso Blue with Textured Graphite trim, it looks like nothing else. The featured optional 4,500kg winch with carbon fibre cover suggests its not all just for show either.
Yes, those are gimmicky-seeming Body and Soul seats fitted with vibro-acoustic hardware, but the wellness programs really do craft a different driving experience.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | D350 Diesel, P300e Hybrid, 425PS V8 |
| Body Styles | Defender 90, 110, 130, OCTA |
| Infotainment | 13.1-inch Pivi Pro touchscreen |
| Wheel Options | Up to 22-inch Diamond Turned Dark Grey |
| New Colors | Woolstone Green, Borasco Grey |
| Security | Thatcham S5 Secure Tracker Pro |
| Off-Road Tech | Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control |
| Special Features | Integrated air compressor (130), winch option (OCTA) |
Read more: New Hyundai Verna SX Plus Brings Comfort and Style to Mid-Size Sedan Segment
2025 Defender FAQs
Q : What’s the biggest change?
A : The 13.1-inch screen is the most noticeable upgrade, it’s more responsive and has more screen real estate than the old system.
Q : Is the D350 diesel worth the upgrade?
A : Yes, it has more power and torque than the old D300, it’s the most powerful diesel Defender yet.
Q : Is it good for all kinds of rough terrain?
A : It’s designed for rough, undulating surfaces and will adjust to keep you comfortable, but not for extreme technical rock crawling.
Q : Are the 2025 updates across all Defender models?
A : Most are, but some features like Captain Chairs are 130 only and some are OCTA only.
Verdict
The 2025 Defender cars feels like Land Rover listened to owner feedback and addressed real world issues. The bigger screen, better storage solutions and more off-road tech makes daily life more pleasant without compromising the truck’s core purpose. It’s not revolutionary but it’s exactly what the Defender needed. If you’ve been considering a Defender but wanted a bit more polish the 2025 model year is a good case.
