{"id":2810,"date":"2025-09-09T10:44:44","date_gmt":"2025-09-09T00:44:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/wp-blog\/?p=2810"},"modified":"2025-08-31T00:20:41","modified_gmt":"2025-08-30T14:20:41","slug":"review-2025-land-rover-defender","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.motorscout.com.au\/wp-blog\/review-2025-land-rover-defender\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: 2025 LAND ROVER Defender"},"content":{"rendered":"

The 2025 LAND ROVER Defender<\/strong><\/a> still feels like the Swiss Army knife of SUVs, only this one wears a tux to Bunnings. In Australia it comes in 90, 110 and 130 body styles, with everything from efficient six-cylinder diesels to a wild twin-turbo V8 in the new OCTA halo. The big update is the D350 diesel, which delivers a hearty 257 kW and 700 Nm, so overtakes and steep climbs happen without drama. If you are shopping for a premium 4×4 that can crawl, wade and commute, this is the shortlist entry.<\/p>\n

Pros and Cons<\/h2>\n

Pros<\/h4>\n

\u2022 Proper off-road hardware and software, including Terrain Response and Wade Sensing, give confidence when tracks turn ugly.
\u2022 Wide range: diesel, petrol and plug-in hybrid options, plus 90\/110\/130 sizes to suit different needs.
\u2022 Cabin quality and infotainment are polished, without losing the Defender\u2019s utilitarian charm.<\/p>\n

<\/h4>\n

Cons<\/h4>\n

\u2022 Options can send the price into orbit, especially on higher trims.
\u2022 Real-world servicing and maintenance costs are higher than mainstream rivals.
\u2022 Some variants are not individually ANCAP-rated despite the model\u2019s strong overall result.<\/p>\n

<\/h2>\n

How Much Does It Cost?<\/h2>\n

Australian pricing for the 2025 Land Rover Defender<\/strong><\/a> starts from $88,870 before on-road costs and stretches to $325,532 for the limited OCTA Edition One. Drive-away will depend on your state and options, but those numbers set the playground.<\/p>\n

Features and Benefits<\/h2>\n

The 2025 Land Rover Defender<\/strong><\/a> features read like a camping checklist that went to private school. Air suspension, configurable Terrain Response and a locking rear diff can be fitted, while Wade Sensing shows water depth on screen so you do not turn a creek into a YouTube moment. Wading depth is up to 900 mm, which is serious flood-season capability. Towing capacity is up to 3,500 kg, so the boat or camper is not a problem. Inside, the Defender blends wipe-clean surfaces with premium materials, plus modern tech that makes daily life easy.<\/p>\n

If you want numbers, the new D350 diesel is the sweet spot for Aussie touring. It moves the 110 with authority while returning a claimed 7.9 L\/100 km. Petrol P400 sits around 9.9 L\/100 km, and the PHEV\u2019s official number is 3.4 L\/100 km if you keep it charged for short commutes. The OCTA V8 is thirsty, but you do not buy a 626-horsepower Defender to sip.<\/p>\n

Safety<\/h2>\n

The Defender<\/strong><\/a> range carries a five-star ANCAP rating under 2020 protocols, with strong adult and child occupant protection. Note that ANCAP specifically assessed the Defender 110; some derivatives, including certain 90, 130 and V8 models, remain unrated but share core structure and safety tech. Standard equipment includes AEB, lane support and a full curtain airbag suite.<\/p>\n

Running Costs<\/h2>\n

Land Rover now backs new vehicles with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty and roadside assistance in Australia, which takes the sting out of premium-brand ownership. Service plans are available nationally through dealers. Diesel economy can be excellent for the size: the D350 claims 7.9 L\/100 km, while petrol sixes are closer to 10 L\/100 km. Be realistic about tyres, brakes and alignment if you actually off-road; independent data suggests the Defender<\/strong><\/a>\u2019s 10-year maintenance outlay trends higher than segment averages.<\/p>\n

Comparison To Its Competitors<\/h2>\n

Toyota LandCruiser 300<\/strong><\/a> is the obvious foil. It is bulletproof, tows like a champion and runs a frugal V6 diesel, with 2025 pricing from $96,991 to $145,791 before on-roads. It feels more agricultural inside, but ownership costs are friendlier and resale is formidable.<\/p>\n

INEOS Grenadier<\/strong> is the spiritual old-school option. Live axles, ladder frame, hose-out vibes. Pricing from about $102,000 to $123,600 puts it against mid-spec Defender 110s, but it lacks the Land Rover\u2019s on-road polish and tech.<\/p>\n

If you want theatre, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class<\/strong> starts at $249,900 and climbs past $400,000. It is iconic and mighty, though the Defender<\/strong><\/a> undercuts it on price while matching real off-road chops.<\/p>\n

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon<\/strong><\/a> is cheaper from $79,990, terrific on trails, and much noisier on the freeway. The Defender<\/strong><\/a> sits between these worlds: more refined than Wrangler, more modern than Grenadier, less expensive than a G-Class.<\/p>\n

2025 LAND ROVER Defender OCTA: Australia Price, Specs, Interior and Off-Road Review<\/h2>\n