By Veeno Dewan
The 2025 all-new Land Rover Defender is back with big improvements more comfort, technology and of course with its legendary off-road capability. The design still showcases that classic Defender trope; the upright, squared-off boxy shape, and classic profile. There are some hints of its military roots,. It looks expensive and premium focused.
For 2025, the Defender is offered in variety of configurations. There is the Defender 90 two-door version (Also available with a powerful V8 engine.), or a four-door two-row seat model Defender 110 (As tested) and the long-wheelbase three-row seat Defender 130. Canadian pricing ranges from $72,700 to $191,000 MSRP depending on model and options selected. For 2025 there is newly available scratch-resistant and self-healing; matte paint protective film and new Resist and Resolve Interior with faux-leather and woven textile upholstery.
Engine choices include a base 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4unit with 296 horsepower and /295 lb-ft of torque for the Defender P90 and P110. There’s also an available 395-hp 3.0-liter inline-six with an electric supercharger, a turbocharger, and a 48-volt hybrid system. Real performance fans can opt for a supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine with a mighty 518 horsepower in both the 90, 110, 130 and a forthcoming high performance Octa version. Transmission is an eight-speed ZF automatic and two-speed transfer case that provides locking differentials and a set of low-range ratios ideal for towing or off-roading when finesse is required. The Defender has 11.5 inches of ground clearance and the amazing ability to wade through 35 inches of water!
Optional off -road equipment is excellent and includes Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Hill Launch Assist, Hill Descent Control (HDC), Low Traction Launch , Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Electronic Traction Control (ETC), Roll Stability Control (RSC), Electronic air suspension, and the afore mentioned Twin-Speed Transfer Box (High/Low Range). The Defender 110 has air suspension as standard along with coil springs. An available tow package allows the Defender to tow 8,200 pounds.
Interior wise , the quasi-military style means exposed rivets in the door panels and a cool magnesium beam that runs the full width of the dashboard that’s also a structural detail. Materials, fit, and finish are top notch, and interior room and comfort is exceptional. It is great mix of luxury , utility, and comfort. the white seats and trim in our tester looked superb.
The Defender’s dashboard has a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system that runs a new Land Rover Pivi Pro system; a larger 11.4-inch display is optional. Both 10- and 14-speaker Meridian stereo systems are optional also and top-flight Defenders receive a digital gauge cluster and a head-up display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard, as is an in-dash navigation system, a six-speaker stereo, and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot.
In terms of interior space, the center console can be flipped back to create a jump seat between the driver and passenger, on some models allowing for a three-across bench seat. The rear seats can be folded to open up a much larger cargo bay.
All Defender models come with driver assist and active safety features including front automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. An array of sensors and cameras around the vehicle make it easier to maneuver through tight trails or parking lots.
On the road, the Defender 90’s engine is inherently smooth and urgent with a nice turn of speed , taking about six seconds to hit 100 km/h. Steering, ride, and handling will be familiar to those who own Land Rovers – a little body roll, but not too intrusive. This is a vehicle that manages itself with aplomb, whether on the highway, the urban jungle and of course in its element while off-roading or trail hopping – nothing can phase it. The short overhangs help off-road with impressive approach and departure angles (38 and 40 degrees respectively for the 110). Fuel efficiency is rated at km/100 – 13.2 city, 11.9 highway, and 12.6 combined.
To sum up, the off-road capabilities are off the chart and you can customize it with numerous options.The downsides are few, the rear hatch door is heavy and with its spare wheel carrier opens toward the curb. Saying that, Land Rover have knocked one out the park with the Defender 110. It can end up very expensive when fully optioned, but worth it for a true off-roader wrapped up in luxury and class. Nice work Land Rover!
2025 Land Rover Defender 110 P300 S . Pricing starts at $74,400.
Total Price as tested $93,005. Including Options ($16,605 .) and Destination $2,100.
www.landrover.ca
