Land Rover Defender Updated for 2025

While not technically a facelift, the popular Land Rover Defender has been given enhancements for the 2025 model year. Here’s your first look.

The popular Land Rover Defender has been given some technical and mechanical updates for the 2025 model year. While Land Rover has not officially said this is a facelift, we think there are sufficient changes for it to qualify as one. Besides, the Defender officially launched locally in 2020, so it is technically due for a nip and tuck, based on product lifecycles.

So, what’s new? The big change is the addition of a brand-new engine, badged as the D350 and it replaces the D300. The 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine has power outputs are rated at 257 kW and 700 Nm, which are increases of 36 kW and 50 Nm, and Land Rover claims the Defender now offers greater flexibility and responsiveness, meaning punchier overtakes. No performance figures were issued, but we suspect it’ll shave a tenth or two off of its claimed 0-100 kph time.

Also new is the 110 Sedona Edition, which will be on sale for just one year. It features a unique colour inspired by the sands of Sedona, Arizona and comes with a raft of additional specification and option packs.

The extra-length Defender 130 gains the Captain Chairs Pack, which deletes the 2nd row’s bench and replaces it with two individual seats with arm rests and heating functionality. With the middle seat gone, access to the 3rd row is now easier.

Customers have three body styles to choose from: 90, 110, 130, and five trim levels: S, X-Dynamic SE, X-Dynamic HSE, X and V8.