How to Choose Between the 2025 Land Rover Defender 90, Defender 110, and Defender 130
September 10 2024,
The 2025 Land Rover Defender lineup offers three distinct body styles—the Defender 90, Defender 110, and Defender 130—each tailored to different needs and preferences. Whether you’re drawn to the iconic style and off-road capability of the Defender or need a vehicle that can comfortably accommodate your family and gear, choosing the right model can be a bit overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll explore the key differences between the Defender 90, 110, and 130, using Canadian specifications to help you determine which version is best suited for your lifestyle.
Overview of the 2025 Defender Models
The Land Rover Defender is known for its robust construction, advanced off-road capabilities, and timeless design that harkens back to the original Defender models. Each version of the 2025 Defender—90, 110, and 130—retains the rugged DNA of its predecessors while offering unique features that cater to different types of drivers.
- Defender 90: The most compact version, offering a sporty two-door design and exceptional off-road maneuverability.
- Defender 110: A versatile four-door model with a good balance of space, comfort, and capability.
- Defender 130: The largest model, with three rows of seating and expanded cargo capacity, ideal for larger families or those needing extra space.
Defender 90: Compact and Capable
The Defender 90 is the smallest and most agile of the lineup, featuring a two-door design and a shorter wheelbase that enhances its off-road prowess. This model is perfect for those who want the purest expression of the Defender’s adventurous spirit without compromising on luxury and technology.
Key Features of the Defender 90:
- Size and Dimensions: The Defender 90 measures approximately 4,583 mm in length, making it easy to maneuver in tight urban settings or narrow trails. Its compact size also makes parking in crowded areas simpler compared to its larger siblings.
- Seating Capacity: It offers seating for up to five passengers, although an optional front-row jump seat can increase capacity to six in a pinch. This layout is ideal for couples, small families, or adventurous individuals who prioritize style and capability.
- Cargo Space: With the rear seats up, the Defender 90 provides about 397 litres of cargo space. Folding down the rear seats expands this to 1,563 litres, making it surprisingly practical given its size.
- Performance: Available with a range of powertrains, including a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 296 horsepower, or the more powerful 3.0-litre inline-six mild-hybrid engine with 395 horsepower. Both options offer strong acceleration and towing capabilities of up to 8,201 lbs (3,720 kg).
- Off-Road Ability: Its short wheelbase and impressive ground clearance of 225 mm (extendable to 291 mm with air suspension) make it exceptionally agile off-road. The 90’s tighter turning radius is a distinct advantage in challenging off-road conditions.
Who Should Choose the Defender 90?
The Defender 90 is perfect for those who love the classic two-door design and want a vehicle that excels off-road. It’s ideal for urban explorers, weekend adventurers, and anyone who appreciates the Defender’s rugged appeal but doesn’t require the extra seating or cargo space of the larger models.
Defender 110: The Versatile All-Rounder
The Defender 110 is the most versatile model, offering a balance between off-road capability, interior space, and on-road comfort. With four doors and a slightly longer wheelbase than the 90, it’s a great choice for families or those who need a bit more space without compromising on the Defender’s legendary off-road performance.
Key Features of the Defender 110:
- Size and Dimensions: The Defender 110 measures about 4,758 mm in length, making it longer than the 90 but still compact enough to handle urban driving with ease. Its slightly extended wheelbase improves stability and ride comfort on longer journeys.
- Seating Capacity: The Defender 110 offers seating for five as standard, with the option to add a third row, bringing the total to seven seats. This flexibility makes it suitable for families or those who occasionally need to transport more passengers.
- Cargo Space: With all seats in use, the 110 offers 231 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,328 litres with the third row folded, and up to 2,380 litres with all rear seats down. This provides plenty of room for groceries, luggage, or outdoor gear.
- Performance: The Defender 110 offers the same powertrains as the 90, with the addition of a plug-in hybrid variant (PHEV) that combines a 2.0-litre engine with an electric motor for a total of 398 horsepower. This option is ideal for those looking to reduce their environmental footprint without sacrificing performance.
- Off-Road Ability: The Defender 110 includes advanced off-road tech such as Terrain Response 2, which adjusts vehicle settings automatically based on the terrain. Its slightly longer wheelbase provides added stability on uneven ground while still maintaining excellent approach, departure, and breakover angles.
Who Should Choose the Defender 110?
The Defender 110 is best suited for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and those who want a vehicle that can handle both daily driving and off-road adventures. Its extra space and versatility make it a great all-rounder, perfect for Canadian drivers who need a dependable vehicle for both city life and weekend escapes.
Defender 130: Spacious and Family-Friendly
The Defender 130 is the largest model in the lineup, designed for those who need maximum passenger and cargo capacity. With three rows of seating and a longer overall length, it caters to large families or anyone who frequently travels with a full load of passengers and gear.
Key Features of the Defender 130:
- Size and Dimensions: Measuring approximately 5,358 mm in length, the Defender 130 is significantly longer than the 90 and 110, providing the most interior space of the lineup. Despite its size, the Defender 130 still maintains the rugged design and capability of the Defender brand.
- Seating Capacity: The 130 offers standard seating for up to eight passengers, making it ideal for larger families or groups. The third row is spacious enough to accommodate adults comfortably, which is a notable advantage over some competitors where the third row is more suitable for children.
- Cargo Space: Even with all seats in use, the Defender 130 provides 389 litres of cargo space. Fold the third row, and the cargo capacity expands to 1,232 litres. With the second and third rows down, it offers up to 2,516 litres, making it perfect for hauling large loads.
- Performance: The Defender 130 comes with the same engine options as the 110, including the 3.0-litre inline-six mild-hybrid engine. This engine provides ample power to move the larger body and maintain a towing capacity of up to 8,201 lbs (3,720 kg), making it suitable for towing trailers or recreational vehicles.
- Off-Road Ability: While its larger size means it isn’t quite as nimble as the 90 or 110, the Defender 130 still offers impressive off-road capabilities. Its extended wheelbase improves stability, and it retains advanced off-road technologies like Terrain Response 2, ensuring it can tackle various conditions with ease.
Who Should Choose the Defender 130?
The Defender 130 is the best choice for those who need the most space, whether for a large family, frequent carpooling, or transporting lots of gear. It’s perfect for long road trips, family vacations, or those who simply want the maximum comfort and versatility the Defender lineup offers. If you’re looking for a luxurious and capable SUV that can handle almost anything, the Defender 130 is a top contender.
Conclusion
Choosing between the 2025 Land Rover Defender 90, 110, and 130 comes down to your specific needs and how you plan to use the vehicle.
- The Defender 90 is ideal for those who want a compact, agile SUV with exceptional off-road capabilities and a sporty look.
- The Defender 110 offers a balanced mix of space, versatility, and performance, making it suitable for a wide range of drivers, including families.
- The Defender 130 is perfect for those who need maximum passenger and cargo capacity, with room for up to eight people and all the gear you could need.
Each model retains the Defender’s legendary off-road prowess and distinctive design, ensuring that no matter which one you choose, you’ll be driving one of the most capable and stylish SUVs on the market. Whether you’re exploring city streets, heading off-road, or embarking on a family adventure, the 2025 Defender lineup has something to offer every type of Canadian driver.