The Rover Company in Britain introduced the rugged Land Rover utility vehicle in 1948. It was inspired by an American World War II quarter-ton truck, the Jeep.

It was a simple concept: a vehicle that could serve as a tractor and also transport a family. The original Land Rover was essentially a farm tool with room for passengers. It featured aluminum body panels, body-on-frame construction and a power take-off capable of running agricultural implements. Yet it differed from the Jeep. The Land Rover retained the Jeep’s go-anywhere four-wheel-drive, but added a fully enclosed cabin and everyday usability.

Over the decades, the brand and its ownership have evolved. Rover became part of British Leyland in 1967. BMW purchased Land Rover in 1994. Ford acquired the brand in 2000, adding Land Rover to its Premier Automotive Group with Jaguar. In 2008, both brands were purchased by Tata Motors of India, forming what is now Jaguar Land Rover (JLR).

Despite global ownership, Land Rover’s engineering culture remains British. Vehicles are designed and developed in the UK and built there or at JLR’s Slovakian plant.

The modern Defender reflects that evolution. While it still wears the Land Rover badge, it rides on Jaguar Land Rover’s D7x aluminum architecture—a vast departure from its body-on-frame, farm implement roots.

Eighty years after its debut, the Defender still evolves, retaining its original philosophy: daily drivability and exceptional off-road ability.

My 2025 Defender review vehicle had a 518-horsepower supercharged V8 and is priced at about $107,000. The testing experience brought Range Rover’s upwardly mobile evolution into focus.

Styling

The Defender strikes a balance between its heritage and a modern design language. It’s unmistakably a Defender, yet contemporary.

The boxy silhouette remains, but the surfaces are smoother and more refined. Signature elements such as the cargo-area porthole windows and available sky-view roof panels remain intact. It’s more rounded than its predecessors but still steadfastly upright.

My test vehicle was presented in “Gandwana Stone”, a champagne-gold paint color that drew numerous compliments. In sunlight, it looks elegant with a vibrant metallic flash; at dusk, it reveals a subtle green hue. The color has pizzazz, and several people asked about it.

The lighting design stands out. Rear lamps feature a perimeter glow without a visible source, much like neon tubing. The effect is upscale and distinctive.

Approach lighting is clever. Instead of a traditional logo, Land Rover projects its front-end profile onto the ground, adding a theatrical touch.

Behind the Wheel

The Defender is powered by a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, and it delivers abundant power. Under heavy throttle, the engine produces a refined yet aggressive exhaust note. It suits the vehicle perfectly. Under light throttle, though, the exhaust takes on an unusual tone. It’s likely the result of cam phasing altering the exhaust harmonics.

On the road, the Defender feels composed and confident. My test week coincided with heavy storms, flooding and muddy conditions.  I didn’t drive the vehicle off-road—a $107,000 press vehicle tends to discourage mudding. Still, it felt immune to inclement weather.

Rain-sensing windshield wipers work exceptionally well. They activate automatically when rain hits the glass and adjust speed intelligently. Adaptive cruise control maintains a safe following distance. The system includes Lane Assist, but it provides only a gentle nudge when departing the lane; it does not provide active steering assistance.

The start-stop system deserves special praise. It’s the first V8 I’ve driven with nearly imperceptible start-stop operation. Even experienced enthusiasts in the passenger seat didn’t notice when the engine shut down. Restarts are smooth and immediate, with no detectable shudder. It’s impressive given the engine’s 461 pound-feet of torque.

Comfort

The Defender feels poised and sophisticated. Seats offer at least 12-way power adjustment and variable lumbar support.

Headroom is ample—even for my 6-foot-3 frame.

My passenger called the cabin “fancy,” appreciating the comfortable seat and many electronic adjustments. Numerous grab handles were helpful.

Storage space is generous. Door pockets, dashboard cubbies and a center console hold small items. The Scandinavian-inspired floating console creates an open area beneath that could add storage. But it only offers a convenient spot for a handbag or a migrating Chihuahua.

Interior ambient lighting adds a sophisticated glow at night, while motion-sensing lighting helps illuminate storage areas when reaching in.

Large windows and an upright seating position afford occupants outstanding visibility. Ingress and egress are easier than expected. The air suspension lowers the vehicle when parked, easing the climb into this tall SUV without running boards.

The climate control and electronic systems have a brief learning curve. If you’re used to American or Asian vehicles, the layout may feel unconventional at first. After one drive, the logic makes sense.

The audio system features a dedicated subwoofer and delivers excellent sound quality with deep, controlled bass. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included.

Cost of Ownership

The 2025 Land Rover Defender 110 X-Dynamic SE has an as-tested MSRP of $107,478 including destination. The Defender V8 sits firmly in the luxury category.

Fuel economy exceeded expectations: 18.4 miles per gallon on the highway, 14.6 mpg in mixed driving. It’s impressive for a luxury 4×4.

The Verdict

The 2025 Defender modernizes a nearly 80-year-old legacy. It features an advanced aluminum chassis, supercharged V8 power and high-tech comfort.

Its multi-mission roles remain. It’s a luxury SUV capable of crossing continents in comfort while retaining legendary off-road prowess. It’s ideal for attending a black-tie event in the Sahara.

Visit: https://www.landroverusa.com/defender/index.html

_{Cover Photo: 2025 Land Rover Defender 110 X-Dynamic SE Shown In Gandwana Stone – Photo copyright © John Berg 2026}