Browse over 9,000 car reviews

Land Rover Defender vs Land Rover Discovery

What's the difference?

VS
Land Rover Defender
Land Rover Defender

$92,626 - $317,592

2025 price

Land Rover Discovery
Land Rover Discovery

2022 price

Summary

2025 Land Rover Defender
2022 Land Rover Discovery
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Supercharged V8, 5.0L

Diesel Twin Turbo 6, 3.0L
Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded Petrol

Diesel
Fuel Efficiency
12.7L/100km (combined)

7.5L/100km (combined)
Seating
8

7
Dislikes
  • Auto shifter is fiddly
  • Less-than-ideal fuel consumption
  • 3000kg towing capacity is below segment standard

  • Price-tag
  • Wheels and tyres not suited to off-roading
  • Spongy brakes
2025 Land Rover Defender Summary

The Land Rover Defender 130 is the big dog of the Defender line-up. It’s bulky and long, roomy inside (with three rows of seats) and offers plenty in terms of onboard features and optional extras.

The latest generation has managed to retain the old beloved Landie spirit and combine it with contemporary styling.

But that’s not worth noting. What is worth noting right at the get-go is the fact that the last of the V8s on offer in the range – the 5.0-litre supercharged V8 pumping out 368kW/610Nm – is in our test vehicle, the Land Rover Defender 130 P500.

Also worth noting, the V8 has the option of 'Captain Chairs'. This second-row seating choice comprises two individual seats, with winged headrests and arm rests, separated by an aisle for walk-through access to the third row. 

So, while the short-wheelbase Defender 90 is likely the best choice for the more adventurous off-roaders among us, is the Defender 130, as large and in charge as it is, the better choice for a family?

Read on.

View full pricing & specs
Interested in a Land Rover Defender?
2022 Land Rover Discovery Summary

The Land Rover Discovery is a bit of a classic with 4WDers – and while it’s never attracted a massive and passionate fanbase like its hard-core stablemate, the Defender, it’s done okay for itself.

There used to be a clear distinction between the Discovery and the Defender. The Discovery was always your Landie of choice if you were after a luxurious smooth-riding 4WD, while the Defender was a gruff, rough-riding, hard-core adventure machine.

Well, with the new Defender being so refined, so well-appointed, so comfortable and so nice to drive – it’s almost like a Discovery in disguise – is the 22MY Discovery even relevant any more? 

More importantly, does it make sense as your next seven-seat 4WD wagon?

Read on.

View full pricing & specs
Interested in a Land Rover Discovery?

Deep dive comparison

2025 Land Rover Defender 2022 Land Rover Discovery

Change vehicle