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Land Rover Defender vs Ram 1500

What's the difference?

VS
Land Rover Defender
Land Rover Defender

$92,626 - $317,592

2025 price

Ram 1500
Ram 1500

$119,950 - $249,950

2025 price

Summary

2025 Land Rover Defender
2025 Ram 1500
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Supercharged V8, 5.0L

V8, 5.7L
Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded/Electric
Fuel Efficiency
12.7L/100km (combined)

12.2L/100km (combined)
Seating
8

5
Dislikes
  • Auto shifter is fiddly
  • Less-than-ideal fuel consumption
  • 3000kg towing capacity is below segment standard

  • Short warranty
  • Modest payload rating
  • No capped-price servicing
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.

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2025 Ram 1500 Summary

The 4x4 Ram 1500 has been Australia’s top-selling US pick-up truck for the past seven years, with arguably its most distinctive and desirable feature being a thumping 5.7-litre Hemi V8 petrol engine under the bonnet.

However, with the launch of Ram’s upgraded MY25 range, the popular 1500 has switched to a new ‘Hurricane’ engine featuring a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder petrol engine, accompanied by the acronym ‘SST’ meaning ‘Straight Six Turbo.’

Available in two specifications - Standard Output (SO) and High Output (HO) - depending on model grade, both produce more power and torque than the V8 they replace.

The latest Ram 1500 range, comprising entry-level Laramie Sport and top-shelf Limited models, also brings upgraded styling, infotainment and convenience features, so we recently spent a week in the more work-focused Laramie Sport to assess its suitability for hard-working tradies.

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Land Rover Defender 2025 Ram 1500

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