When you imagine two of the most adventurous, thrill-seeking vehicles with years of history behind them, the Land Rover Defender and Jeep Wrangler immediately spring to mind. And if they don’t, allow us to suggest they really should.
That’s because, for more than seven decades, they’ve gone through countless generations and updates. Over time, they’ve become more comfortable and refined, but they are also vastly more capable of powering up (or over) any type of obstacle.
Let’s explore some highlights of the Defender and Wrangler to see how they compare.
2025 Land Rover Defender
The 2025 Land Rover Defender rolls into the 2025 model year with a few notable changes. The 130 now offers second-row captain’s chair seating as an option, faux synthetic upholstery replaces last year’s standard leather, and the Off-Road Pack gains Wade Sensing. New standard equipment includes a Meridian audio system and a Pivi Pro 11.4-inch touchscreen.
The outdoorsy Outbound trim is available on the extended-wheelbase 3-row Defender 130, while a 493-hp supercharged 5.0-liter V8 (dubbed the P500) is also available in the 2-row Defender 110 and 130 models. Lastly, a new high-performance Octa trim is set to debut touting a 626-hp 4.4-liter V8.
Land Rover Defender Highlights
Three body styles, five engines: An SUV shopper truly can make their Defender a one-of-a-kind creation. That’s because there are three body styles available. These start with the 2-door Defender 90, the 4-door Defender 110, and the 4-door Defender 130, which offers 3-row seating. Spread across them are five drivetrains, ranging from a 296-horsepower turbo 4-cylinder to two choices of turbo mild-hybrid 6-cylinder, a mighty supercharged V8 that churns out up to 518 hp, and a 626-hp turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 in the Octa. Four-wheel drive is standard on every variant.
Available third row: The Defender 130 is the pick of the range if your safari trekking — or daily commute — includes lots of friends and family. Thanks to its 3-row seating configuration, there is space for eight people. Attempt the same journey in the 4- or 5-passenger Wrangler, and three pals will be left behind.
Outbound model: The new Defender Outbound is worth considering if you prefer more storage space versus extra seats. Introduced last year, it bins the third-row seating to provide a cavernous 46.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the second row. It’s like a factory overlanding rig.
Available air suspension: This provides up to 11.5 inches of ground clearance and allows the Land Rover Defender to wade through more than three feet of water. Not only does this help elevate the Defender up and over off-road hazards, but it also lowers itself and softens the ride when cruising in city traffic or on the highway.
Read our Land Rover Defender Expert Review or see 2025 Land Rover Defender models for sale near you.
2025 Jeep Wrangler
2024 model shown
The 2025 Jeep Wrangler gets a modest number of improvements for this model year. New for the base model are standard power windows and door locks, while the V6 can only be had with a manual transmission. A new Olive Green paint treatment is added, and Jeep tells us 2025 is the final year for the 392 V8.
Jeep Wrangler Highlights
UConnect 5 infotainment: With its standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, the UConnect 5 infotainment system continues to be one of the best in the business. The backlit screen helps reduces glare during sunny drives with the top off.
Removable doors, folding windshield: True to Jeep tradition, the doors can be removed, the roof stowed, and the windshield folded flat. This feature provides the ultimate sense of driving freedom — and the maximum amount of bugs in your face if you keep the windshield flat during anything other than low-speed driving.
Rubicon 392 model: This is the Wrangler that goes to the gym seven times a week and keeps telling you to eat clean. Part off-roader and part muscle car, the Rubicon 392 has a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 stuffed into its engine bay. With 470 hp at your disposal, this Wrangler scoots from 0 to 60 mph in less than five seconds.
Plug-in hybrid variant: Known as the Wrangler 4xe, its turbocharged gas-electric 4-cylinder drivetrain serves up 375 hp and a staggering 470 lb-ft of torque. If any Jeep fan thinks a cleaner and greener Wrangler is less capable, think again. Rapid and surprisingly refined, the Wrangler 4xe provides 22 miles of electric-only driving.
Read our Jeep Wrangler Expert Review or see 2025 Jeep Wrangler models for sale near you.
Similarities
We don’t like to use the word “icon” in many instances, but the Land Rover Defender and Jeep Wrangler earn that title when it comes to off-road vehicles. Available in multiple body styles and with a wide range of engines, they’re among the best — arguably the best — when venturing off-road.
Conclusion
If a Wrangler could don a tuxedo and suddenly start playing Chopin on a grand piano, it would be the Land Rover Defender. There is no doubt the Wrangler doesn’t have the posh image of the Defender, though this upmarket image is equally something that could make fans of the previous long-running version of the Defender cringe.
We can easily say the Land Rover Defender is the better on-pavement traveling companion, not to mention more customizable in terms of size, seating, and drivetrain. It’s also the one with an asking price that’s about $25K higher.
Despite its archaic solid front and rear axle design, the Jeep Wrangler keeps getting better and better. The 2025 model’s improved tech and added refinement should only broaden the appeal of this fun-loving SUV.
New 2025 Land Rover Defender 90 Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (31750)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$58,525 |
TBD |
|||
$70,125 |
TBD |
|||
$111,425 |
TBD |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Land Rover Defender 90 vehicles and New 2025 Jeep Wrangler 2 Door vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
| 2025 Land Rover Defender 90 | 2025 Jeep Wrangler 2-Door | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | 3.6-liter V6 |
| Horsepower | 296 hp @ 4,000 rpm | 285 hp @ 6,400 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm | 260 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Fuel economy MPG | 18 city/21 highway/19 combined | 17 city/23 highway/19 combined |
| Also Available | Turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, Turbo/supercharged 3.0-liter 6-cyl., Supercharged 5.0-liter V8 | Turbo 2.0-liter 4-cyl, Turbo 2.0-liter gas-electric 4-cyl, 6.4-liter V8, 8-speed automatic |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | Not rated | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 4 | 4 |
| Wheelbase | 101.9 inches | 96.8 inches |
| Overall Length | 170.6 inches | 166.8 inches |
| Width | 79.1 inches | 73.9 inches |
| Height | 77.5 inches | 73.6 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.0 feet | 32.7 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.6 inches | 42.6 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.6 inches | 41.7 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 39.1 inches | 41.2 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 36.6 inches | 35.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 60.8 inches | 55.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 59.2 inches | 57.7 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 10.5 cubic feet | 12.9 cubic feet |
