JLR Enhances Best-Selling Land Rover Defender with Subtle Updates—Can You Spot Them?

Land Rover’s Updated Defender: Subtle Tweaks for a Best-Seller

Land Rover’s Defender, a global sales powerhouse, has received a subtle mid-life update five years after its launch. Despite becoming Jaguar Land Rover’s (JLR) top-selling model—115,400 units sold globally in 2024, outpacing the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport—the 2025 model year (“26MY”) changes are minimal, reflecting a “less is more” approach.

The updated Defender retains its iconic silhouette, with barely noticeable exterior tweaks.

Exterior Tweaks: Hard to Spot
The Defender’s boxy design remains unchanged, with only minor styling updates:

• New headlights with a slimmer central section.
• Standard fog lights and smoked rear taillights.
• A gloss black grille bar for a bolder front look.

Subtle changes include smoked taillights and redesigned headlights.

Interior Upgrades: Bigger Tech, Enhanced Safety
The cabin gains meaningful updates:

• A 13.1-inch touchscreen (up from 11.4 inches) with JLR’s PiviPro system.
• Driver-monitoring camera behind the steering wheel to comply with EU safety rules (GSR2), alerting distracted drivers.
• New adaptive off-road cruise control (optional extra).

The expanded 13.1-inch screen dominates the center console.

Price Increases & Model Options
The Defender lineup (90 three-door, 110 five-door, and 130 extended-wheelbase) starts at £57,135 for the new base Defender90 S. However, mid-range models like the X-Dynamic SE now cost £61,740—£2,000 more than before.

The Defender 130 remains a seven/eight-seat option.

Tariff Challenges & Production
Defenders are built in Slovakia, making them subject to 27.5% U.S. tariffs (up from July 9). JLR paused U.S. shipments in April but resumed them in May, hinting at potential future U.S. production to avoid levies. CEO Adrian Mardell stated the brand “cannot discount” American manufacturing.

Verdict
With demand outstripping supply, JLR’s cautious updates keep the Defender fresh without alienating loyal buyers. Enhanced tech and safety features ensure it stays competitive, even as prices climb.

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