
2025 Land Rover Defender: The Powerful Engine Lineup
The Land Rover Defender arrives with a revamped engine lineup, offering Canadian drivers an impressive array of powertrains to suit various needs and preferences. From efficient mild hybrids to high-performance V8s, the new Defender range showcases the Land Rover commitment to versatility and innovation.

The P300: Entry-Level Excellence
Land Rover introduces the P300 as the entry point to the Defender range. This 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine incorporates turbocharging and mild hybrid (MHEV) technology, delivering a respectable 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The P300 powers the Defender 90 and 110 models, balancing efficiency and capability.
The mild hybrid system enhances fuel economy by recuperating energy during deceleration and providing electric assistance during acceleration. This technology helps reduce fuel consumption, particularly in urban driving conditions where stop-start traffic is common.
The New P300 I6: Smooth Operator
In a surprising move, Land Rover has expanded the P300 designation to include a new inline six-cylinder engine. This 3.0-litre powerplant combines turbocharging and supercharging with mild hybrid technology. Despite sharing the P300 name, this engine offers a different performance profile, producing 296 horsepower but with a higher torque output of 347 lb-ft.
The P300 I6 finds its home in the entry-level Defender 130, providing a smooth and refined driving experience. The combination of turbocharging and supercharging ensures responsive performance across the rev range, while the mild hybrid system contributes to improved efficiency.
The P400: Power Meets Efficiency
Stepping up in the range, the P400 engine offers a significant boost in performance. This 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder unit employs turbocharging, supercharging, and mild hybrid technology to produce an impressive 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque.
Available across the Defender 90, 110, and 130 models, the P400 provides a compelling blend of power and efficiency. The sophisticated forced induction system ensures minimal turbo lag, delivering responsive acceleration when needed. Meanwhile, the mild hybrid system contributes to fuel savings, particularly in urban environments.
V8 Power: P500 and P525
Land Rover offers two V8 options in the Defender lineup for those seeking maximum performance. The P500 features a supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine that produces 493 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. This powerplant transforms the Defender into a high-performance SUV capable of impressive acceleration and towing capacity.
The P525 takes things further, tuning the 5.0-litre V8 to deliver 518 horsepower and 461 lb-ft of torque. This engine option makes the Defender a true performance vehicle, rivalling some sports cars in straight-line speed.
Both V8 options provide a visceral driving experience, with a characteristic exhaust note that enthusiasts will appreciate. While fuel efficiency may not be the primary concern for buyers opting for these powertrains, Land Rover has implemented technologies to mitigate consumption where possible.
The OCTA: Pinnacle of Performance
At the top of the Defender range sits the new OCTA model, featuring the P635 OCTA engine. This twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 produces an astounding 626 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful Defender ever produced.
The OCTA is exclusive to the Defender 110 body style and represents the pinnacle of Land Rover engineering capabilities. This engine propels the Defender from 0-100 km/h in under 4 seconds, a remarkable feat for a vehicle of this size and capability.
Land Rover has equipped the OCTA with a specially tuned 6D Dynamics suspension system and a high-performance off-road driving mode to handle the immense power. These enhancements ensure the OCTA maintains the legendary off-road prowess of the Defender while delivering supercar-like on-road performance.
Transmission and Drivetrain
Across the entire Defender range, power is transmitted through an 8-speed automatic transmission. This gearbox has been calibrated to work seamlessly with each engine option, providing smooth shifts and optimal power delivery.
All Defender models feature the Land Rover intelligent all-wheel-drive system, which can vary torque distribution between the front and rear axles. This system, which works with Terrain Response 2 technology, allows drivers to tackle a wide range of off-road conditions confidently.
Efficiency Considerations
The Defender 90 P300 (2.0-litre four-cylinder) achieves 13.2 L/100 km in city driving, 11.4 L/100 km on the highway, and 12.3 L/100 km combined. The Defender 110 P300 shows similar figures, with 13.2 L/100 km city, 11.9 L/100 km highway, and 12.6 L/100 km combined.
It’s worth noting that all Defender models require premium-grade gasoline, which should be factored into operating cost considerations.
Fuel consumption will increase as we move up the range to the six-cylinder and V8 models. However, the mild hybrid technology in the P300 and P400 engines helps mitigate this increase, particularly in urban driving scenarios.
Performance Across the Range
The diverse engine lineup translates to a wide range of performance capabilities across the Defender range. The P300 models provide adequate performance for daily driving and light off-road use, with 0-100 km/h times in the 7-8 second range.
Moving to the P400, acceleration improves significantly, with 0-100 km/h times dropping to around 6 seconds. This engine provides a noticeable boost in responsiveness and overtaking ability, making it a popular choice for those who want a balance of performance and efficiency.
The V8-powered models take performance to another level. The P500 and P525 engines propel the Defender to 100 km/h in around 5 seconds, providing exhilarating acceleration that belies the vehicle’s size and weight.
At the top of the range, the OCTA’s sub-4-second 0-100 km/h time puts it in the company of high-performance sports cars, making it one of the fastest SUVs on the market.
Off-Road Capability
Despite the focus on on-road performance, Land Rover has not compromised its off-road capabilities. All engine options provide ample low-end torque, which is crucial for navigating challenging terrain.
The P300 and P400 engines, with their mild hybrid systems, offer precise torque control that can be advantageous in delicate off-road situations. The V8 models, while more powerful, also provide the grunt needed to overcome severe obstacles.
The Land Rover Terrain Response 2 system works with each engine option, optimizing power delivery and traction control for various off-road conditions. This system ensures that the Defender maintains its reputation as one of the most capable off-road vehicles available, regardless of the powertrain choice.
Towing and Payload
The diverse engine lineup also translates to impressive towing capabilities across the Defender range. While specific figures may vary depending on the model and configuration, the Defender can tow up to 3,500 kg when properly equipped.
The P400 and V8 engines excel in towing situations, providing ample torque for pulling heavy loads. With its 553 lb-ft of torque, the OCTA offers effortless towing performance, even with maximum loads.
Payload capacities vary across the range, with the larger 110 and 130 models offering greater cargo-carrying abilities than the compact 90.
2025 Defender: A Diverse Engine Lineup
The Land Rover Defender engine lineup demonstrates the brand’s commitment to offering various options to suit diverse customer needs. From the efficient P300 to the high-performance OCTA, each powertrain option brings its character to the Defender experience.
The introduction of mild hybrid technology across much of the range shows the Land Rover focus on improving efficiency without compromising performance. Meanwhile, the addition of the OCTA model proves that the Defender can be more than just a capable off-roader – it can also be a high-performance luxury SUV.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, the Land Rover approach with the Defender ensures that this iconic vehicle remains relevant and desirable. Whether tackling off-road trails, towing heavy loads, or simply enjoying a spirited drive on the open road, the new Defender powertrain options provide the versatility and capability buyers expect from a Land Rover.