When it comes to luxury SUVs, the Land Rover Defender vs Discovery is an open-ended debate.
But the Land Rover Defender vs Discovery isn’t a debate about pitting two great SUVs against each other. Rather, it serves to highlight Land Rover’s commitment to automotive craftsmanship and innovation, showcasing how each model embodies these principles in its own unique way. So, let’s dive deep into a side-by-side comparison of these iconic models, exploring their performance, price details, technology, and overall capabilities. Whether you’re planning to traverse rugged terrains or simply want to enjoy a luxurious ride, understanding the key differences between the Defender and the Discovery will help you decide which Land Rover is best suited to your adventurous spirit in Rancho Mirage.
What is the difference between a Land Rover Defender and Discovery?
2025 Defender and Discovery trims for sale in Rancho Mirage
For 2025, the Land Rover Defender and Discovery offer a variety of trim levels to suit the wants and needs of every driver. Whether you’re navigating the scenic routes of the Coachella Valley or embarking on a rugged retreat into the desert wilderness, these luxury SUVs will give you the ultimate driving experience in Rancho Mirage, CA. The 2025 Land Rover Defender features three distinct trim options: Defender 90, Defender 110, and Defender 130. The Defender 90 is the most compact model, providing agility and maneuverability, perfect for tighter spaces. The Defender 110 offers a balanced mix of size and functionality, making it ideal for those who need more passenger and cargo space. For the ultimate in utility and capacity, the Defender 130 is the largest option, designed to accommodate larger groups and longer gear with ease. Additionally, the 2025 Land Rover Discovery also offers three unique trim options: Discovery S, Discovery Dynamic SE, and the Discovery Metropolitan Edition. Each model features the pinnacle of luxury and sophistication, bringing its own unique flair to the versatile and refined Discovery lineup. Land Rover Defender vs Discovery? Choose your favorite below.
Defender vs Discovery price
Enters the 2025 Land Rover Defender to the spotlight. The Defender 90, known for its compact and robust design, is priced from $56,900. For those needing more space, the Defender 110 starts at $60,800. It offers additional seating and cargo capacity, making it suitable for families or longer expeditions. The largest model, the Defender 130, starts at $69,700. For 2025, the Discovery S starts at $60,200, offering a robust entry point with all the essential features that define the Discovery’s blend of luxury and utility. The Discovery Dynamic S is priced at $64,200. At the top of the range, the Discovery Metropolitan Edition is available for $79,800, providing the ultimate in luxury with premium materials, advanced technology, and exclusive comfort features, making it the epitome of sophistication in the Discovery lineup.
Related: 2023 Land Rover Defender 130
Related: 2024 Land Rover Defender
Related: Land Rover Defender 2025
Land Rover Defender vs Discovery reliability
As the mother of luxury SUVs, one thing is clear in the Defender vs Discovery discourse: reliability is key. Both of these SUVs are a great and reliable choice for large families or for those who simply enjoy a spacious and comfy cabin. The 2025 Land Rover Defender SUV can fit up to eight passengers comfortably. The 2025 model year features standard captain chairs, significantly enhancing comfort, space, and versatility. For added convenience, you can also expect the following features: Heated windscreen, heated washer jets, headlight power wash, Advanced Tow Assist, tow hitch receiver, All-Terrain Progress Control, Terrain Response®, and Configurable Terrain Response. *Note: features may vary depending on the trim.* Additionally, the 2024 Land Rover Discovery fits up to seven passengers inside a spacious cabin equipped with innovative features for the ultimate road experience. Features include: 3D surround camera and adaptive cruise control with steering assist support.
Related: 2024 Land Rover Discovery
Defender vs Discovery dimensions
The 2025 Land Rover Discovery showcases impressive dimensions designed to balance substantial interior space with dynamic driving capabilities. It stands 74.3 inches tall and extends to 195.1 inches in length. With mirrors folded, the vehicle measures 81.6 inches in width, and with mirrors extended, it reaches 87.4 inches. The front wheel track is set at 66.6 inches, while the rear wheel track is slightly narrower at 66.4 inches. The wheelbase, measuring 115.08 inches, helps provide a stable, comfortable ride.
The 2025 Land Rover Defender 130 stands the tallest in the Defender lineup with a height of 77.6 inches, a length 200.8 inches (Without spare wheel), and 211.7 inches (With spare wheel). With mirrors folded, all Defenders have a width that measures 79.1 inches, and with mirrors extended, it broadens to 82.9 inches. The Defender features a front wheel track of 67.0 inches and a rear wheel track of 66.9 inches, paired with a wheelbase of 119.0 inches
Land Rover Defender vs Discovery specs
For 2025, the Land Rover Defender 130 SUV exudes a top speed of 149 mph and can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds. It features a robust 493 horsepower engine with a peak torque of 450 lb-ft, providing plentiful power to conquer any terrain effortlessly. Meanwhile, the Land Rover Defender 110 matches the Defender 130 in top speed at 149 mph but accelerates from 0 to 60 mph even quicker at 5.1 seconds. This luxury SUV also increases the ante with a maximum power output of 518 hp and a peak torque of 461 lb-ft. On the other hand, the slightly smaller 2025 Defender 90 does not fall short in performance. It also reaches a top speed of 149 mph, but accelerates even faster, achieving 0 to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds. Additionally, the Defender 90 produces an impressive 518 hp, which is 25 hp more than the Defender 130, and matches the 110 with a torque of 461 lb-ft.
The 2025 Land Rover Discovery is just as impressive, offering compelling performance across the lineup. Both the Discovery S and Discovery SE reach a top speed of 125 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, powered by an engine that delivers 296 horsepower and a maximum torque of 295 lb-ft. This provides smooth and efficient handling suitable for a variety of driving conditions. Elevating the performance, the Discovery Metropolitan Edition boasts a top speed of 130 mph and a quicker acceleration, achieving 0 to 60 mph in just 6.2 seconds. It’s equipped with a more potent 355 horsepower engine and produces a significant 368 lb-ft of torque.
Discovery vs Defender off-road
Although the Defender’s stance makes it slightly more suitable for off-roading, the Discovery doesn’t fall behind with its impressive off-road capabilities. Just like the 2025 Land Rover Defender, the Discovery also features Electronic Air Suspension and Adaptive Dynamics, enhancing ride comfort and handling dynamics across all terrains. Additionally, with a twin-speed transmission, the additional set of lower gears is incredibly beneficial in challenging scenarios, such as steep ascents or descents, off-road conditions, or while towing. The Defender’s Off-Road Pack equips the SUV with an Electronic Active Differential, all-terrain tires, and Wade Sensing technology. For even more advanced capabilities, the Advanced Off-Road Pack offers All-Terrain Progress Control, Terrain Response®, and Configurable Terrain Response, allowing drivers to finely tune the vehicle’s response to various environments.
Ready to discover which Land Rover suits your adventure? Explore our extensive inventory at Land Rover Rancho Mirage today to find your perfect match between the new Defender and Discovery models. Whether you crave the rugged elegance of the Defender or the sophisticated versatility of the Discovery, your next journey begins here. Land Rover Defender vs Discovery: choose your fighter below.
