Best Land Rover Models of 2025 & Most Anticipated Land Rovers Coming in 2026 (Australia)

Land Rover's line-up keeps getting better, and if you're an Australian owner who uses your rig for towing, touring and getting off the bitumen, there's plenty to get excited about. With 2025 models well and truly here - and 2026 updates already hitting showrooms - we've put together a clear guide on the best of what's on offer so you know exactly where to look. This one's for internal combustion fans only. We're zeroing in on Defender and Discovery, with a nod to owners of the Discovery 3, 4 and 5 who might be thinking about their next move.

A Closer Look at 2025 Models

Defender 110 & 130

The Defender is still the backbone of Land Rover's off-road credibility in Australia - and the big news for 2025 is actually under the bonnet. The old D300 diesel has been upgraded to the D350 3.0L inline-six turbo diesel, putting out 257 kW and 700 Nm. That's a meaningful jump - 37 kW and 50 Nm more than what it replaced - and you feel it. Pulling a 3,500 kg tow (110 Model)  or climbing a long grade is noticeably easier without breaking a sweat.

The 4WD system with twin-speed transfer case carries over unchanged, and the Defender 130 still gives you genuine touring and family space without compromising drivetrain muscle. Land Rover has also tidied up the accessory and option packs — things like the Off-Road Pack, Towing Pack and Air Suspension Pack are now bundled more sensibly, which makes speccing one up a bit less of a headache.

Range Rover & Range Rover Sport

The Range Rover line-up sits at the top of Land Rover's range for on-road luxury with genuine off-road capability. Both the full-size Range Rover and Range Rover Sport run the D350 diesel (~258 kW / 700 Nm depending on model) for 2025, with a 3,500 kg towing rating that matches the Defender and Discovery. The full-size Range Rover delivers refined long-distance cruising with exceptional air suspension and the most luxurious interior in the Land Rover lineup. The Range Rover Sport offers the same D350 diesel and towing capacity in a more dynamic, agile package — up to ~216 mm ground clearance (air suspension dependent) and 900 mm wading depth when you need it. Both are exceptional machines for luxury road travel with solid off-road credentials.

Discovery 5

The Discovery doesn't shout as loud as the Defender, but don't let that fool you. It's quietly one of the most capable all-round Land Rovers you can buy in Australia right now - especially if long-distance touring is your thing. For 2025, the Discovery has also made the switch from the D300 to the D350 diesel (257 kW / 700 Nm), so it's got the same torque advantage as the Defender. Pair that with the air suspension platform - which is genuinely one of the best in class for long highway runs, and you've got something that tows 3,500 kg while keeping everyone comfortable on a 1,200 km haul to the coast.

It's not as raw as a Defender on a technical track, and it's increasingly pitched as a refined touring machine rather than a hard-core off-roader. But in stock form, with the right tyres and a sensible setup, it's still very capable when you need it to be.

What's Already Confirmed for 2026

Here's the thing; these 2026 updates aren't rumours or speculation. They've been announced, priced, and are already arriving in Australian showrooms.

Defender

Land Rover has made a solid round of changes across all three Defender body styles — 90, 110 and 130. The headline is the P425 5.0L supercharged V8 (386 kW / 625 Nm) arriving in the 90 and 110, which is a serious upgrade if petrol's your thing. This P425 model replaces 2 existing models, the existing P400 6 cylinder and the P525 V8. On the diesel side, the D350 carries over, and the 110 now also picks up the D250 mild-hybrid diesel as an entry option - a smart way in if you want to keep costs manageable while staying in the Defender family. Land Rover has kept diesel Defenders in the Australian mix with both D250 and D350 options available, which matters for anyone doing remote travel where fuel stops are part of the planning.

The standout tech addition is Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control (avaliable for select trims), which holds your speed over rough terrain automatically so you can focus on the steering and let the car handle the throttle on a stony track. That's a proper quality-of-life upgrade for anyone spending serious time off-road. On the outside, there are new LED headlights, smoked flush rear lights, updated front and rear bumpers, and fresh colours including Woolstone Green and Borasco Grey, which is a sharper, more refined look that suits the platform well. Inside, the touchscreen has grown to 13.1 inches and the centre console has been reorganised for better usability, with the gear shifter moved to a more intuitive spot and more practical storage throughout.

Discovery 5

The Discovery picks up fresh trim levels that round out the range nicely. The D350 diesel (257 kW / 700 Nm) carries over, and towing remains at a strong 3,500 kg. The new Tempest trim is the flagship and the most luxurious Discovery ever made, while Gemini brings a sharp two-tone styling option that gives the Discovery a distinct, striking look. Land Rover has also added accessory packs including Beach Days, Road Trip, and Snow Days, which are pre-built bundles tailored to how people actually use these cars.

Range Rover & Range Rover Sport

Both the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport pick up refinements for 2026 rather than major overhauls. The full-size Range Rover adds the new SV Black flagship trim with blacked-out styling and upgraded luxury throughout, with Sport receiving incremental SV and trim updates. The D350 diesel carries over unchanged for both models in Australia, along with the 3,500 kg towing rating - exactly what the touring and towing crowd wants to see. These remain the luxury flagship options for buyers who want the full Land Rover experience with maximum refinement.

The Bottom Line

If you're weighing up your next Land Rover, the D350 diesel is the engine to focus on for a balance of performance, range and fuel economy. It's now standard across Defender, Discovery, and Range Rover models in Australia, and it's a genuine step forward. That translates to easier towing, better overtaking, and more relaxed long-distance cruising. All three platforms maintain the 3,500 kg towing capacity that makes them serious touring machines.