Land Rover Defender Engine Options | Petrol, Diesel & EV Conversions
LS3 6.2L V8 – Power and Performance
The LS3 6.2L V8 reshapes the Defender’s character. With 430 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque, it delivers an immediacy that feels effortless — whether pulling onto a coastal highway or overtaking on an open stretch of road. The throttle is sharp, the response instant, the acceleration startling for a vehicle of this scale. Paired with a modern automatic transmission, the LS3 offers refinement at speed and composure off-road. It is the choice for those who want the Defender’s iconic form paired with the soul of a grand tourer.
GM 5.7L V8 – Classic American Muscle
The GM 5.7L V8 brings a different kind of magic — a deep, mechanical rumble and the linear pull of traditional American muscle. Producing up to 300 horsepower, it has a broad torque band that makes the Defender feel unhurried but endlessly capable. The simplicity of its design, the warmth of its exhaust note, and the way it pairs with the Defender’s rugged stance make it ideal for those who value a more analog driving connection.
Ford 2.3L EcoBoost – Modern Efficiency
The 2.3L EcoBoost transforms the Defender’s weight and balance. At around 300 horsepower, its turbocharged delivery feels alive in the mid-range, making urban driving light and long-distance cruising effortless. There’s a precision to the way it moves — less mass over the front axle, a sharper turn-in, a sense of agility that belies the Defender’s footprint. It’s the engine for those who want classic form with contemporary, efficient performance.
300 TDi – Reliable Workhorse
The 300 TDi is pure utility. 122 horsepower, 195 lb-ft of torque, and a reputation for running in the harshest environments on earth. It’s not about speed — it’s about endurance. The kind of endurance that lets you cross continents without a second thought. Simple to service, impossible to intimidate, and perfect for builds that will spend their lives far from the beaten path.
200 TDi – Classic Durability
The 200 TDi is a link to the early Defender era. 111 horsepower, an unhurried delivery, and an engine note that speaks of purpose rather than performance. Chosen for period-correct restorations and for those who see charm in simplicity, it’s a mechanical companion built to outlast trends.
TD5 – Tunable and Versatile
The TD5 sits between tradition and modernity. In standard form it offers 122 horsepower, but with careful tuning it can exceed 200. Its electronically controlled fuel system allows throttle mapping, boost control, and drivability adjustments that bring surprising refinement to a Defender. For those who want diesel dependability with the freedom to tune, it’s a compelling choice.
EV Options – Sustainable Innovation
Electric power redefines what a Defender can be. Instant torque, near-silent operation, and zero local emissions — whether using a Hyper9-based system for simplicity and lightness or a Tesla Model 3 drive unit for 300 horsepower and long-range touring. The experience is different but unmistakably Defender: a commanding driving position, a connection to the surroundings, and the knowledge you’re shaping the next chapter of its story.
