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2026 Baby Land Rover Defender could be called ‘Defender Sport’ – report
More details have emerged about the smallest, most affordable Land Rover after it was spotted testing with more revealing camouflage.
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1997 Land Rover Defender
The 1997 Land Rover Defender is a ute offered in cab-chassis (double or crew-cab) or pick-up (double or crew-cab) body styles. When it was new, prices in Australia started around $35,120.
There is 1 variant of the Defender available in Australia and this generation went on sale in early-1994.
The 1997 Defender was offered with a 2 year, 50,000 km warranty.
The Land Rover Defender is only available with a diesel engine that produces 83kW and 265Nm of torque. All variants feature 4x4.
- Retail Price
- $35,120 - $46,800â€
- Transmission
- 5-speed manual
- Driven Wheels
- 4x4
- Fuel Type
- Diesel
- Body Types
- Cab Chassis, SUV, or Utility
- Powertrain Type
- N/A
- Retail Price
- $35,120 - $46,800â€
- Transmission
- 5-speed manual
- Driven Wheels
- 4x4
- Fuel Type
- Diesel
- Body Types
- Cab Chassis, SUV, or Utility
- Powertrain Type
- N/A
Expert Rating
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Save Thousands on a new Land Rover Defender
CarExpert does the hard work to get you the best price. No negotiating, no hidden costs, just expert help and real savings on your next new car.
Land Rover Defender
1997 Land Rover Defender
Features & Specs
Powertrain & Performance
Engine specs, power, and efficiency
Handling & Mechanics
Drive Feel: Steering, Suspension, Ride Quality
Towing & Off-road Capacity
Strength, stability, and off-road performance
Exterior & Dimensions
Design, size, and presence on the road
Interior
Comfort, tech, and convenience inside
Technology
Infotainment, connectivity, and smart features
Safety & Security
Protection, prevention, and alerts
Cost of Ownership
Coverage, maintenance, and peace of mind
1997 Land Rover Defender
Available Variants
The Land Rover Defender comes in a variety of variants with the cheapest being Base and the most expensive being Base.
1997 Land Rover Defender
News
How does the 1997 Land Rover Defender compare?
Quickly see how the Land Rover Defender stacks up against its competition.
 Select any benchmark to see more details.
Power to Weight
39.34 - 48.4 kW/t
33.53 kW/t
90.78 kW/t
Price
$35,120 - $46,800
$16,990
$46,975
Warranty (Years)
2 years
2 years
3 years
Warranty (Distance)
50,000 km
40,000 km
100,000 km
Explore Variants
Build your new Land Rover Defender
Select your specs to find the perfect Land Rover Defender for you.
Build your new Land Rover Defender
S
2025
$94,942
S
2026
$98,400
X-Dynamic Se
2025
$111,515
X-Dynamic Se
2026
$114,500
Trophy Edition
2026
$118,900
X-Dynamic Hse
2025
$127,141
X-Dynamic Hse
2026
$130,200
Sedona Edition
2025
$138,074
Outbound
2025
$138,951
X Dynamic Hse
2025
$141,541
Outbound
2026
$141,600
X
2025
$158,410
X
2026
$165,100
V8
2025
$196,070
V8
2026
$226,500
Octa
2025
$298,831
Octa
2026
$304,500
Octa Black
2026
$313,800
Octa Edition One
2025
$325,532
Year
2026
2025
Engine Type
3.0L Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle
5.0L Combustion
2.0L PHEV
4.4L Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Fuel
Diesel
Premium Unleaded
Electric
Unleaded
Transmission
Automatic
Body Type
SUV
Number of Doors
3 Doors
5 Doors
Drivetrain
4x4
Maximum Power
183 kW
257 kW
313 kW
221 kW
368 kW
467 kW
294 kW
297 kW
386 kW
Choose your preferences
Pick the features and options you want, and we’ll show you the best match.
42 Configurations available
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1997 Land Rover Defender
Dimensions
4,438 mm
1,790 mm
2,064 mm
The dimensions shown above are for the base model.
| Specification | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 4,438 mm |
| Overall Width | 1,790 mm |
| Overall Height | 2,064 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,794 mm |
| Turning Circle | 12,800 mm |
| Load Capacity | 1,335 mm |
Dimensions in this table show the minimum and maximum values of all variants for this vehicle.
Looking for complete Land Rover Defender size & space specs?
Our Land Rover Defender Exterior and Dimensions Page has every measurement you need to know exactly how this vehicle will fit your driving, garage, or work needs.
Land Rover Defender
Sales Data
20243,209Total Sales
20253,854Total Sales
2026121YTD Sales
Land Rover Defender Sales rolling 12-months#
*Based on VFACTS and EVC data
Looking for complete Land Rover Defender price history?
Our Land Rover Defender Pricing Page shows exactly how prices have changed over time.
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Our New Car Specialists can help you secure the best deal. No stress. No running around. No extra cost. Delivery included.
1997 Land Rover Defender
Frequently Asked Questions
The cheapest Land Rover Defender is the base variant that starts from $35,120.
See all Land Rover Defender PricingThe most expensive Land Rover Defender is the base variant that starts from $46,800.
See all Land Rover Defender PricingThe best towing capacity of a Land Rover Defender is offered by the base variant which can tow 4000 kg.
See all Land Rover Defender towing capacityThe largest Land Rover Defender is the base variant which measures 1790mm wide, 5132mm in length and sits 2035mm tall.
The most powerful Land Rover Defender is the base variant which has 83kW of power and 265nm of torque.
The Land Rover Defender is built in Great Britain and shipped to Australia.
The heaviest Land Rover Defender is the base variant which has a gross vehicle weight of 3500 kg.
The Land Rover Defender uses Diesel fuel.
# Based on VFACTS and EVC data
* Average savings based on recent CarExpert customer transactions. Actual savings will vary depending on vehicle make and model, location, stock availability, and other factors.
†Displayed prices exclude on-road costs such as delivery charges, registration fees, number plates, insurance and applicable road taxes. These prices are subject to change without notice and may not reflect current market pricing or dealer offers.
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