The Land Rover Defender is an icon – not just a simple SUV; it combines exquisiteness and an off-road ability, particularly when one navigates urban streets as well as wooden trails. But all Defender owners will tell you: The right tyres are what unleash its amazing potential.
Using the right tyres can make all the difference between comfortable cruising at highway speeds and providing confidence on rocky terrains downcountry.
This guide offers everything you want to know about Land Rover Defender Tyre Size, off-road tyres vs. luxury/high-speed tyres, and our top tyre picks for the car.
Land Rover Defender Tyres Overview
- Understanding Tyres for Land Rover Defender
- Land Rover Defender Tyre Sizes
- Types of Tyres Suitable for Defender
- Top Tyres for Land Rover Defender (Off-Road & Luxury/Highway)
- About the Land Rover Defender
- Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Tyres
- Closing Thoughts
- FAQs
Understanding Tyres for Land Rover Defender
The Defender is heavier and more capable than your average SUV, so its tyres have to be up to the task. Here’s what matters most:
- Grip & Traction: You want tyres that bite into mud, gravel, or wet pavement without losing composure.
- Load Rating: With its sturdy chassis and possible towing duties, your tyres must support extra weight.
- Comfort & Noise: On long highway drives, a smooth, quiet tyre makes all the difference.
- Durability: Aggressive tread blocks need to stand up to rocks and rough trails, yet still wear evenly on tarmac.
Land Rover Defender Tyre Sizes
The Defender comes in several body styles and trim levels, each offering different wheel options. Here’s a quick look at how tyre sizes vary by variant:
Defender Variant | Tyre Size |
Defender 90, Defender 110 (Base) | 255/70 R18 |
Defender 90 S, Defender 110 S | 255/65 R19 |
Defender 90 SE, Defender 110 SE | 255/60 R20 |
Defender 90 HSE, Defender 110 HSE | 255/60 R20 |
Note: Always double-check your vehicle’s door placard or owner’s manual to confirm the exact tyre size for your specific model year and market.
Types of Tyres Suitable for Defender
Depending on how you use your Defender, you’ll lean toward one of two main categories:
All-Terrain Tyres (A/T)
These tyres can go anywhere. A rough tread design and reinforced sidewalls give all-terrain tyres the edge on dirt roads, gravel tracks, and even light mud situations, while still being competent enough for highway speeds.
Good for: Weekend adventurers, mixed on- and off-road use, buyers who need one tyre to do it all.
Luxury/Highway-Terrain Tyres (H/T)
If most of your miles will be spent on pavement – commuting or ranting big highway kilometers; from this perspective, highway-terrain tyres are quiet, smooth, and continue to be so on the pavement. They tend to wear out evenly with reduced rolling resistance – lending a hand to the car for fuel economy.
Good for: Daily drivers, long-distance tours, those who prioritize comfort and tread life.
Top Tyres for Land Rover Defender
Below is our chart of standout off-road and luxury/highway tyres for the Defender. We’ve matched each to the sizes most common on this SUV:
Tyre Name | Type | Key Features | Best For | Available Sizes |
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 | All-Terrain | Aggressive tread, sidewall protection, excellent mud & snow grip | Serious off-road & winter conditions | 255/70 R18 | 255/65 R19 | 255/60 R20 |
Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure | All-Terrain | Silica-enhanced compound for wet grip, quiet on pavement | Mixed pavement/trail use | 255/70 R18 | 255/65 R19 | 255/60 R20 |
Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus | All-Terrain | Balanced off-road traction, comfortable highway manners | Trail-to-town versatility | 255/70 R18 | 255/60 R20 |
Continental CrossContact LX25 | Highway-Terrain | Low road noise, long tread life, reliable wet braking | Highway cruising & comfort | 255/70 R18 | 255/60 R20 |
Michelin Latitude Tour HP | Highway-Terrain | Quiet performance, high mileage, strong dry/wet traction | Long-distance touring | 255/70 R18 | 255/65 R19 |
About the Land Rover Defender
The Defender’s reputation rests on its blend of rugged capability and modern luxury:
- Body Styles: Available in 90 (two-door), 110 (four-door), and 130 (extended wheelbase)
- Engine Options: Ranging from punchy mild-hybrid four-cylinders to potent six-cylinder engines
- Off-Road Tech: Full-time four-wheel drive, multi-terrain response system, locking differentials on select trims
- Interior: Premium materials, advanced Pivi Pro touchscreen, and seating for up to eight in the 130
It’s a vehicle that can tackle rock climbs on Saturday and school-run duty on Monday – if you’ve got the right tyres under it.
Closing Thoughts
The Defender is a really impressive vehicle- quite powerful, quite comfortable and undeniably cool. But it is only as good as what connects it to the ground: your tyres. Match the driving characteristics with the right tyre category: all-terrain for bold exploration or highway-terrain for refined comfort. With the right tyres, every journey will be completely enjoyable, whether it is a muddy backroad or the open expressway.
FAQs
What is the standard tyre size for the Land Rover Defender?
Base models typically come on 255/70 R18 tyres. Higher trims often upgrade to 255/65 R19 or 255/60 R20 wheels.
Can I use SUV tyres on the Defender?
Standard SUV tyres will fit, but if you plan off-road driving, an all-terrain tyre is a safer choice for better traction and durability.
How do I know when to replace my Defender’s tyres?
Check tread depth (replace at 1.6 mm or sooner in wet/off-road use), look for uneven wear, and follow your vehicle’s service schedule.
Are all-terrain tyres noisy on highways?
Some can be. Models like the Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure are engineered for a balance of quiet pavement manners and off-road grip.
Does tyre choice affect fuel economy?
Yes – tyres with lower rolling resistance (typically highway-terrain types) will help improve your MPG/Km per charge, whereas aggressive off-road tyres may cost you a bit.