The Land Rover Defender has been produced from 1990 to present with multiple engine options spanning petrol and diesel platforms. Using the correct oil capacity, viscosity, and type is essential for maintaining performance and longevity. This guide lists all model years with full oil specifications and maintenance recommendations.
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2025 Land Rover Defender Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L 16V Turbo I4, 3.0L 24V Turbo I6, 5.0L 32V V8 Supercharged |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 2.0L: 7.0 L (7.4 qt) / 3.0L: 8.8 L (9.2 qt) / 5.0L: 8.0 L (8.5 qt) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 2.0L: 6.5 L (6.9 qt) / 3.0L: 8.3 L (8.8 qt) / 5.0L: 7.5 L (7.9 qt) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Fully Synthetic |
| Viscosity | SAE 0W-20 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 16,000 km (10,000 miles) or 12 months |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 25 lb-ft (34 N-m) |
| Recommended Filters | Land Rover OEM Filter, Mobil 1 M1-110A, K&N HP-1004, Fram PH4618 |
The 2025 Land Rover Defender uses turbocharged I4, I6, and supercharged V8 engines that require 7.0 to 8.8 liters of fully synthetic oil with SAE 0W-20 viscosity. This formulation provides optimal engine protection and fuel efficiency under normal driving conditions. Land Rover recommends changing oil and filter every 16,000 kilometers or 12 months, whichever comes first.
2024 Land Rover Defender Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L 16V Turbo I4, 3.0L 24V Turbo I6, 5.0L 32V V8 Supercharged |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 2.0L: 7.0 L (7.4 qt) / 3.0L: 8.8 L (9.2 qt) / 5.0L: 8.0 L (8.5 qt) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 2.0L: 6.5 L (6.9 qt) / 3.0L: 8.3 L (8.8 qt) / 5.0L: 7.5 L (7.9 qt) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Fully Synthetic |
| Viscosity | SAE 0W-20 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 16,000 km (10,000 miles) or 12 months |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 25 lb-ft (34 N-m) |
| Recommended Filters | Land Rover OEM Filter, Mobil 1 M1-110A, K&N HP-1004, Fram PH4618 |
The 2024 Defender oil specification remains consistent with current generation models, using fully synthetic 0W-20 oil across all powertrain options. The extended oil change intervals support Land Rover’s advanced engine management systems. Owners should verify their specific engine variant before selecting the appropriate oil capacity.
2023 Land Rover Defender Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L 16V Turbo I4, 3.0L 24V Turbo I6, 5.0L 32V V8 Supercharged |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 2.0L: 7.0 L (7.4 qt) / 3.0L: 8.8 L (9.2 qt) / 5.0L: 8.0 L (8.5 qt) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 2.0L: 6.5 L (6.9 qt) / 3.0L: 8.3 L (8.8 qt) / 5.0L: 7.5 L (7.9 qt) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Fully Synthetic |
| Viscosity | SAE 0W-20 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 16,000 km (10,000 miles) or 12 months |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 25 lb-ft (34 N-m) |
| Recommended Filters | Land Rover OEM Filter, Mobil 1 M1-110A, K&N HP-1004, Fram PH4618 |
The 2023 Land Rover Defender requires 7.0 to 8.8 liters of fully synthetic 0W-20 oil depending on engine type. The SAE 0W-20 viscosity ensures cold-start capability and excellent flow at operating temperature. Synthetic formulations meet Land Rover specification STJLR.03.5006 and support extended maintenance intervals.
2022 Land Rover Defender Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L 16V Turbo I4, 3.0L 24V Turbo I6, 5.0L 32V V8 Supercharged |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 2.0L: 7.0 L (7.4 qt) / 3.0L: 10.4 L (10.9 qt) / 5.0L: 8.0 L (8.5 qt) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 2.0L: 6.5 L (6.9 qt) / 3.0L: 9.9 L (10.4 qt) / 5.0L: 7.5 L (7.9 qt) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Fully Synthetic |
| Viscosity | SAE 0W-20 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 16,000 km (10,000 miles) or 12 months |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 25 lb-ft (34 N-m) |
| Recommended Filters | Land Rover OEM Filter, Mobil 1 M1-110A, K&N HP-1004, Fram PH4618 |
The 2022 Defender V8 engine capacity reaches 8.0 liters with filter. All engine variants use fully synthetic 0W-20 oil meeting modern emission standards. This model year marked the introduction of the 5.0L V8 Supercharged option. Dry fill capacity is approximately 0.5 liters higher than service fill capacity.
2021 Land Rover Defender Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L 16V Turbo I4, 3.0L 24V Turbo I6 |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 2.0L: 7.0 L (7.4 qt) / 3.0L: 8.8 L (9.2 qt) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 2.0L: 6.5 L (6.9 qt) / 3.0L: 8.3 L (8.8 qt) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Fully Synthetic |
| Viscosity | SAE 0W-20 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 16,000 km (10,000 miles) or 12 months |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 25 lb-ft (34 N-m) |
| Recommended Filters | Land Rover OEM Filter, Mobil 1 M1-110A, K&N HP-1004, Fram PH4618 |
The 2021 Defender lineup continued with turbocharged petrol engines, maintaining consistent oil capacity and viscosity specifications. The 3.0L engine option uses 8.8 liters of fully synthetic 0W-20 oil. Proper oil maintenance during this model year ensures engine reliability and warranty compliance.
2020 Land Rover Defender Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L 16V Turbo I4, 3.0L 24V Turbo I6 |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 2.0L: 7.0 L (7.4 qt) / 3.0L: 8.8 L (9.2 qt) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 2.0L: 6.5 L (6.9 qt) / 3.0L: 8.3 L (8.8 qt) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Fully Synthetic |
| Viscosity | SAE 0W-20 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 16,000 km (10,000 miles) or 12 months |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 25 lb-ft (34 N-m) |
| Recommended Filters | Land Rover OEM Filter, Mobil 1 M1-110A, K&N HP-1004, Fram PH4618 |
The 2020 Defender marked the return of the iconic nameplate with modern turbocharged engines. This first model year of the L663 generation requires fully synthetic 0W-20 oil across both available engine options. The 2.0L turbo takes 7.0 liters while the 3.0L mild-hybrid uses 8.8 liters with filter.
2016 Land Rover Defender Puma Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.2L / 2.4L Diesel TDCi |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 7.0 L (7.4 qt) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 6.5 L (6.9 qt) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Synthetic Blend / Conventional |
| Viscosity | SAE 5W-30 / 10W-30 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 6,000 km (6,000 miles) or 12 months |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 25 lb-ft (34 N-m) |
| Recommended Filters | Land Rover OEM Filter, Bosch 72184BN, Mann W719/20 |
The 2016 Defender Puma used a 2.2L or 2.4L TDCi diesel engine requiring 7.0 liters of 5W-30 or 10W-30 mineral or synthetic blend oil. Earlier Puma models employed more frequent oil changes every 6,000 kilometers. This generation represented the final production year before the Defender nameplate was reintroduced in 2020.
2007 Land Rover Defender Puma Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.2L / 2.4L Diesel TDCi |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 7.0 L (7.4 qt) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 6.5 L (6.9 qt) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Conventional / Semi-Synthetic |
| Viscosity | SAE 15W-40 / 10W-40 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 6,000 km (6,000 miles) or 12 months |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 25 lb-ft (34 N-m) |
| Recommended Filters | Land Rover OEM Filter, Bosch 72184BN, Mann W719/20 |
The 2007 Defender Puma generation required 7.0 liters of mineral or semi-synthetic oil with 15W-40 or 10W-40 viscosity. Earlier diesel engines in this range demanded more frequent oil changes at 6,000-kilometer intervals. These specifications reflect the robust diesel engines used during the mid-2000s production period.
1998 Land Rover Defender 90/110 Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L Tdi Diesel / 3.9L V8 Petrol |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | Diesel: 6.8 L (7.2 qt) / V8: 6.5 L (6.9 qt) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | Diesel: 6.3 L (6.7 qt) / V8: 6.0 L (6.4 qt) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Conventional / Mineral |
| Viscosity | SAE 15W-40 (Diesel) / SAE 10W-40 (Petrol) |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 6,000 km (6,000 miles) or 12 months |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 25 lb-ft (34 N-m) |
| Recommended Filters | Land Rover OEM Filter, Bosch 0451104206, Champion C120 |
The 1998 Defender 90 and 110 models featured either 2.5L Tdi diesel or 3.9L V8 petrol engines. Diesel engines required 6.8 liters of 15W-40 mineral oil while V8 petrol engines took 6.5 liters of 10W-40 oil. Conventional mineral oils were the standard during this era, with shorter maintenance intervals of 6,000 kilometers.
1990 Land Rover Defender 90/110 Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L 200Tdi Diesel / 3.9L V8 Petrol |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | Diesel: 6.8 L (7.2 qt) / V8: 6.5 L (6.9 qt) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | Diesel: 6.3 L (6.7 qt) / V8: 6.0 L (6.4 qt) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Conventional / Mineral |
| Viscosity | SAE 15W-40 (Diesel) / SAE 10W-40 (Petrol) |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 6,000 km (6,000 miles) or 12 months |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 25 lb-ft (34 N-m) |
| Recommended Filters | Land Rover OEM Filter, Bosch 0451104206, Champion C120 |
The 1990 Defender 90 and 110 required mineral oils with conventional formulations. Diesel models took 6.8 liters of 15W-40 oil while petrol V8 engines required 6.5 liters of 10W-40 oil. These early models followed a strict 6,000-kilometer service interval schedule. Engine oil technology has advanced significantly since this period.
Oil Maintenance and Service Tips
Proper engine oil maintenance extends engine life and maintains Defender performance. Check the oil level weekly using the dipstick or onboard display, ensuring the engine is cold on level ground. Oil changes should occur every 16,000 kilometers on modern models or 6,000 kilometers on older Defenders, with synthetic oil supporting extended intervals compared to mineral formulations.
Always change the oil filter during every service. Use only Land Rover-approved oil specifications matching STJLR standards for newer models or manufacturer recommendations for classic Defenders. Warm the engine to operating temperature before draining, allowing heavier contaminants to settle in the sump. After refilling, run the engine briefly and recheck the level after 2-3 minutes of cool-down time.
Avoid overfilling the crankcase, as excess oil causes higher crankcase pressure, incomplete combustion, and carbon buildup on valve trains. If using a service schedule for severe driving conditions including towing, frequent cold starts, or stop-and-go traffic, reduce intervals by 25 percent or consult a Land Rover technician. Synthetic oils provide superior temperature stability and viscosity retention compared to conventional mineral alternatives.
Oil Specifications: Normal vs. Severe Driving Conditions
| Condition | Oil Type | Viscosity | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal City/Highway Driving | Fully Synthetic | 0W-20 | 16,000 km / 12 months |
| Severe Towing/Off-Road | Fully Synthetic | 0W-20 or 5W-30 | 8,000 km / 6 months |
| Cold Climate Operation | Fully Synthetic | 0W-20 | 16,000 km / 12 months |
| Hot Climate Operation | Fully Synthetic | 0W-20 or 5W-30 | 12,000 km / 12 months |
When exploring Land Rover, don’t miss our detailed guides on popular models like the Land Rover Discovery, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, and Range Rover Velar. Understanding engine oil capacity is crucial for proper maintenance, and our expert resources explain the exact oil requirements for these models. You’ll also find insights on recommended oil types, service intervals, and common issues linked to incorrect oil levels, ensuring your Land Rover always delivers reliable performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much oil does a Land Rover Defender take?
Oil capacity varies by engine and model year. Modern 2.0L turbocharged Defenders require 7.0 liters (7.4 quarts) with filter. The 3.0L mild-hybrid engine uses 8.8 liters (9.2 quarts) while the 5.0L V8 Supercharged takes 8.0 liters (8.5 quarts). Always reference your owner’s manual for the exact capacity of your specific variant.
What kind of oil does a Land Rover Defender use?
Current generation Defenders use fully synthetic oil meeting Land Rover specification STJLR.03.5006. The required viscosity is SAE 0W-20. Older Puma models used 5W-30 or 10W-40 mineral or semi-synthetic oils. Classic Defenders from the 1990s required 15W-40 diesel or 10W-40 petrol mineral oils. Always confirm specifications in your owner’s manual.
What is the recommended oil type for a Land Rover Defender?
Land Rover recommends fully synthetic oil for all current generation Defenders. Approved brands include Castrol EDGE Professional 0W-20, Mobil 1 ESP 0W-20, Shell Helix Ultra 0W-20, and other oils meeting STJLR.03.5006 specification. Semi-synthetic or mineral alternatives may be used for older models but provide less protection and shorter service life.
What is the oil change interval for a Land Rover Defender?
Modern Defenders require an oil change every 16,000 kilometers (10,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first. Eight-cylinder models may require service every year or 16,000 kilometers. Older Puma and classic Defenders needed oil changes every 6,000 kilometers. Severe driving conditions warrant reducing intervals by approximately 25 percent.
What oil filter does a Land Rover Defender use?
Current generation Defenders use the Land Rover OEM oil filter as the primary specification. Approved equivalents include Mobil 1 M1-110A, K&N HP-1004, and Fram PH4618. Older Puma models used Bosch 72184BN or Mann W719/20 filters. Always verify part compatibility before purchasing aftermarket filters.
Can I use 5W-30 oil in a Land Rover Defender?
Modern Defenders specify 0W-20 viscosity and should not use 5W-30 as a substitute. Older Puma and classic Defenders may accept 5W-30 or 10W-40 oils, but consult the owner’s manual first. Using incorrect viscosity risks engine damage, reduced fuel economy, and warranty voidance on newer models.
Conclusion
The Land Rover Defender engine oil capacity, viscosity, and type vary significantly based on model year and engine option. Modern turbocharged and supercharged Defenders require 7.0 to 8.8 liters of fully synthetic 0W-20 oil, while older Puma and classic models used conventional mineral formulations at heavier viscosities. Always consult your owner’s manual before selecting oil specifications. Using manufacturer-approved lubricants matched to your Defender’s engine ensures reliable performance, extended engine life, and protection of internal components. Consistent oil changes on the recommended schedule maintain optimal engine health and preserve long-term reliability.
