Maximum Wading
900 mm
35.4 inches
Land Rover LakelandDefender Data Table
Defender Ground Clearance & Wading Depth
Compare Defender 90, Defender 110 and Defender 130 off-road ground clearance and maximum wading depth, with measurements shown in both inches and millimeters.
- Maximum wading depth up to 35.4 inches
- Ground clearance shown in inches & mm
- Published figures vary by model and suspension
How much ground clearance does the Defender have?
The Defender's published maximum off-road ride height is approximately 11.5 to 11.6 inches (293 to 294 mm), depending on the Defender model and specification.
The maximum published wading depth is 35.4 inches (900 mm). Land Rover also lists 850 mm (33.5 inches) for certain coil-suspension configurations, while air-suspension configurations can reach the 900 mm maximum.
Because suspension type, body style, wheel and tire configuration, and market specification can affect published dimensions, the figures below should be used as a model-level reference rather than as a guarantee that every Defender has identical clearance.
Defender 90
294 mm
11.6 inches maximum off-road ride height
Defender 110 / 130
293 mm
11.5 inches maximum off-road ride height
Defender Ground Clearance & Wading Depth Table
Use this table to compare the published off-road clearance and maximum wading capability across the Defender family.
| Defender Model | Maximum Off-Road Clearance | Clearance in Inches | Maximum Wading Depth | Wading Depth in Inches | Configuration Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Defender 90 | 294 mm | 11.6 in | 900 mm | 35.4 in | Published technical data lists 294 mm off-road ride height with air suspension and 900 mm maximum wading depth. |
| Defender 110 | 293 mm | 11.5 in | 900 mm | 35.4 in | Published technical data lists 293 mm maximum off-road ride height for the air-suspension configuration and 900 mm maximum wading depth. |
| Defender 130 | 293 mm | 11.5 in | 900 mm | 35.4 in | Land Rover publishes 293 mm ground clearance for the Defender 130 and a maximum 900 mm wading depth. |
Important specification note: Ground clearance and wading figures can vary according to suspension configuration, wheel and tire fitment, body style, equipment and market. Land Rover's technical information lists 850 mm / 900 mm maximum wading depth for certain coil / air suspension configurations. Always confirm the specification of the individual vehicle before attempting a water crossing.
How Deep Can a Defender Go Through Water?
A Defender can have a maximum published wading depth of 900 mm (35.4 inches).
Land Rover's Defender capability information states that the vehicle can navigate water up to 900 mm deep when equipped for the applicable maximum-wading configuration. Land Rover also notes that certain coil-suspension configurations are rated to 850 mm (33.5 inches), while air suspension can provide the 900 mm maximum.
850 mm
Approximately 33.5 inches. This is the maximum wading depth listed for certain Defender coil-suspension configurations.
900 mm
Approximately 35.4 inches. This is the maximum published Defender wading depth for applicable air-suspension configurations.
Wade Sensing
Defender can use Wade Sensing to monitor water depth, while the 3D Surround Camera helps display the surrounding environment and identify entry and exit points.
Ground Clearance vs. Wading Depth
Ground Clearance
Ground clearance is the vertical distance between the ground and the vehicle's underside at the specified ride height. Higher clearance can help provide additional room beneath the vehicle when driving over rocks, ruts, uneven ground and other obstacles.
Defender figures are often published at its off-road ride height, so they should not be confused with the vehicle's normal road-going ride height.
Wading Depth
Wading depth is a separate measurement describing the maximum water depth the vehicle is designed to negotiate under specified conditions.
A 900 mm wading rating does not mean that every water crossing is safe or appropriate. Water speed, current, road surface, entry and exit points, vehicle loading and local conditions all matter.
Defender Off-Road Capability
Ground clearance and wading depth are only two parts of the Defender's off-road capability.
Terrain Response
Terrain Response systems adjust vehicle settings to help optimize performance across different surfaces and driving conditions.
Air Suspension
Electronic air suspension can raise the Defender to its off-road ride height on applicable configurations, increasing available ground clearance.
3D Surround Camera
The 3D Surround Camera provides exterior views around the vehicle and can work with Wade Sensing to help the driver monitor water depth and maneuvering conditions.
Ready to Explore the Defender?
Browse the current Defender inventory at Land Rover Lakeland to see available vehicles and equipment. Vehicle specifications can vary by model, powertrain, suspension, wheel and tire configuration, so review the individual vehicle details before purchase.
Defender Ground Clearance & Wading FAQ
How much ground clearance does the Defender have?
Published maximum off-road ride height is approximately 293 to 294 mm (11.5 to 11.6 inches), depending on Defender model and specification. Land Rover's technical data identifies 294 mm for the Defender 90 and 293 mm for the Defender 110 in the cited air-suspension configurations.
How deep of water can a Defender go through?
The Defender has a maximum published wading depth of 900 mm (35.4 inches). Land Rover also lists 850 mm (33.5 inches) for certain coil-suspension configurations.
Is 900 mm the wading depth for every Defender?
Not necessarily. Land Rover's published technical data distinguishes between suspension configurations. Certain coil-suspension versions are listed at 850 mm, while applicable air-suspension versions reach the 900 mm maximum.
Does ground clearance change when the Defender is placed in off-road height?
Yes. Published Defender technical specifications distinguish standard and off-road ride heights. The maximum ground-clearance figures in this table refer to the published off-road ride-height measurements rather than normal road height.
Does a raised air intake increase Defender wading depth?
Land Rover states that its raised air intake does not extend the vehicle's standard wading capability beyond 900 mm.
What should I check before buying a Defender for off-road use?
Check the specific vehicle's model, suspension, wheel and tire configuration and factory equipment. Published specifications can vary between configurations and markets.
You can review available vehicles through the Land Rover Lakeland new vehicle inventory .
Defender Specification Note
The figures on this page are intended as a reference for comparing Defender capability. Land Rover publishes specifications that can vary according to model, suspension, wheel and tire configuration, equipment and market. Always confirm the specifications of the specific Defender you are considering.
Specifications referenced from Land Rover's published Defender technical and capability information. Maximum wading depth: 900 mm / 35.4 inches. Certain coil suspension configurations are listed at 850 mm / 33.5 inches.
