Everything You Need to Know About Custom Defender 90 Builds in 2025
The Land Rover Defender 90 is the most compact version of the Defender family, but in 2025, custom Defender 90 builds are more versatile, luxurious, and adventure-ready than ever. Whether you want a soft top Defender 90 for beach cruising or a restored Defender 90 station wagon for daily use, the 90 offers agility and character that make it an icon in its own right.
What Is a Defender 90?
The Defender 90 is the short-wheelbase model of the classic Land Rover Defender. With two doors, a shorter chassis, and a tighter turning radius, the 90 was designed to be nimble off-road while still offering rugged durability.
Today, custom Defender 90 builds combine that compact utility with luxury touches and modern performance upgrades. The result is a vehicle equally at home in the city, on the beach, or on an overland trail.
Custom Defender 90 Build Options
A custom Defender 90 build in 2025 can include:
Engine swaps like the LS3 V8, 2.3L EcoBoost, or period-correct 200TDi / 300TDi
Soft top or hard top configuration
Full leather interior restoration with modern soundproofing
Custom gauges, infotainment screens, and climate control
Suspension upgrades with Dynamic Ride systems
18-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain Cooper or BFGoodrich tires
Full LED lighting packages and safety upgrades
Whether you’re after a classic soft top 90, a modernized daily driver, or a collector-grade restoration, the 90 offers near limitless configurations.
Performance Upgrades
Performance is where the Defender 90 truly shines. With a lighter chassis and short wheelbase, it feels agile compared to the larger 110. Popular upgrades include:
V8 power — The GM LS3 6.2L brings 430 hp and transforms the 90 into a grand tourer.
EcoBoost efficiency — The Ford 2.3L EcoBoost offers 300 hp with lighter weight and sharper handling.
Diesel reliability — The 200TDi, 300TDi, or TD5 provide torque and endurance for long expeditions.
EV conversions — Hyper9 or Tesla drive units deliver instant torque, near-silent running, and sustainability.
These powertrains give the Defender 90 the ability to balance heritage authenticity with modern drivability.
Interior Customization
Inside, the Defender 90 has been completely redefined. Once spartan and utility-driven, today’s custom builds deliver:
Extended leather upholstery across dashboard, doors, and seating
Recaro heated front seats with bolstered comfort
Modern infotainment with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and premium sound systems
Alcantara-style roof linings and marine-grade finishes for soft top builds
Custom gauge clusters and discreet USB charging
Each Shoreline build is tailored to the client, whether you want a rugged adventure vehicle or a refined luxury SUV.
Defender 90 for Different Use Cases
Beach Cruiser Defender 90: Soft top conversion, marine-grade seating, rust-resistant hardware, Bluetooth sound system.
Daily Driver Defender 90: Noise insulation, upgraded suspension, automatic gearbox, air conditioning, and leather seats.
Adventure-Ready Defender 90: Expedition roof rack, snorkel, off-road tires, and long-range fuel tanks.
Collector’s Defender 90: Period-correct restorations with 200TDi or 300TDi engines and classic heritage styling.
What Does a Custom Defender 90 Cost?
In 2025, a custom Defender 90 build typically ranges from $110,000 to $170,000, depending on specification. V8 and EV conversions sit at the top end, while TDi-based builds are more cost-effective for clients who prioritise heritage authenticity.
At Shoreline Vehicles, we provide transparent pricing and phased build plans so you can bring your vision to life without compromise.
Why Choose Shoreline for Your Defender 90 Build?
Shoreline Vehicles is dedicated to building Defender 90s that combine craftsmanship, performance, and usability. Every build begins with a full frame-off restoration, ensuring your Defender is as reliable as it is beautiful.
From heritage-focused restorations to modern luxury SUVs, our team builds each Defender as a one-off commission — tailored to your lifestyle and ready for decades of use.
Ready to build your dream Defender 90?
Explore our builds or contact us to start your project today at
https://www.shorelinevehicles.com/
Everything You Need to Know About Custom Defender 90 Builds in 2025
The Land Rover Defender 90 is the most compact version of the Defender family, but in 2025, custom Defender 90 builds are more versatile, luxurious, and adventure-ready than ever. Whether you want a soft top Defender 90 for beach cruising or a restored Defender 90 station wagon for daily use, the 90 offers agility and character that make it an icon in its own right.
What Is a Defender 90?
The Defender 90 is the short-wheelbase model of the classic Land Rover Defender. With two doors, a shorter chassis, and a tighter turning radius, the 90 was designed to be nimble off-road while still offering rugged durability.
Today, custom Defender 90 builds combine that compact utility with luxury touches and modern performance upgrades. The result is a vehicle equally at home in the city, on the beach, or on an overland trail.
Custom Defender 90 Build Options
A custom Defender 90 build in 2025 can include:
Engine swaps like the LS3 V8, 2.3L EcoBoost, or period-correct 200TDi / 300TDi
Soft top or hard top configuration
Full leather interior restoration with modern soundproofing
Custom gauges, infotainment screens, and climate control
Suspension upgrades with Dynamic Ride systems
18-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain Cooper or BFGoodrich tires
Full LED lighting packages and safety upgrades
Whether you’re after a classic soft top 90, a modernized daily driver, or a collector-grade restoration, the 90 offers near limitless configurations.
Performance Upgrades
Performance is where the Defender 90 truly shines. With a lighter chassis and short wheelbase, it feels agile compared to the larger 110. Popular upgrades include:
V8 power — The GM LS3 6.2L brings 430 hp and transforms the 90 into a grand tourer.
EcoBoost efficiency — The Ford 2.3L EcoBoost offers 300 hp with lighter weight and sharper handling.
Diesel reliability — The 200TDi, 300TDi, or TD5 provide torque and endurance for long expeditions.
EV conversions — Hyper9 or Tesla drive units deliver instant torque, near-silent running, and sustainability.
These powertrains give the Defender 90 the ability to balance heritage authenticity with modern drivability.
Interior Customization
Inside, the Defender 90 has been completely redefined. Once spartan and utility-driven, today’s custom builds deliver:
Extended leather upholstery across dashboard, doors, and seating
Recaro heated front seats with bolstered comfort
Modern infotainment with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and premium sound systems
Alcantara-style roof linings and marine-grade finishes for soft top builds
Custom gauge clusters and discreet USB charging
Each Shoreline build is tailored to the client, whether you want a rugged adventure vehicle or a refined luxury SUV.
Defender 90 for Different Use Cases
Beach Cruiser Defender 90: Soft top conversion, marine-grade seating, rust-resistant hardware, Bluetooth sound system.
Daily Driver Defender 90: Noise insulation, upgraded suspension, automatic gearbox, air conditioning, and leather seats.
Adventure-Ready Defender 90: Expedition roof rack, snorkel, off-road tires, and long-range fuel tanks.
Collector’s Defender 90: Period-correct restorations with 200TDi or 300TDi engines and classic heritage styling.
What Does a Custom Defender 90 Cost?
In 2025, a custom Defender 90 build typically ranges from $110,000 to $170,000, depending on specification. V8 and EV conversions sit at the top end, while TDi-based builds are more cost-effective for clients who prioritise heritage authenticity.
At Shoreline Vehicles, we provide transparent pricing and phased build plans so you can bring your vision to life without compromise.
Why Choose Shoreline for Your Defender 90 Build?
Shoreline Vehicles is dedicated to building Defender 90s that combine craftsmanship, performance, and usability. Every build begins with a full frame-off restoration, ensuring your Defender is as reliable as it is beautiful.
From heritage-focused restorations to modern luxury SUVs, our team builds each Defender as a one-off commission — tailored to your lifestyle and ready for decades of use.
Ready to build your dream Defender 90?
Explore our builds or contact us to start your project today at https://www.shorelinevehicles.com/