2026 Land Rover Defender Engine Specs & Towing Capacity

From traversing rocky terrains and muddy backroads to turning heads during a night out on the town, the 2026 Land Rover Defender is as stylish as it is capable, embodying a fusion of rugged utility and sophisticated allure. Enhancing the muscular stance and modern design of the Defender are a multitude of available engine options that define its power and capability for exploring without limits. Learn more about the performance and towing capabilities of the 2026 Land Rover Defender with this detailed engine specifications and towing capacity guide prepared by the team at Land Rover Chesterfield.

Browse through our inventory to find the 2026 Land Rover Defender for sale that aligns with your adventurous spirit. Schedule a test drive at our Chesterfield, MO, dealership to experience its rugged versatility for yourself — view these helpful hours and directions to plan your visit. Our Land Rover experts are here to answer any questions you may have about the Defender — give us a call at (636) 777-5800 or contact us online.

Quick Jump

Navigate to a specific research section to learn more:

2026 Land Rover Defender 110 Trophy Edition
2026 Land Rover Defender OCTA Black
2026 Land Rover Defender 130 S

2026 Land Rover Defender Engine Options & Performance Specs

Seek new horizons in the 2026 Land Rover Defender, bringing prowess and innovation to every journey. Four unique Defender body styles are available, including the Defender OCTA, Defender 130, Defender 110, and Defender 90. A range of dynamic engines includes a turbocharged inline four-cylinder (I4), turbocharged inline six-cylinder (I6), and supercharged and twin-turbo V8s, depending on the body style. Each Defender engine configuration is matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission. When it comes to traversing snow, sand, mud, and other rough terrain, advanced off-road technologies like Terrain Response® 2 and an adaptive electronic air suspension provide the confidence you need to explore without limits.

Learn more about the performance specifications of each available Defender engine.

Defender OCTA

Raising the standard for high-performance SUVs, the 2026 Land Rover Defender OCTA body style is powered by an exclusive 4.4L twin-turbo V8 mild hybrid engine. With 626 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque at its command, the Defender OCTA delivers the high-output prowess you need to handle some truly rough ground. As the most potent configuration available in the Defender lineup, the OCTA sets a new benchmark for luxury off-road capability.

View Defender OCTA engine specifications in the accompanying table.

  • Engine: P635 4.4L twin-turbo V8 mild hybrid
  • Horsepower: 626 HP
  • Torque: 553 lb.-ft.
  • Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
  • Drivetrain: AWD
  • MPG (City/Hwy): N/A
  • 0-60 MPH: 3.8 sec.
  • Max. Towing: 8,200 lbs.
  • Trim Availability: Defender OCTA, Defender OCTA Black

Defender 130

With its long-wheelbase design, the 2026 Land Rover Defender 130 body style is available with three engine options. Choose from five distinct trim configurations for the Defender 130, including the Defender S, Defender X Dynamic SE, Defender X, Defender V8, and Defender Outbound, each tailored with unique features to suit your specific needs and driving preferences. This combination of versatility, advanced capability, and premium craftsmanship makes the Defender 130 a standout choice among larger SUVs.

View Defender 130 engine specifications in the accompanying table.

EngineP300 Ingenium 3.0L I6 turboP400 Ingenium 3.0L I6 turbo mild hybridP500 5.0L supercharged V8
Horsepower296 HP395 HP493 HP
Torque295 lb.-ft.406 lb.-ft.450 lb.-ft.
TransmissionEight-speed automatic
DrivetrainAWD
MPG (City/Hwy)N/A
0-60 MPH7.5 sec.6.3 sec.5.4 sec.
Max. Towing8,200 lbs.
Trim AvailabilityDefender SDefender X Dynamic SE, Defender X, Defender OutboundDefender V8

Defender 110

The 2026 Land Rover Defender 110 body style is designed to accommodate a wide range of drivers and lifestyles with its four available engine options. Its six available trims include the Defender S, Defender X Dynamic SE, Defender X, Defender Trophy Edition in Deep Sandglow Yellow, Defender Trophy Edition in Keswick Green, and Defender V8. Whether for off-road adventuring or your everyday commutes, each Defender 110 engine balances the power and capability you need to go the distance.

View Defender 110 engine specifications in the accompanying table.

EngineP300 Ingenium 2.0L I4 turboP400 Ingenium 3.0L I6 turbo mild hybridP500 5.0L supercharged V8P525 5.0L supercharged V8
Horsepower296 HP395 HP493 HP518 HP
Torque295 lb.-ft.406 lb.-ft.450 lb.-ft.461 lb.-ft.
TransmissionEight-speed automatic
DrivetrainAWD
MPG (City/Hwy)N/A
0-60 MPH7.0 sec.5.8 sec.5.2 sec.5.1 sec.
Max. Towing7,715 lbs.8,200 lbs.
Trim AvailabilityDefender SDefender X Dynamic SE, Defender X, Defender Trophy Edition in Deep Sandglow Yellow, Defender Trophy Edition in Keswick GreenDefender X Dynamic SEDefender V8

Defender 90

Do you prefer something powerful, yet more compact? Standing out with its purpose-built distinction, the two-door 2026 Land Rover Defender 90 body style takes a focused approach by being offered solely with the Defender V8 trim. This exclusive pairing emphasizes its performance-driven identity, melding its short-wheelbase design with the high-output power of its supercharged 5.0L V8 engine.

View Defender 90 engine specifications in the accompanying table.

  • Engine: P525 5.0L supercharged V8
  • Horsepower: 518 HP
  • Torque: 461 lb.-ft.
  • Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
  • Drivetrain: AWD
  • MPG (City/Hwy): N/A
  • 0-60 MPH: 4.9 sec.
  • Max. Towing: 8,200 lbs.
  • Trim Availability: Defender V8

2026 Land Rover Defender Drivetrain

With its full-time all-wheel drive (AWD) system, the 2026 Land Rover Defender brings balanced performance and traction while traversing the most demanding terrain. Power from its range of robust engines is managed through a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. Supporting this drivetrain are specialized off-road features, including a two-speed transfer case and available electronic air suspension, enhancing confidence and control on the road and off the beaten path.

2026 Land Rover Defender Towing Capacity

Whether you’re navigating the highways or rugged backroads, the 2026 Land Rover Defender provides both capability and stability for demanding towing tasks. Paired with most engine options, the Defender has an 8,200-pound towing capacity, letting you haul travel trailers, recreational equipment, a pair of dirt bikes, or the family boat. The 2.0L I4 turbo engine delivers a solid 7,715-pound tow rating, balancing reduced output with impressive hauling prowess.

Learn More About the Land Rover Defender

To assist you in your research, Land Rover Chesterfield has prepared a selection of informative research tools for the Land Rover Defender. For an in-depth overview of its key features, including interior amenities, innovative technologies, safety features, exterior color options, and more, refer to our comprehensive Defender review. Explore the standard features of each Defender model option with our detailed trims guide.

Questions? Give us a call at (636) 777-5800 or message us online.

blank gif






*In transit vehicles have a stock photo. Actual vehicle image and details may differ.

How Can We Help?

* Indicates a required field