2026 Defender Engine Specs & Performance

March 30th, 2026 by

2026 Land Rover Defender driving in sand
 

Although the original Defender had a singular purpose of traversing rugged terrain, the current model features modern amenities and technologies without compromising the legendary Defender off-road capabilities. This hardcore off-roader is available in three wheelbases, multiple trim levels, and several engine options to handle your off-road adventures past Des Moines, IA as easily as it can your on-road drives around the Wichita area. Explore the 2026 Defender engine specs in this guide from the team at Land Rover Kansas City.

What Are The Specs Of The 2026 Defender Engine?

Power for this luxury off-road rig is provided by a choice of engines, depending on wheelbase and trim level. Options include a turbocharged I4, a turbocharged and supercharged mild-hybrid I6, a supercharged V8, or a twin-turbo V8. Visit our service center to obtain the necessary equipment to take full advantage of the maximum Defender towing capacity. Review the 2026 Defender engine specs that you can enjoy on your drives to St. Louis, MO below:

Defender 90 V8

5.0L Supercharged V8
  • Standard engine on: V8
  • Horsepower: 518 hp @ 6,500 rpm
  • Torque: 461 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-5,000 rpm
  • Top speed: 149 mph
  • Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds
  • Maximum towing capacity: 8,200 pounds

Defender 110

2.0L Turbocharged I4
  • Standard engine on: S
  • Horsepower: 296 hp @ 5,500 rpm
  • Torque: 295 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-4,500 rpm
  • Top speed: 119 mph
  • Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 7.0 seconds
  • Maximum towing capacity: 7,715 pounds
3.0L Turbocharged & Supercharged Mild-Hybrid I6
  • Standard engine on: X-Dynamic SE, X, Defender 110 Trophy Edition in Deep Sandglow Yellow, Defender 110 Trophy Edition in Keswick Green
  • Horsepower: 395 hp @ 5,500-6,500 rpm
  • Torque: 406 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-5,000 rpm
  • Top speed: 119 mph
  • Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds
  • Maximum towing capacity: 8,200 pounds
5.0L Supercharged V8
  • Standard engine on: V8
  • Horsepower: 518 hp @ 6,500 rpm
  • Torque: 461 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-5,000 rpm
  • Top speed: 149 mph
  • Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds
  • Maximum towing capacity: 8,200 pounds

Defender 130

3.0L Turbocharged & Supercharged Mild-Hybrid I6
  • Standard engine on: S
  • Horsepower: 296 hp @ 4,800-6,600 rpm
  • Torque: 295 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-4,250 rpm
  • Top speed: 119 mph
  • Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 7.5 seconds
  • Maximum towing capacity: 8,200 pounds
3.0L Turbocharged & Supercharged Mild-Hybrid I6
  • Standard engine on: X-Dynamic SE, X, Outbound
  • Horsepower: 395 hp @ 5,500-6,500 rpm
  • Torque: 406 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-5,000 rpm
  • Top speed: 119 mph
  • Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds
  • Maximum towing capacity: 8,200 pounds
5.0L Supercharged V8
  • Standard engine on: V8
  • Horsepower: 493 hp @ 6,000-6,500 rpm
  • Torque: 450 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-5,000 rpm
  • Top speed: 149 mph
  • Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds
  • Maximum towing capacity: 8,200 pounds

Defender OCTA

4.4L Twin-Turbocharged V8
  • Standard engine on: OCTA, OCTA Black
  • Horsepower: 626 hp @ 5,855-7,000 rpm
  • Torque: 553 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-5,855 rpm
  • Top speed: 130 mph (OCTA); 155 mph (OCTA Black)
  • Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds
  • Maximum towing capacity: 8,200 pounds

Can You Take The 2026 Defender Off-Road?

Don’t let the luxurious interior and cutting-edge technologies deceive you; the 2026 Defender is ready for off-road adventures across the state and beyond. Some of its technologies take you farther off the beaten path than those of lesser vehicles. Here are a few of the Defender off-road features you can take advantage of below:

Towing

  • Advanced Tow Assist
  • Trailer Stability Assist (TSA)

Transmission & Dynamics

  • Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control
  • Adaptive Dynamics
  • Terrain Response 2 with Dynamic Program
  • Configurable Terrain Response
  • Electronic Active Differential with Torque Vectoring by Braking
  • All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
  • Twin-speed transfer box (high/low range)
  • 8-speed Automatic Transmission
  • Hill Launch Assist
  • Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS)
  • Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
  • Low traction launch
  • Electronic Traction Control (ETC)
  • Roll Stability Control (RSC)
  • Cornering Brake Control (HDC)
  • Brake Hold

Explore The 2026 Defender With Land Rover Kansas City

Now that you know more about the 2026 Defender engine specs, it’s time to experience the power of this luxury off-road SUV for yourself. Contact us today to schedule your test drive in a new Defender at Land Rover Kansas City. Our team will review the engine specs, towing capacity, and off-road capabilities of each model to ensure you find the best configuration for your Omaha, NE lifestyle. Use our online tools to get pre-approved for financing and explore our current lease options in advance.

 

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