Land Rover’s legendary off-roader, the Defender, receives a suite of updates for its line-up such as the Defender 90, 110 and 130. Even the new Defender Octa has been updated for the 2026 model year.
Updated Defender: What’s New?
Land Rover has rolled out a comprehensive update for the Defender, enhancing both performance and technology across the board. All models now come standard with a large 13.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, while exterior styling has been refreshed with LED headlights, taillights featuring smoked rear lenses, and a subtly revised signature DRL pattern.
The colour palette expands with three striking new options: Woolstone Green, Sargasso Blue, and Borasco Grey. Notably, the high-performance Defender OCTA debuts with a formidable 630bhp twin-turbo V8 engine, advanced 6D Dynamics suspension, and distinctive Textured Graphite detailing. Across the range, drivers benefit from new 22-inch Diamond Turned seven-spoke alloy wheels and a Driver Attention Monitor enhanced by a camera-based alert system. For off-road enthusiasts, Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control is now available on all variants except the OCTA, and the Defender 130 adds further utility with an integrated air compressor, ideal for tire inflation in remote settings.
- 13.1-inch infotainment touchscreen now standard across all Defender models
- LED headlights and taillights with smoked rear lenses
- Slightly revised signature DRL pattern for a refreshed front-end look
- New exterior colours introduced:
- Woolstone Green
- Sargasso Blue
- Borasco Grey
- Defender OCTA highlights:
- 630bhp twin-turbo V8 engine
- Advanced 6D Dynamics suspension
- Exclusive Textured Graphite detailing
- New alloy wheels: 22-inch Diamond Turned seven-spoke design
- Driver Attention Monitor upgraded with new camera-based alert system
- Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control available on all variants (except OCTA)
- Defender 130 now includes an integrated air compressor for added utility
2026 Defender: Still Rugged King?
While the updated Defender’s pricing remains unannounced, the pricing will mostly remain unchanged. Yet, the Defender still remains one of the customer’s top choices when it comes to an SUV of it’s category, rivaling popular SUVs like the legendary Toyota Land Cruiser, many believe this might just be better than it’s rivals. Apart from subjective opinions, the Defender has surely been appealing to the SUV buyer and will still remain as one of the behemoth leaders of this segment.
