2026 Defender Engine Specs & Performance

Although the original Defender was built with the singular purpose of traversing rugged terrain, the current model features modern amenities and technologies without compromising legendary off-road capability. This hardcore luxury 4×4 is available in three wheelbases, multiple trim levels, and several high-output engine options to handle weekend trail rides past Sandy Hook as seamlessly as daily drives along Route 35 and the Garden State Parkway. Explore the 2026 Defender engine specs in this guide from the team at Land Rover Monmouth.

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 certified service center to obtain the necessary factory towing equipment to take full advantage of the maximum towing capacity. Review the 2026 Defender engine specs that you can enjoy on your drives around Red Bank 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: 7,716 pounds (when properly equipped)

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 (when properly equipped)
• 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 (when properly equipped)
• 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 (when properly equipped)

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 (when properly equipped)
• 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 (when properly equipped)
• 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 (when properly equipped)

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 (when properly equipped)

Can You Take The 2026 Defender Off-Road?

Don’t let the luxurious interior and cutting-edge technologies deceive you; the 2026 Defender is engineered for off-road adventures across the Garden State and well beyond. Advanced off-road engineering features include:

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 (CBC)
• Brake Hold

Explore The 2026 Defender With Land Rover Monmouth

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 at Land Rover Monmouth right here in Eatontown. 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 Rumson or Holmdel lifestyle. Explore our current new Defender inventory online, or connect with our finance center to explore current trade-in options and luxury vehicle offers in advance of your visit.

Disclaimer:
Maximum towing capacities vary by wheelbase, engine configuration, and optional equipment; full towing capability requires factory-installed or authorized towing accessories, proper weight distribution, and adherence to maximum tongue load limits. Speed and acceleration figures are manufacturer estimates for comparison purposes only; top speeds and acceleration claims should never be attempted on public roads, and all traffic laws must be obeyed. Driver-assist, dynamics, and off-road capability systems—including Terrain Response 2, Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control, and Trailer Stability Assist—are supplementary features designed to assist the driver and do not replace safe, attentive driving or sound off-road driving techniques. Vehicle specs, trim availability, and feature performance vary by model year and configuration. Please consult your Owner’s Manual or see the specialist team at Land Rover Monmouth for complete performance details, towing guidelines, and safety instructions.