The 2026 Land Rover Defender blends its parent brand's legendary off-road capability and cushy comfort with bold retro-rugged style. The Defender doesn't compromise on the finer details, but it's decidedly less posh and polished than its Discovery and Range Rover counterparts.Read full review
Rear hatch door is heavy and opens toward the curb
Classic vibes with modern capability
by the Edmunds Experts
Updated: 1/9/2026
The 2026 Land Rover Defender is one of the automaker's midsize SUV offerings, alongside the conventionally styled three-row Discovery and two-row Range Rover Sport. Its boxy shape is a bid for nostalgia, with the hope of combining the rugged utility of a Jeep Wrangler with the high-end confines you expect from a luxury brand. This is the Land Rover that chased down James Bond in Spectre and No Time to Die — more interested in doing a job than making a statement at an exclusive casino.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Good
6.4
out of 10
We drove the 2026 Land Rover Defender on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Performance: Quick, composed, and surprisingly smooth
6.5/10
How does it drive? Strong off-road capability typically comes at the expense of on-road handling and steering precision. Not here. The Defender drives like a luxury SUV should, with smooth, often imperceptible gear changes, easy braking around town and swift acceleration. In our testing, the Defender 110 model sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds. The six-cylinder Defender 90 did the same in 6.2 seconds. With 395 hp, you might expect a little more, but it's still pretty quick. Weight might be a culprit. Our test Defenders weighed in at a portly 5,207 pounds for the two-door 90 and 5,571 pounds for the four-door 110.
The larger, heavier wheels equipped on our test vehicles (18-inch wheels are standard) contributed to a firm ride when going over bumps and road imperfections, but otherwise the Defender is pretty well mannered, especially for an off-road SUV.
Adaptive cruise control is pleasant and makes appropriate speed corrections smoothly, while the surround-view camera system helps both in parking lots and going off-road, and it provides a comprehensive view of whatever obstacle you're approaching. Large windows and appropriately sized mirrors also ensure outward visibility is not an issue.
Comfort: A quiet and roomy cabin with luxury appointments
7.8/10
How comfortable is it? The Defender rides with the refinement you'd expect of a luxury-priced Land Rover. The interior remains quiet and relatively free from road noise, even when riding on the optional 20-inch wheels and all-terrain tires.
The driver's seat offers a wide range of adjustment and the massive second row and tall roof give the cabin a very roomy feel. Headroom, legroom and shoulder room are plentiful, and it's worth noting that passenger space remains the same whether you choose the 110 or the 90. We'd recommend against the front center jump seat since it's minimally useful and eliminates a good amount of otherwise convenient storage. The height-adjusting air suspension, numerous grab handles and large doors make access easy in the 110, but climbing into the back of the two-door 90 will be a chore for most.
The sheer size of the 110's second row makes car seat installation easy, but you'll struggle to get a seat passed the front pass-through in the 90. Once back there, though, access to the attachment points is decent. A few interior controls have steep learning curves. The climate control dials, for example, double as drive mode selectors and seat heating/ventilation adjustment.
In-cabin tech
7.8/10
How’s the tech? If there's one area the Defender needs to work on, it's tech. The infotainment setup looks pretty, with sharp graphics and a responsive screen that was free of lag. But it's held back by various usability issues and a complicated set of menus. Finding what you're looking for can be frustrating, as is the fact that the volume controls are on the right side of the screen — away from the driver. At least the native navigation looks good. Our test SUV's Meridian audio system was also a highlight.
Beyond that, however, this Land Rover could really benefit from more USB ports up front and a more reliable wireless Apple CarPlay connection. We've had numerous issues with phone connectivity in Land Rover vehicles, and they have continued here.
Storage & cargo
6.6/10
How’s storage and cargo? The Defender 110 offers 34 cubic feet of space with the seats up and nearly 80 cubic feet with the second row folded down. That's less than a Ford Bronco. The rear seats are heavy and take some muscle to push them into place. The optional air suspension can lower the ride height for easier cargo loading, but unlike most SUVs, the Defender has a tailgate that swings out toward the curb (rather than a liftgate), which can impede access. The mounted spare tire also makes it heavy. There are many places inside for small items but none large enough to hold a medium-size handbag. Storage for rear passengers is lacking for an SUV.
The Defender can tow up to 8,200 pounds when properly equipped, which is a lot more than the Bronco or Wrangler.
Value: An upscale off-roader with premium features
5.3/10
Is it a good value? The Defender starts in the mid-$60,000s, about the same the rival Lexus GX. When optioned sensibly, the Defender marries off-road capability and on-road refinement in a way that justifies its premium over, say, the Jeep Wrangler or Toyota 4Runner. This Defender is built with an almost stone-wall solidity. The panels fit nicely together, too, and they should for a luxury SUV in this price range. While it's not as nice as luxury SUVs from Mercedes-Benz or BMW, it's a step above a Wrangler or Bronco.
Land Rover's warranty coverage of four years/50,000 miles of basic and drivetrain coverage is standard for the class. Some manufacturers also offer a free maintenance package of some sort, but not Land Rover.
MPG: Can't match its EPA estimates
3/10
How’s the fuel economy? Depending on the configuration, the Defender gets an EPA-estimated 16 mpg to 20 mpg combined. That's a bit better than most off-road-oriented SUVs such as the Lexus GX and pricier Mercedes-Benz G-Class. In our real-world driving tests, we've found the Defender to be a bit thirstier than its EPA estimates.
X factor
9/10
Personality is important to the Defender and this generation gets the important parts of the classic Defender's proportions right. It looks cool from most angles, but we still think the front end looks a bit soft, and the optional plastic bits on the hood styled to look like diamond-plated metal elicit plenty of chuckles. We wish it looked a bit tougher. But the Defender drives with refinement and dignity whether you're on- or off-road. While the level of electronic control is nifty, we find it more satisfying to manually engage differentials and low range with physical buttons and levers. Still, it's hard to argue with the seamlessness of the Defender's approach.
The 2026 Land Rover Defender is available in three body styles. The Defender 90 is the shorter two-door model, the Defender 110 has four doors and two rows, and the Defender 130 has a longer wheelbase and three rows of seating. The Defender 130 Outbound ditches the third row to greatly increase cargo capacity. The Defender 110 also offers an optional two-passenger third row, but it isn't as roomy as the one in the long-wheelbase Defender 130. Compare the 2026 Land Rover Defender trim levels in-depth.
Which Defender trim does Edmunds recommend?
The Defender's trim structure is hard to discern, but once you take a deep dive and balance the trim prices with features added, one model stands out. The X trim combines off-road prowess — expanded terrain modes, a height-adjustable adaptive air suspension with extra ground clearance — with a comfortable on-road ride, heated and ventilated front seats, and even orange brake calipers for some attitude.
Competitors to consider
The Defender's biggest competition comes from within its own HQ. The three-row Discovery is similarly priced but not as boxy or rugged. The Range Rover Sport trades off-road performance for a more luxe interior environment, but it's also extremely expensive. You could also look at the Ford Bronco or Jeep Wrangler if you're more interested in off-road capability than a leather-wrapped interior.
Edmunds spotlight: Many different Defenders
The Land Rover Defender can be had as a Wrangler-esque two-door with an optional V8 engine (Defender 90), a four-door two-row model (Defender 110), or a family-friendly long-wheelbase three-row model (Defender 130). You can even get the long-wheelbase model without a third row if you want to prioritize cargo space over people space. And for 2025, Land Rover introduced the Octa, an even more trail-ready Defender that also comes with an exclusive 626-horsepower V8. A new Trophy Edition with exclusive paint and sinister Octa Black trims join the expansive Defender lineup for 2026.
2023 Land Rover Defender 110 P400 75th Limited Edition 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A)
Have had the car for just over a year and put almost 12,000 miles on it. No major problems to speak of. I did get a windshield crack from a rock and occasionally the audio system is slow to start up when I turn the car on, but those issues are rare and have also happened on my wife's X7 and on my Tahoe. The Defender is my favorite car I've ever owned. Comfortable, cool, great for the … family, and great to load up and take to the mountains. I'd absolutely buy this car again!
Update now that I'm at 30,000 miles. Still haven't had any major problems. Just change the oil and rotate the tires and it's good to go. I've taken it on family road trips for 1200 miles and it was comfortable and easy. I've also taken it off road in Moab and it handled everything with confidence and ease.
Best car ever
5 out of 5 stars
Philip Merambeliotis , 08/25/2023
2023 Land Rover Defender 110 P400 SE 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A)
Driven 95k so for and 25k of that towing 3 tonnes. I can't pick 1 thing wrong with it. Handles on and off road like a dream.
Ready for every road condition
5 out of 5 stars
DaveD, 01/03/2024
2023 Land Rover Defender 130 P300 S 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A)
This vehicle is truly amazing! I don't worry about wet roads or snow, it goes through anything. Pot holes? No issue, drive through them. The 22" tires can take a beating.
Ride comfort is not as good as our Range Rover but that is to be expected.
There is a compartment or handle everywhere! No issues getting in or out and I am handicapped!
The six cylinder has PLENTY of … power.
Grandkids argue over who gets the "way back" seat. :)
Faulty Windshield Design - Defender
1 out of 5 stars
Disappointed, 11/06/2024
2023 Land Rover Defender 110 P525 V8 Carpathian Edition 4dr SUV AWD (5.0L 8cyl S/C 8A)
Windshield spontaneously cracked (almost all the way across) on 2024 Defender Carpathian (less than 7k miles). I had no idea this was a common problem when I purchased the vehicle, but I have since learned there a significant amount of complaints and at least one class action lawsuit regarding the known fragile design of the windshield and the expense and inability of obtaining … replacements. The dealer quote is ~$3400 for a replacement but the windshield is on backorder with no ETA because of the high amount of breakage (spoke to several dealerships and availability is likely many months away; one estimate was likely 6 months). Given the lawsuit and complaints, I assumed LR must be aware so I contacted them re: potential ETA, and whether they were considering a recall or handling under warranty but they wouldn't provide any information. Unfortunately, it appears that I (along with a bunch of other people) are stuck with expensive, undrivable vehicles because of this faulty design.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2026 Land Rover Defender, so we've included reviews for other years of the Defender since its last redesign.
The Edmunds experts tested the 2026 Defender both on the road and at the track, giving it a 6.4 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2026 Defender gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 32 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that carrying capacity for the Defender ranges from 15.3 to 34.0 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Land Rover Defender. Learn more
Is the Land Rover Defender reliable?
To determine whether the Land Rover Defender is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Defender. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Defender's 5-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2026 Land Rover Defender a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2026 Land Rover Defender is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2026 Defender and gave it a 6.4 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2026 Defender gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 32 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2026 Defender is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2026 Land Rover Defender?
The least-expensive 2026 Land Rover Defender is the 2026 Land Rover Defender 110 P300 S 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $63,500.
Other versions include:
110 P300 S 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $63,500
130 P300 S 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) which starts at $73,000
110 P400 X-Dynamic SE 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) which starts at $75,200
130 P400 X-Dynamic SE 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) which starts at $84,400
130 P400 Outbound 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) which starts at $86,700
110 P400 Trophy Edition 4dr SUV AWD w/Keswick Green Paint (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) which starts at $87,400
110 P400 Trophy Edition 4dr SUV AWD w/Deep Sandglow Paint (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) which starts at $87,400
110 P400 X 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) which starts at $95,600
110 P500 X-Dynamic SE 4dr SUV AWD (5.0L 8cyl S/C 8A) which starts at $99,100
130 P400 X 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) which starts at $105,000
90 P525 V8 2dr SUV AWD (5.0L 8cyl S/C 8A) which starts at $114,400
110 P525 V8 4dr SUV AWD (5.0L 8cyl S/C 8A) which starts at $118,300
130 P500 V8 4dr SUV AWD (5.0L 8cyl S/C 8A) which starts at $123,900
110 P635 OCTA 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) which starts at $158,300
110 P635 OCTA Black 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) which starts at $168,700
What are the different models of Land Rover Defender?
If you're interested in the Land Rover Defender, the next question is, which Defender model is right for you? Defender variants include 110 P300 S 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A), 130 P300 S 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A), 110 P400 X-Dynamic SE 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A), and 130 P400 X-Dynamic SE 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A). For a full list of Defender models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
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