First drive: 2026 Land Rover Defender

In the automotive industry, the revolution/evolution theory is visible everywhere. A brand will heavily revise a vehicle for a new generation, before releasing a minor facelift for its mid-cycle update. 

Although this has become standard practice in the automotive industry, no brand has seemingly gone all-in on it (in recent times) as Land Rover with its iconic Defender nameplate. 

As one of the most recognisable vehicles on the road, the first Land Rover Defender remained relatively unchanged (exterior-wise) from its introduction in 1983 all the way through to 2016, when production of this model ceased. 

After a four year hiatus, Land Rover re-emerged in 2020 with a new Defender that was such a departure from its riveted-steel panel roots, no one knew what to make of it. Though it still represented the pinnacle of British-built off-road SUVs, it no longer looked like the hardy bush-bashing, mud-bogging machine it was known to be. 

This new Defender more than proved its worth, showed the world that it was far more than a pretty face off the tarmac, and silenced the critics. Well, most of them, other than a certain Jim Ratcliffe, who liked the old shape so much he decided to invest billions and start his own automotive company to produce the Ineos Grenadier. 

That brings us to the present day, where Land Rover has just launched the new Defender in New Zealand, and it’s an understatement to call it more of an evolution than an evolution. I mean, why fix what ain’t broke, right? 

What’s new? 

This new Defender has undergone the most mild of facelifts possible, wearing a pair of new headlights at the front, and taillights at the rear. 

These changes are extremely subtle, with the surrounds looking slightly different instead of any actual changes within the lights themselves. Land Rover notes that it also gets a more organic LED light signature. 

Also, the Land Rover badge at the front of the SUV is now in solid black. 

On the inside, the changes are just as subtle, with the infotainment screen now measuring 13.1-inches over the outgoing model’s 11.4-inch unit. 

Woolstone Green and Borasco Grey are the two new hues buyers can opt for on their Defender, each representing a different landscape across the globe. 

An Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control system is now available as an option, which allows for easier off-road terrain control. And the large Defender 130 is available with an optional integrated air compressor to adjust tyre pressures on the fly. 

So while these changes might be subtle, the Defender line-up on offer in New Zealand is still as bold as ever, with 90, 110 and 130 body styles available.

Adding to this, engine options range from small diesel engines to plug-in hybrid petrol options, and JLR’s iconic 5.0-litre supercharged V8. There’s also an updated Octa on the way with oodles of power from its twin-turbo 4.4-litre BMW V8 engine. 

The Defender range starts at $128,900 for the two-door 90. This jumps to $135,900 for the entry-level 110, and $174,900 for the extended 130. Opting for the aforementioned Octa will set you back $314,900. 

Still an off-road icon

To test the range, we set off on the Napier-Taupo road until we came across an entrance to the Tahorakuri Forest area. 

Here we had the choice of every Defender currently sold in New Zealand, including the range-topping Octa (although this one wasn’t an updated model). 

We started the drive in the Octa, figuring a sealed section of sealed road would be up the performance SUV’s alley. And though it is still a force to be reckoned with off the tarmac, the Octa feels right at home on the highway, soaking up kilometres at speed. 

The engine sounds German in its tone, and the acceleration is more than adequate for getting past slow-going vehicles on New Zealand’s roads. Though it feels planted through corners, this isn’t to the level of something like a BMW X5M, but then again, you wouldn’t even consider taking the Bavarian on half of the off-road terrain the Octa swallows for breakfast. 

After entering the off-road park, we swapped into the 110 D350, which also happens to be the best-selling Defender in New Zealand. 

Right away, it was easy to see why New Zealanders love these Defenders, as even in its most pedestrian form, this 110 provided an immense level of comfort, and felt right at home crossing the varied terrain. 

The diesel engine lumbers its way through the trail, providing more than enough torque just above idle rpm speed.

Given the tightness of the trails we drove on for this launch event, the Defender’s off-road camera systems were relied on a lot. Considering the size of the SUV, it’s impossible to see all four corners, and keeping the wheels within the ruts was imperative. 

This is where the cameras attached to the mirrors came in handy. Not only can you maintain traction in the ruts, but these cameras also work wonders when the bonnet is pointed towards the sky, and you aren’t able to see anything in front. 

As mentioned by the Downforce driving instructors, these systems negate the need for a spotter through technical parts of a trail, meaning passengers don’t have to get their shoes muddy. It’s a win for everyone, really. 

Speaking of Downforce, Land Rover NZ general manager Ben Montgomery was keen to share how Defender ownership in New Zealand is more of an experience than a transaction. 

The Defender Journey programme is coming back to New Zealand, which will allow owners to experience their SUVs in controlled off-road scenarios under the guide of professional instructors. These experiences will take place in the South Island, and allow drivers to access areas not usually available to the public. 

We rounded out the day behind the wheel of the Defender P425, which makes use of the supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine. Though it’s nowhere near as extreme as the Octa in aesthetic and performance, it feels like the sweet spot of the Defender range, with its iconic soundtrack. 

And the fact it costs around $110,000 less than an Octa should be more than enough convincing for any normal person. 

As a whole, this new Defender only cements the fact that it’s still the go-to vehicle for those looking for luxury, off-road ability, and a touch of classy nostalgia.  

There are a number of other options in this category, including the likes of the Mercedes G-Class and the Ineos Grenadier, which both offer a similar proposition, but aren’t as common on Kiwi roads.