Can you believe the current Land Rover Defender has been with us for over five years now? Time flies, so it’s time for an update.

But can you spot the new bits? I walked around the updated Defender twice when I first saw it and, apart from the fresh Woolstone Green paint, I struggled to confidently point out exactly what has changed. 

That's no criticism. The Defender has become one of Land Rover's biggest success stories both globally and here in New Zealand, where sales are up more than 50 per cent year-to-date. When you've got a formula that's working this well, wholesale change isn't just unnecessary – it could actually be a mistake.

So, rather than reinventing the Defender, Land Rover has instead focused on refining it.

The updates are subtle, but they're there if you know where to look. The headlights now feature a new LED daytime running light signature and revised internal graphics, while the tail-lights sit flush with the body and wear smoked lenses for a cleaner look.

The grille features more gloss black trim, the bumpers have been gently reshaped, and the bonnet inserts and side vents receive fresh textured finishes that are actually designed to be stood on when accessing roof-mounted gear.

Inside, the biggest change is impossible to miss. The Defender now receives a larger 13.1-inch infotainment touchscreen replacing the previous 11.4-inch unit, accompanied by revised centre console storage and updated software that promises faster responses and simpler operation.

This review is a little different to our typical 'Quick Drive'. Our time on sealed roads in Taiwan was brief and, frankly, uneventful. Taiwan's roads are beautifully surfaced, smooth and remarkably free of potholes. As someone who spends most of their time driving around Auckland, it was difficult not to feel slightly envious.

Fortunately, that's not really where the Defender earns its reputation.

Our real test came during the Defender Trophy Asia Pacific Qualifier, where we headed deep into the mountains of southern Taiwan to tackle steep climbs, rocky descents, deep ruts and river crossings.

While most Defender owners may never venture this far from civilisation, it's reassuring to know the vehicle beneath them remains every bit as capable as its legendary predecessors.

The latest update may only be evolutionary, but the Defender continues to prove why it's perhaps the benchmark for luxury off-road SUVs.

How much does the Land Rover Defender 110 cost?

The Defender family remains one of the broadest premium off-road lineups on sale in New Zealand, with buyers still able to choose between the compact Defender 90, the volume-selling Defender 110 and the stretched Defender 130.

For most Kiwi buyers, however, the Defender 110 remains the sweet spot, offering generous passenger space, genuine practicality and the broadest range of powertrains.

The biggest news for 2026 is the arrival of a new plug-in hybrid option. Replacing the previous six-cylinder petrol engine, the P300e combines turbocharged petrol power with an electric motor to provide lower emissions and the ability to complete shorter daily commutes using battery power alone.

Whether that matters to Defender buyers remains to be seen, but it broadens the appeal of the lineup without sacrificing the vehicle's all-wheel drive capability.

For many buyers, though, the updated D350 mild-hybrid diesel will continue to be the pick. The 3.0-litre straight-six has become the heart of the Defender range thanks to its effortless torque delivery, impressive refinement and excellent long-distance touring credentials. It's also the only engine offered in the X-Dynamic HSE and Trophy Edition.

If outright performance is the priority, the supercharged 5.0-litre V8 also lives on in the Defender 110 P425. It sits well below the flagship Defender OCTA in both price and performance, but at almost $125,000 less than the BMW-powered halo model, it offers plenty of theatre without venturing into exotic territory.

Regardless of engine choice, every Defender 110 receives permanent all-wheel drive, an eight-speed automatic transmission and Land Rover's comprehensive Terrain Response system. That's before buyers even begin ticking the lengthy options list, which remains capable of pushing prices well beyond the headline figures.

What is the Land Rover Defender like on the inside?

Much like the exterior, the Defender's cabin hasn't undergone any revolutionary changes. That's perfectly okay because it was already one of the best interiors in the segment, successfully blending rugged utility with genuine luxury.

Climb aboard and you're immediately reminded how different the Defender feels from most premium SUVs. You don't sit in it so much as command it. The upright driving position, tall windows and almost horizontal bonnet provide superb visibility, allowing you to easily judge each front corner whether you're threading through city traffic or carefully picking a line across rocky terrain.

It's one of the easiest large SUVs to position accurately, despite its considerable dimensions.

The biggest update is impossible to ignore. Dominating the dashboard is a new 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system that replaces the previous 11.4-inch display. Not only does it look more modern, but Land Rover's latest Pivi Pro software also feels quicker and more intuitive than before. Menu structures are logical, graphics are crisp, and common functions are only a couple of taps away.

Perhaps more importantly, Land Rover has resisted the temptation to bury everything inside the touchscreen.

Climate controls, Terrain Response settings, air suspension adjustments and other frequently used functions continue to be operated via physical buttons and rotary dials beneath the display. It's a far more user-friendly approach than many rivals now offer and makes adjustments much easier when driving on rough tracks.

The centre console has also been redesigned with more flexible storage solutions, including a sliding compartment that hides valuables while maintaining access to the deeper storage underneath. Optional removable side pockets provide useful places to store smaller items, while integrated cable routing keeps charging leads tidy rather than strewn across the cabin.

Material quality continues to impress. Exposed painted metal surfaces, visible fasteners and chunky grab handles pay homage to the original Defender, while soft-touch materials, premium upholstery and tight panel fit elevate the cabin well beyond its utilitarian inspiration. It feels purposeful rather than extravagant.

Passenger accommodation is equally impressive. The front seats are exceptionally comfortable for long journeys, while rear occupants enjoy generous leg room and head room. Seven-seat versions remain available, making the Defender genuinely practical for growing families.

Boot access through the side-hinged tailgate isn't quite as convenient as conventional liftback SUVs, particularly in tighter carparks, but cargo space is generous once inside.

Overall, the Defender continues to strike an impressive balance between durability, practicality and luxury. It feels every bit as capable of surviving a week exploring the South Island backcountry as it does pulling up outside a five-star hotel.

What's under the bonnet?

Land Rover continues to offer one of the broadest powertrain lineups in the premium large SUV segment, although the New Zealand range has been simplified for 2026.

The entry point remains the D250, which uses a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder diesel paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system, producing 183kW of power and 570Nm of torque.

Stepping up to the D350 brings a worthwhile increase in performance. The updated mild-hybrid diesel develops 257kW of power and 700Nm of torque, making it the standout choice in the lineup. It pulls effortlessly from low engine speeds, feels exceptionally refined for a diesel, and never appears to be working particularly hard regardless of whether you're overtaking on the motorway or climbing steep gravel tracks.

New for 2026 is the P300e plug-in hybrid. It replaces the previous six-cylinder petrol engine in New Zealand and combines a turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor and battery pack. While official electric driving range figures vary depending on specification, it gives buyers the opportunity to complete shorter urban journeys without using any fuel while retaining full-time all-wheel drive for weekends away.

Buyers wanting something with a little more theatre can still opt for the supercharged 5.0-litre V8 in the P425. Developing 313kW and 550Nm, it delivers the unmistakable soundtrack and effortless acceleration only a large-capacity V8 can provide. It's thirsty, of course, but nobody buying one is likely to be overly concerned about fuel bills.

Every Defender sends drive to all four wheels through an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission with a two-speed transfer case, locking centre differential and Land Rover's latest Terrain Response system. Air suspension is also available across much of the range, allowing ride height to increase significantly when the terrain becomes more challenging.

Whether your adventures involve towing a large boat, exploring remote backcountry tracks or simply tackling the school run, there's a Defender powertrain to suit.

What do you get?

The Defender range is well equipped from the outset, though each step through the lineup adds a noticeable increase in luxury, technology and convenience.

Standard Defender 110 S equipment includes:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlights with automatic high beam
• Flush-mounted LED tail-lights
• Air suspension
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Heated, power-folding exterior mirrors
• 13.1-inch Pivi Pro touchscreen infotainment system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Connected navigation
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• Wireless phone charger
• Meridian sound system
• Dual-zone climate control
• Leather steering wheel
• Eight-way power front seats
• Heated front seats
• Keyless entry and push-button start
• Terrain Response
• Hill descent control
• 3D surround-view camera
• Front and rear parking sensors
  
  X-Dynamic SE adds:
  
• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Electronic air suspension
• Adaptive Dynamics adaptive dampers
• Matrix LED headlights
• Sliding panoramic glass roof
• Privacy glass
• ClearSight interior rear-view mirror
• Premium Windsor leather upholstery
• 14-way power front seats with memory
• Heated rear seats
• Configurable cabin lighting
• Cabin Air Purification Plus
• Refrigerated centre console
• Meridian Surround Sound audio system
• Head-up display
• Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control
• Terrain Response 2
• Configurable Terrain Response
• Electronic Active Differential
• Domestic plug socket
• Additional off-road camera views

X-Dynamic HSE:

• 22-inch alloy wheels
• Extended Windsor leather upholstery
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Heated outboard rear seats
• 14-way electrically adjustable front seats with memory
• Premium cabin trim finishes
• Suedecloth headlining
• Three-zone climate control
• Meridian Signature Surround Sound audio
• Configurable ambient lighting
• Soft-close doors
• Additional interior storage and convenience features
• Signature daytime running lights
• Black exterior styling accents

CarExpert's Take on the Land Rover Defender

The 2026 Defender proves just how little Land Rover actually needed to change.

Five years after this generation arrived, it remains one of the most desirable large SUVs on sale, and this update simply polishes an already exceptional package rather than attempting to reinvent it. The revised lighting, larger touchscreen and improved centre console are all welcome additions, but they don't fundamentally alter what has made the Defender such a success.

That's because it continues to occupy a space very few rivals can match.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class offers similar heritage and prestige, while the Toyota LandCruiser 300 remains an icon for long-distance touring. The Ineos Grenadier arguably stays closer to the spirit of the original Defender. Yet none combine genuine luxury, everyday refinement and world-class off-road capability quite as convincingly as the Defender.

Perhaps its greatest achievement is how approachable it feels.

Many serious off-road vehicles require experience and confidence to unlock their full capability. The Defender, by comparison, makes difficult terrain feel remarkably easy. Its Terrain Response systems, cameras, air suspension and driver assistance technology work so seamlessly that even novice drivers can tackle obstacles that would challenge far more experienced four-wheel drivers in lesser vehicles.

At the same time, it's just as comfortable cruising through Auckland traffic or covering hundreds of kilometres on the open road. Ride comfort is superb, the cabin feels genuinely premium and the updated infotainment system addresses one of the few criticisms levelled at the previous model.

If there's one caveat, it's price. A Defender has never been cheap, and once options are added it's easy to venture well beyond $180,000. Running costs, particularly for the V8, won't be insignificant either.

Even so, the Defender 110 X-Dynamic SE D350 stands out as the pick of the range. It combines the smooth and effortless straight-six diesel with air suspension, the larger infotainment system and a generous level of equipment, without venturing into the pricing territory occupied by the HSE, Trophy Edition or V8 models.

The updates for 2026 may be subtle, but they reinforce what was already true. The Defender remains one of the world's most complete luxury SUVs, equally capable of carrying the family to school on Monday and climbing a remote mountain track at the weekend. Very few vehicles can claim to do both so convincingly.