2026 DEFENDER ENGINE SPECS & PERFORMANCE

 

The original Defender had a singular purpose: to traverse rugged terrain. Nevertheless, the current model features modern amenities and technologies without compromising the legendary off-road capabilities the Defender is known for. This powerhouse is available in three wheelbases, multiple trim levels, and several engine options. So you may rest assured that the latest Defender is capable of handling your adventures out past Georgetown as easily as on-road drives around the greater Round Rock area. Explore the 2026 Defender engine specs with the team at our Austin store.

 

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2026 DEFENDER ENGINE BREAKDOWN PER MODEL

Power for this premium expedition vehicle is provided by a choice of engines, depending on your chosen 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 service center to obtain the necessary equipment to take full advantage of the maximum Defender towing capacity. Below, review the 2026 Defender engine specs that you are sure to enjoy on your drives in Pflugerville and the neighboring regions:

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: 8,200 pounds

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2026 DEFENDER OFF-ROADING CAPABILITIES

Do not let the luxurious interior and cutting-edge technologies deceive you; the 2026 Defender is ready for off-road adventures across the state and beyond. Some of its technologies take you farther off the beaten path than those of lesser vehicles. Here are a few of the Defender off-road features you may take advantage of:

TOWING

• Advanced Tow Assist
• Trailer Stability Assist (TSA)

TRANSMISSION & DYNAMICS

• Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control
• Adaptive Dynamics
• Configurable Terrain Response
• Electronic Active Differential with Torque Vectoring by Braking
• All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
• Twin-speed transfer box (high/low range)
• Eight-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 (HDC)
• Brake Hold

SHOP FOR A 2026 DEFENDER AT Land Rover North Austin

Now that you know more about the 2026 Defender engine specs, it is time to experience the power of this luxury off-road SUV for yourself. Contact us at 737-255-4100 to schedule a test drive of your preferred Defender configuration in our Austin new vehicle inventory. Our finance specialists will help you design a payment plan or lease term that works best for you afterward.