- The Defender’s latest powertrain options delete the base model 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine for a new 3.0-liter 6-cylinder
- Customers can no longer get the 5.0-liter supercharged V8
- New packages and trim levels, including the all-new Vertex appear in the model lineup
- The Defender 110 gets a new 6-seat configuration
Power Plays
Land Rover announced that the base-model Defender, the most rugged of Rovers, now gets a different powertrain. Gone is the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. Land Rover will replace that with a 3.0-liter inline-6. In spite of that increase in cylinders, you won’t get a bump in power. Output on this new P300 base engine will be 296 horses over the outgoing 295 ponies.
Buyers will still be able to purchase the I6 with more gusto, 346 horsepower, but that will be available in the P380. That is an increase in power for that model over the 2026 iteration.
If you’re interested in bigger numbers, you’ll have to move up to the pricey but powerful OCTA with its 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, because Land Rover are officially deleting the 5.0-liter supercharged V8 from the lineup.
Looksmaxxing
The Defender introduces a new model to the 90 lineup in the Vertex. Based on the X trim level, the Vertex gets extended and body color-matched front and rear bumpers, color-matched wheel arches, new 22-inch wheel options, yellow tow hooks and brake calipers, and special Shadow Atlas Matte paint.
A new Extended Exterior Pack can also be added as an appearance package to the X-Dynamic SE trim. This package takes inspiration from the Vertex with that same Shadow Atlas Matte paint and body colored spare wheel cover. Four different wheel options are included, either 22- or 20-inch versions.
The Defender 110 Trophy Edition has always received extras including a roof rack, deployable ladder, and an air intake, but now you can get it in the mysterious Santorini Black instead of the Keswick Green it replaces. If you like your off-roader in stealth mode, this might be for you. With its 20-inch gloss black wheels, black brake calipers, and black powder coated steering wheel spokes, this one could disappear into the night. Well, except for those bold Trophy Edition graphics and decals.
Defender introduces a new color in Namib Orange available on the 90 and 110 body styles for the S, X-Dynamic SE, and X trims. Buyers can include that hue with the Extended Exterior Pack. Defender comes in 14 additional exterior colors and varying interior materials and color ways.
The Fewer the Merrier?
The Defender 110 now gets an optional 6-seat configuration with two captain’s chairs in the second row. This should make ingress and egress to the third row more accessible. It also increases legroom for the third row as well as offering additional storage between those second-row seats.
If you need tech assistance, a new voice-activated AI-driven function can help you find directions or locate points of interest while driving. The new Technology Pack now comes available on the S and X-Dynamic SE trims and includes a head-up display and the excellent Meridian Surround Sound System.
Pricing on the base model 2027 Land Rover Defender S starts at $62,950. The Vertex bumps that up significantly to $90,450. The 110 starts at $66,950 with the Trophy Edition in that new Santorini Black at $89,350 and the 110 Vertex costing $97,950. The Defender 130 S starts at $75,950 with the 130 Vertex Edition coming in a $106,950. High-performance OCTA pricing starts at $160,750. These prices all include Land Rover’s $1,950 destination fee.
