MSRP: From $61,000
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Overview
The 2027 Land Rover Defender midsize luxury SUV is the most popular Land Rover model worldwide, selling around 115,000 units per year. The range offers 2-door 90, 4-door 110, and 4-door 130 body lengths, the latter with three rows and seating for up to eight. The 2027 engine lineup comprises a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline 6-cylinder with 296 hp, this engine with a mild-hybrid system and 395 hp, and a 4.4-liter V8 with 626 hp in the OCTA. All Defenders have permanent 4WD and lots of ground clearance, so it fits the bill for anybody looking for a luxury SUV with genuine off-road ability.
What’s New for 2027
The 2027 Defender gains a sportier Vertex trim (below left), which comes with trim-specific bumpers, 22-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, and more. Some of the Vertex’s styling enhancements are included in the new Extended Exterior Pack, which is an option on the X-Dynamic SE trim. Second-row captain’s chairs can now be ordered for the 110 (below center and right).
The 296-hp/295-lb-ft 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is dropped and replaced with a detuned turbocharged 3.0-liter I6 with the same horsepower but 347 lb-ft of torque. Land Rover’s long-running 5.0-liter supercharged V8 is finally dropped entirely from the Defender lineup, so the only remaining V8 is the BMW-sourced 4.4-liter V8 in the OCTA.
The 2027 Land Rover Defender’s price starts at $61,000 for the Defender 90 S.
Exterior
The Defender’s upright stance draws from its heritage, but is thoroughly modern with all-LED lighting and flush glazing, while its squared edges maximize cabin space. The new Vertex adds unique bumpers, 22-inch alloys, and a rear spoiler, the Extended Exterior Pack adds Vertex styling cues and more, and the Black Exterior Pack turns the body trim black. The more aggressive OCTA can also be had in a darkened Black trim. Wheel sizes vary from 19 to 22 inches.
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Interior
The 90 and 110 have two rows, and the 130 has three, seating up to eight people with a fairly adult-friendly third row. Second-row captain’s chairs are offered on the 110 this year. In-car tech comprises a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 13.1-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration, a wireless charging pad, and Meridian audio.
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Price Range and Best Value Trim
| Trim Level | Price |
| Base trim: Defender 90 S | $61,000 |
| Top trim: Defender OCTA Black | $169,200 |
| Best value trim: Defender 110 X-Dynamic SE | $74,400 |
The $74K 110 X-Dynamic SE strikes a fine balance between size, space, price, and features, incorporating 20-inch wheels, all the core off-road features, Meridian audio, and Adaptive Dynamics. You can add air suspension for $1,600.
2027 Land Rover Defender Specs Overview
Each Defender has permanent 4WD, a 2-speed transfer case with low range, and Terrain Response.
Powertrain Options
| Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Transmission | Drivetrain |
| 3.0L Turbo I6 | 296 hp | 347 lb-ft | 8-Speed Auto | 4×4 |
| 3.0L Turbo I6 MHEV | 395 hp | 406 lb-ft | 8-Speed Auto | 4×4 |
| 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 MHEV (OCTA) | 626 hp | 553 lb-ft | 8-Speed Auto | 4×4 |
Performance and 0-60 MPH
| Powertrain | 0-60 MPH |
| 3.0L Turbo I6 | 7.0 – 7.5 seconds |
| 3.0L Turbo I6 MHEV | 5.7 – 6.3 seconds |
| 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 MHEV (OCTA) | 3.8 seconds |
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Fuel Economy (MPG)
| Configuration | City | Highway | Combined |
| 3.0L I6 | TBC | TBC | TBC |
| 3.0L I6 MHEV | 17 – 18* | 20 – 21* | 18 – 19* |
| 4.4L V8 OCTA MHEV | 15* | 19* | 17* |
*2026 EPA numbers
4WD System Overview
The permanent 4WD system incorporates a 2-speed transfer case with low range and locking center and rear diffs. Terrain Response II with General, Gravel, Grass, Mud and Ruts, Snow, Rock Crawl, and Sand modes is standard. Maximum towing capacity reaches 8,201 pounds.
Dimensions
| Body Style | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase |
| Defender 90 | 180.4 inches | 79.1 inches | 77.5 inches | 101.9 inches |
| Defender 110 | 197.5 inches | 79.1 inches | 77.4 inches | 119.0 inches |
| Defender 130 | 211.7 inches | 79.1 inches | 77.6 inches | 119.0 inches |
Interior Space (Front and Rear)
| Body Style | Seating | Front Headroom | Front Legroom | 2nd Row Headroom | 2nd Row Legroom | 3rd Row Headroom | 3rd Row Legroom |
| Defender 90 | 5 (6 optional) | 40.6 inches | 39.1 inches | 38.6 inches | 36.6 inches | NA | NA |
| Defender 110 | 5-7 | 40.6 inches | 39.1 inches | 40.4 inches | 38.4 inches | NA | NA |
| Defender 130 | 8 | 40.6 inches | 39.1 inches | 40.4 inches | 38.4 inches | 38.9 inches | 31.6 – 34.0 inches |
Cargo Space
| Behind Row 3 | Behind Row 2 | Behind Row 1 | |
| Defender 90 | NA | 15.6 cu-ft | 58.3 cu-ft |
| Defender 110 | NA | 35.4 – 36.2 cu-ft | 69.0 – 78.8 cu-f |
| Defender 130 | 14.8 – 15.3 cu-ft | 43.7 – 48.8 cu-ft | 87.1 – 89.0 cu-ft |
Ground Clearance
Depending on the body and suspension setup, the Defender offers between 8.4 and 11.5 inches of ground clearance, offering adjustable ride height and water wading capability up to 35 inches.
Warranty
| Coverage Type | Duration |
| Basic/Bumper-to-Bumper | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional off-road capability with permanent AWD and locking diffs
- Premium interior with modern technology
- Towing capacity of up to 8,201 lbs
- Wading depth up to 35 inches with air suspension
Cons:
- Mediocre gas mileage
- Pricing of V8 trims rivals luxury sedans
- Subpar brand reliability history
- Cargo capacity in 90 and 110 trails some rivals
Verdict
The Defender is everything a Defender should be, but modernized with all the latest safety and convenience features, while maintaining the iconic appearance. With three body lengths and seats for up to eight, this midsizer covers all the bases, and genuine off-road ability is baked in. Gas mileage is a weak point, the third row isn’t all that roomy, and pricing soars at the upper end of the lineup, but the sensible money goes to the 110 X-Dynamic SE, which gives you the core Defender experience at a palatable $74K.
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Competitors
- Ineos Grenadier
- Land Rover Discovery
- Mercedes G-Class
- Jeep Wrangler
- Toyota Land Cruiser
- Lexus GX
About the author
Cobus F. Potgieter
Reviews and Features Editor