Yet, despite a budget that must pay for talents only a small percentage of owners are likely to experience, the new Defender has been a massive success locally and globally. Somehow, I notice more in the Sandton CBD than anywhere else. It truly straddles Land Rover’s dual worlds of luxury and workhorse SUV perfectly.

It’s not as plush as a Range Rover, but I’d feel much happier taking this through the muddy tracks of the Free State than its more lavish sibling. Hose the mud and dust off at the end of the day, and it holds its own at the fanciest valet stands in Sandton or Hyde Park.

Regardless of the door count, there’s a visual heft to the Defender that it shares with its Range Rover cousins – a chunky solidity that is classic yet modern. For 2026, Land Rover has introduced some subtle but impactful exterior updates. The most notable are the new flush-mounted rear lights with a dark smoked finish, giving the back a much cleaner, more integrated look. Up front, the new light technology features a redesigned signature graphic that makes it immediately identifiable at night.

Our test model, finished in the stunning Woolstone Green, stood out beautifully against the sandstone cliffs of Clarens and the Golden Gate National Park. Land Rover continues to favour simplistic wheel designs – 20-inches in this case – which offer plentiful sidewall. This pays dividends for road comfort on the long drive from Johannesburg and ensures you won’t ding an expensive alloy the moment you venture off the tarmac.

One of the most welcome updates for 2026 is the addition of the soft-close rear door. The side-hinged tailgate has always been heavy, especially with a spare wheel attached, but now you no longer need to slam it shut; a gentle push is all it takes for the vacuum motor to pull it into place.

Inside, the cabin has moved away from the 11.4-inch unit to a new 13.1-inch curved glass touchscreen. Running the latest Pivi Pro system, it’s faster, crisper, and much easier to read in the bright South African sun. Complementing this is the 12.3-inch Interactive Driver Display placed directly in the driver’s eyeline. It’s highly configurable, allowing you to prioritise full-screen navigation, traditional dials, or vital vehicle data, ensuring you stay informed without needing to look away from the path ahead. As a new addition, you can even have Waze or Google maps from Apple Carplay or Android Auto projected on the Driver Display. While the Range Rover goes for total minimalism, the Defender remains practical, retaining physical knobs for the dual-zone HVAC and drive modes.

The interior remains a masterclass in utility and chic, featuring rugged powder-coated cross-car beams and exposed bolt heads. Storage is everywhere: from the deep, rubber-lined trough ahead of the front passenger to the console refrigerator compartment that’s perfect for keeping drinks chilled on a long drive to Clarens.

The 2026 Defender is a technology hub designed for the modern adventurer. You’ll find USB-C charging ports distributed throughout the rows: dedicated ports in the first row (including one for data), two in the second row, and two in the third row, ensuring everyone’s devices stay powered. Wireless device charging is also standard although terribly slow.

On the safety front, the Defender is packed with advanced driver assistance features, including Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Assist, and Lane Keep Assist. The 3D Surround Camera with ClearSight Ground View is a game-changer when navigating tight Sandton parking or tricky off-road obstacles, effectively making the bonnet “transparent” on your screen.

In our 5+2 seat configuration, the boot space is versatile. With the “plus two” seats folded into the floor, you have plenty of room for a weekend’s worth of gear. Pop them up, and you have kid-scale seating perfect for the school run, though adults will find it a squeeze.

On the road to the Free State, the D350 straight-six mild-hybrid diesel proved to be the absolute sweet spot in the range. With 257 kW and a massive 700 Nm of torque, it never feels slow or ponderous. The eight-speed automatic transmission is masterfully calibrated, ensuring there is always grunt to spare for overtaking on the single-carriage roads heading into the mountains.

The Defender isn’t exactly nimble – its 2.6-tonne heft is always apparent – but it is incredibly smooth. The air suspension lopes through highway stretches with a stately aplomb. Point it at a gravel track, and it becomes a “stately goat.”

The driving experience is defined by the Terrain Response 2 system. With the flick of a switch, you can reconfigure the transmission, suspension, and traction settings for almost any condition, from deep mud and ruts to sand or tarmac. You also have access to All Terrain Progress Control, which manages engine output and braking to maintain a preset speed in challenging terrain, letting you focus solely on steering. For highway cruising, the Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control makes long-distance travel significantly more comfortable.

The big question with any Land Rover is always reliability. While the brand has worked hard to improve its reputation, they back the 2026 model with a comprehensive five-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.

Finding an SUV that occupies the middle ground between genuine off-road talent, on-road manners, and a healthy serving of prestige is a difficult task. The new Defender 110 does exactly that, but with a personality that makes it all too easy to overlook the premium price tag. It is more SUV than most of us really need, but that does nothing to dampen its immense appeal.

Priced from approximately R2 090 900 for the D350 X-Dynamic HSE, the Defender remains the gold standard for those who want their luxury to come with a side of true adventure. I’d definitely recommend you get one.

This isn’t just a paint job – we’re talking about 30 exterior elements getting the black treatment. The Narvik Black finish is Land Rover’s truest black, and it comes with a gloss finish as standard. Want to go even darker? There’s an optional Matte Protective Film that’ll make your OCTA disappear into the night.

The attention to detail is obsessive. Front undershields and rear scuff plates get Satin Black Powder Coat treatment, while exposed recovery eyes match in Satin Black. Even the underbody components haven’t been forgotten – the exhaust silencer cover and centre box sport either Gloss or Satin Black finishes.

Wheel options include 20-inch forged wheels or 22-inch Gloss Black wheels, both featuring black centre caps and Shadow Atlas Defender script. The brake calipers are Gloss Black too, with contrasting Sentient Silver script for that premium touch.

Inside, Land Rover introduces Ebony Semi-Aniline Leather with Kvadrat to the Defender lineup for the first time. The Performance Seats feature unique perforation patterns and new stitching details, while seat backs and armrest hinges come in Carpathian Grey. The Cross Car Beam across the dashboard gets Satin Black Powder Coat treatment, with optional Chopped Carbon Fibre details available.

“There’s no denying the presence and purpose of Defender OCTA: it’s the tallest and widest Defender, enabling it to tackle even more extreme terrain. The introduction of Defender OCTA Black takes things up a notch. We know our clients love giving their Defenders all-black finishes, so our designers have applied this principle to every possible surface – inside and out – to create the ultimate tough luxury Defender OCTA,” explains Mark Cameron, Managing Director, Defender.

Under the hood, the OCTA Black packs the same 467kW 4.4-litre Twin Turbo mild-hybrid V8 that makes the standard OCTA such a beast. The innovative 6D Dynamics suspension and dedicated OCTA Mode ensure this luxury machine can handle serious off-road adventures.

Tech highlights include the Body and Soul Seats (BASS) system, developed with SUBPAC, that lets front passengers feel their music through the seats. The 700W, 15-speaker Meridian Surround Sound System provides the audio signals for this immersive experience.

Recent updates across the Defender range have also made it to the OCTA Black, including redesigned headlights with revised signature graphics, flush rear lights with smoked lenses, and a new 13.1-inch touchscreen for better infotainment control.

The Defender OCTA Black joins the standard OCTA, which now comes in Sargasso Blue and Borasco Grey colorways alongside existing Charente Grey and Petra Copper options. A Patagonia White Matte Wrap will arrive late 2025.

Priced from R 3,979,500, the Defender OCTA Black is available in limited numbers with exclusive pre-configured curations. For those who want their luxury SUV to make a statement without saying a word, this might just be the perfect ride.

The announcement, made earlier today in Pretoria, marks a pivotal moment for local conservation and humanitarian organizations seeking crucial funding and support for their frontline work.

The trio brings decades of collective experience in conservation and humanitarian work. Holgate, the operations leader for the Kingsley Holgate Foundation, has dedicated his life to humanitarian expeditions across Africa, focusing on malaria prevention, providing reading glasses to remote communities, and addressing water scarcity in drought-affected regions.

Wairimu heads Conservation Partnerships at Tusk, an organization with a 20-year partnership history with Defender. Under her leadership, Tusk has implemented progressive conservation strategies targeting poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict across the continent.

Completing the panel is World Cup-winning Springbok Bryan Habana, whose post-rugby career has focused on empowering young South Africans through his eponymous foundation. As chairman of Laureus Sport for Good Foundation South Africa, Habana has consistently championed sports as a vehicle for social change.

Janico Dannhauser, Defender’s Brand Manager, emphasized the significance of these partnerships: “Defender is renowned for forging enduring relationships with various organisations that exist for the primary goal of advancing the betterment of the world through humanitarian and conservation causes,”

The awards will recognize outstanding contributions across four critical categories:

• Defenders of the Wild: Protecting endangered and vulnerable species
• Defenders of Humanity: Supporting at-risk communities
• Defenders of the Land: Safeguarding fragile ecosystems
• Defenders of the Sea: Preserving marine environments

Winners from South Africa and six other countries (UK, France, Germany, Italy, Australia, and Japan) will each receive a £100,000 (approximately R2.4 million) grant, a specially-equipped Defender vehicle, and expert mentorship to enhance their impact in hard-to-reach areas.

For South African conservation and humanitarian organizations, this represents a rare opportunity to secure comprehensive support that addresses both funding constraints and operational challenges. The application window opens on April 28, with submissions closing on June 16, 2025.

Organizations interested in applying can submit their entries through Land Rover South Africa’s website. With the caliber of the selection committee and the comprehensive nature of the support package, competition is expected to be fierce among South Africa’s conservation and humanitarian communities.

Interior Upgrades

Passengers will benefit from a new Signature Interior Pack, featuring improved materials throughout the cabin, including heated and cooled seats with memory functions and a new suedecloth headliner. The second-row seating also receives an upgrade, with climate-controlled seats offered on all body styles. Notably, the Defender 130 gains luxurious Captain Chairs in the second row for a first-class travel experience.

Simplified Trim Levels

Land Rover has streamlined the Defender’s trim levels for easier selection. Customers can now choose from S, X-Dynamic SE, X-Dynamic HSE, X, and V8 specifications across all three body styles (90, 110, and 130). Additionally, a curated selection of option packages is available, including Driving and Advanced Off-Road packs for enhanced capability, and towing and cold climate packs for specific needs.

New Engine Option

Land Rover is introducing a new D350 engine for the Defender diesel lineup, replacing the previous D300 engine. The D350 boasts increased power (257kW) and torque (700Nm), offering drivers a more responsive and engaging driving experience.

New Defender 110 Sedona Edition

Land Rover is introducing a special edition Defender 110 Sedona Edition, inspired by the stunning red rock landscapes of Sedona, Arizona. This unique model features a Sedona Red exterior paint job complemented by an Extended Black Pack with black accents and 22-inch gloss black alloy wheels. The interior features the new Ebony Windsor Leather and Kvadrat seats for the first time, offering a luxurious feel.

GFV has been tailored to cater to clients seeking both flexibility and peace of mind throughout their vehicle ownership journey. This unique financing solution empowers customers with the choice to trade-in, retain, or return their vehicle at a predetermined price once the finance term concludes.

One standout feature of GFV is the seamless transition it offers for those eyeing their next vehicle. Clients have the option to renew their GFV contract, eliminating the hassle of negotiating the residual value when the finance term ends. This not only streamlines the process but also ensures a hassle-free experience.

With relatively shorter finance terms, typically ranging between 36 and 48 months, GFV enables clients to upgrade their rides more frequently. This means always driving a vehicle with full manufacturer service and maintenance backing, providing the pleasure and reassurance that comes with it.

Viola Rossouw, Network Development and Performance Director at JLR South Africa, highlights the convenience GFV brings: “At the end of the GFV contract, the client may elect to trade the vehicle in for another new model in the Range Rover, Defender, Discovery, and Jaguar collection. The residual value of their vehicle would have been predetermined at the inception of the GFV contract, negating the need for lengthy negotiations for the best trade-in deal.”

A major advantage of GFV is the predetermined residual value, ensuring a smooth experience for clients who choose to return the vehicle at the end of the term. Rossouw adds, “With no potential for a shortfall at the end of the contract term, the client can simply return the vehicle to their preferred JLR retail agent when the contract term expires, provided that the conditions of use have been met.”

Favourable interest rates sweeten the deal, making GFV an even more attractive vehicle finance option. Rossouw notes, “Depending on the client’s credit score, GFV generally offers a more favourable interest rate, payable over a shorter term.”

Highlighting the inherent flexibility of a GFV contract, clients also have the option to purchase their vehicle at the end of the term. Rossouw explains, “Unlike a conventional lease agreement, which can be viewed as a long-term rental, GFV allows clients at the end of their contract to buy the vehicle at the agreed residual value. This suits clients who perceive value in the long-term ownership of a vehicle.”

Defining the personality of a car is as challenging as it is to fake one, but I assure you, there’s something truly special about the Land Rover Defender that sets it apart in the SUV category.

I must admit, I’m captivated by the new Defender’s aesthetics. It strikes a perfect balance between rugged off-road vehicles like the Wrangler and Bronco and the luxurious Range Rover. Whether in its two-door 90 form or the four-door 110 configuration, the Defender exudes charm. Even the stretched Defender 130, with its generous three rows of seats, manages to maintain its appeal despite its unique rear design. My affection for the Land Rover brand and its products is what led me here.

So, how did I find myself surrounded by picturesque landscapes, adorable wildlife, and eight Defenders of various descriptions? My journey began in Cape Town, early in the morning, where I joined the final leg of the 2023 Defender Drive experience. This two-day event kicked off in Sir Lowry’s Pass and took us on an almost-uninterrupted caravan journey through the southern parts of the Overberg region, featuring cars from the British-turned-Tata Motors brand.

The Defender Drive Experience, often shortened to #DefenderDrive, is not a one-time event. It has been running for about two months now, offering Defender owners and potential customers the opportunity to experience these models in a unique setting. It taps into the deep enthusiasm that Defender, Range Rover, and Discovery owners have for their vehicles.

If there was ever any doubt that Defender drivers are a close-knit community, witnessing their interactions on the road dispels it instantly. A shared wave and a flash of headlights are the minimum gestures exchanged, and conversations are likely when they meet on their way to their cars. When gathered in significant numbers, it turns into a convention of non-conformists, each an individual enthusiast driving the Defender legacy forward.

Despite the grand scale of the Defender Drive, the route’s organization is kept flexible, reflecting the individualistic nature of its participants. I received the keys to a diesel-powered Defender 130 and a simple Google Maps link with directions. Our destination was Hermanus, and the journey was all about exploration.

This minimalist approach allows us to discover some of the region’s hidden gems. Shaun, one of the trusted Defender Experts accompanying us, skillfully guides us through winding roads and avoids mundane highways. Our journey takes us through remote places like Babilonstoring Nature Reserve, where we enjoyed a delightful lunch at Creation Wines, surrounded by bespoke sculptures worth over R1 million. I may have indulged a bit too much in their Confit Duck, Cauliflower, and Smoked Paprika Chickpea Puree dish.

One remarkable aspect of this trip is the rarity of filling stations along the way. Towards the end of the day, I wondered if we would need to refuel soon, but the Defenders proved to be impressively efficient.

After covering approximately 300 kilometers of scenic terrain, we finally reached our destination at the Chorus Restaurant, where our adventure had begun two days earlier. It was evident that the conclusion of this journey was just the beginning of the next Defender Drive Experience. Fellow journalists were buzzing around the Defender fleet, taking last-minute selfies and photos for their keepsakes. New friendships were formed, and old ones were rekindled. The room buzzed with energy, underscoring Jaguar Land Rover’s remarkable achievement in turning metal and glass into something more—a family.

It’s certainly distinctive. Land Rover’s designers have given the new 2020 Defender a futuristic-retro look, likely to prove controversial with enthusiasts, though the slab-sided aesthetic and externally-mounted spare wheel can’t really be mistaken for anything other than this SUV classic. Underneath is Land Rover’s new D7x platform, a lightweight aluminium monocoque.

2020 Defender 90 and 110

Tell us, do you want three doors or five? Land Rover will be eventually offering both a Defender 90 and a Defender 110. The Defender 110 will come in Defender, S, SE, HSE, X and First Edition versions.

It’ll be offered in 5/6, or 5+2 seating form, the former having an optional jump seat and the latter a third row of two smaller seats. As for the Defender 90, that will come in 5/6 seat form with the jump seat fitted as standard.

2020 Defender design

Short overhangs, crisp lines, and plenty of attitude. Land Rover has pulled no punches with the new Defender, but there’s more to the new SUV than meets the eye. For a start, it’s the first of the automaker’s cars to be offered with an optional factory-fitted Satin Protective Film, a PU-based wrap that’s designed to be easier to repair than regular paint should it get too scratched.

Exterior colours will include Fuji White, Eiger Grey, Santorini Black, Indus Silver, Tasman Blue, Pangea Green, and Gondwana Stone. There’ll be 12 wheel designs, from 18-inch pressed steel rims to 22-inch alloys. A retractable full-length fabric sunroof will be available from launch on the Defender 90, and added as an option on the Defender 110 from the MY21, while floating pillars will be standard on the 110 and optional on the 90.

Land Rover will have a wide range of accessories, but also offer four accessory packs – Explorer, Adventure, Country, and Urban – that each check off a matching selection of options. The Explorer pack, for example, will have a roof rack, mud flaps, and a raised air intake; the Adventure pack gets an air compressor on the boot, and a gear carrier on the sides.

The Country pack, meanwhile, has beefier wheel arch protection, a rear scuff plate, and an interior rinse system, among other changes, while finally the Urban pack gets slicker alloy wheels and more brightwork on the outside. As standard, the new Defender has a rubber floor with flush-fitting sills, so that it can be easily cleaned.

2020 Defender engines

There’ll be two drivetrains initially, the P300 and P400. One is a mild-hybrid, and both versions will get paired with permanent all-wheel drive.

At South African launch expected in the first half of 2020, the 110 line-up will include a powerful 3.0-litre straight six-cylinder P400 featuring efficient Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle technology with outputs of 294kW and 550Nm. Alternatively, customers can choose a 2.0-litre D240 turbodiesel with 177kW and 430Nm. The introduction of increased engine options, along with the short wheelbase 90 derivative, will follow later in 2020.

2020 Defender cabin and technology

Land Rover’s cabin for the new SUV is a mixture of familiar tech from its Range Rover line, combined with styling elements of classic Defenders. There’s a die-cast magnesium alloy beam spanning it, with integrated grab handles, and many of the structural features are visible through the trim.

Fabric and leather surfaces are available, depending on model, along with a choice of wood veneers and powder-coated metal.

The new PIVI Pro infotainment system uses Snapdragon processors and supports OTA software updates; there’s an optional Online Pack which includes unlimited data for music streaming, weather updates, and calendar sync. WiFi hotspot functionality is optional. It’s all controlled through a 10-inch central touchscreen, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard; PIVI Pro can connect via Bluetooth to two devices simultaneously.

The standard 180W, six-speaker audio system can be upgraded to either a 400W 10-speaker or 700W 14-speaker Meridian system. There are two 12V outlets and two USB in the front, as well as for the second row, while those Defenders with third row seats get a USB and a 12V. The trunk has another 12V outlet and, optionally, a 120V outlet.

The driver gets a 12.3-inch display for the gages, with 3D mapping and customizable layouts. A second-gen full-color HUD is optional, as is ClearSight Ground View “transparent hood” technology for a view right in front of the SUV. Any Defender with the jump seat gets a ClearSight Rear View mirror as standard, which can beam a view from a rear-mounted camera to a display in the mirror housing.

Unfortunately, pricing on the 2020 Defender has not been made available for South Africa as yet, however our team estimates that the 2020 Defender 110 will start at R750 000 for the Defender P300, rising to R790 000 for the Defender S P300. The 2020 Defender SE P400 will be from R920 000, while the HSE trim starting at R1 100 000 and the First Edition from R1 200 000. The top-spec 2020 Defender X P400 will be from R1 250 000.