2026 Defender Facelift: WHat’s New?

Land Rover has introduced a range of updates for the 2026 model year (MY26) Defender lineup. While the visual changes are minor, several new features and refinements have been made across both exterior and interior areas, along with updates to off-road technology and driver assistance systems.

Exterior Changes

• Lighting: The headlights now incorporate a revised LED graphic. Fog lights are now standard across the range. At the rear, the taillights have been redesigned to sit flush with the body and feature smoked lenses.
• Body and Trim: The front and rear bumpers have been slightly redesigned. The trim on the bonnet and side vents now features a new textured pattern.
• Colour Options and Accents: Two new exterior paint colours have been added—Woolstone Green and Borasco Grey. The grille bar is now finished in gloss black and includes a darker version of the Land Rover badge. Gloss black is also now used for the Defender-branded wheel centre caps.
• Wheels: A new set of 22-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels has been added to the options list.

Interior Updates

• Infotainment: All MY26 Defenders now come with a 13.1-inch central touchscreen. The previous model offered a 10-inch screen as standard, with an optional 11.4-inch upgrade.
• Controls and Storage: The gear shifter has been repositioned on the dashboard to improve ergonomics. The centre console has been revised to include a sliding storage section for securing small items out of sight.
• Driver Monitoring: A new Driver Attention Monitor has been added. This system uses a camera to track the driver’s gaze and issues warnings if attention is not focused on the road. The feature can be adjusted or disabled.

Off-Road and Utility Features

• Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control: Land Rover has introduced a new system described as an evolution of its previous All Terrain Progress Control. It allows for adaptive speed and traction control in off-road settings.
• Air Compressor (Defender 130): The Defender 130 variant now offers an optional integrated air compressor for adjusting tire pressure on the go.

Defender Octa Updates

• Exterior Options: The high-performance Defender Octa receives new color options—Borasco Grey and Sargasso Blue—as well as new Texture Graphite exterior accents.
• Finishes and Wraps: Starting in late 2025, V8-powered Defender models, including the Octa, will be available with a Patagonia White Matte wrap. Carbon fibre accents for both the exterior and interior will also be available.

These updates apply across the Defender lineup and are scheduled to roll out for the 2026 model year. Are you excited to see one of these in person? We certainly are! If you want to read about this facelift in greater detail, head over here.