We’ve just completed a memorable week in the limited edition 2026 Defender Trophy.

We scored the very first Kiwi media drive, and it was a memorable one.

This road-going Defender Trophy is directly related to the vehicles used in the 2026 Defender Trophy event. Those were ‘hardened’ in some small details, but are essentially the same vehicle.

Our drive vehicle is even finished in the event’s signature colour, Deep Sandglow Yellow. They are also available in a ‘heritage’ colour, Keswick Green, it is one of just 20 Trophy 4WDs that will be sold in New Zealand.

Purpose-built for the unexpected, this limited-run model features a specially curated adventure-ready specification, including gloss black 20-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, robust roof rack, and a Defender-specific body-side storage case.

There are a huge range of distinctive design cues that set this SUV set it apart from regular 110s — from the Trophy logo graphics front, rear and both sides, to gloss black finish on the bonnet and lower bodyside, high level air intake and rear recovery eyes.

Inside, there are sumptuous Ebony Windsor leather seats, Trophy-illuminated treadplates, and an exposed ‘Cross Car Beam’ finished to match the exterior, complete with laser-etched end caps bearing the Trophy name.

From its expedition-inspired design and purpose-built accessories to the D350 diesel engine and real-world capability, the Trophy could well represent the essence of Defender.

It’s fair to say that it’s easier to list what the Trophy doesn’t have than go through its extensive standard spec. It doesn’t have a light bar, for example. Or a winch (unlike the event Defenders). Oh well.

Actually, the Trophy makes the most of an enormous development programme that resulted in the regular road-going Defender 100, which is far and away the most popular of the 90-110-130 Defender range. Many of the features that make it special are standard on regular Defender 110s. The Trophy is just more. More of everything.

There’s a clear model range strategy operating here.

The Defender 110 Trophy is part of an aggressive programme for Defender, which is staking its claim to on-road and off-road performance and no-road capability.

Our Trophy ‘owns’ the brand’s claim to off-road supremacy, demonstrating the ability of this technologically advanced 4WD to be everything the old Defender was – and more.

Beyond that, the mighty V8-powered Octa maintains Defender’s claim to ultimate performance; also waiting in the wings is a retail version of the Octa-based Defender that tackled the toughest offroad race in the world, the Paris-Dakar.

The heart of the Defender 110 Trophy is JLR’s muscular 3.0-litre inline-six twin-turbodiesel D350 mild-hybrid engine, producing 294kW and 550Nm of torque. It’s bolted to an eight-speed ZF 8HP automatic transmission that can be manually shifted on the main transmission lever. All modern Defenders have at least a centre diff lock; the Trophy adds a rear diff lock. Low range is electronically activated, there are 10 separate drive modes, and 4WD is permanent.

Wait, ten drive modes? Yes. The Land Rover Defender Trophy Edition comes with up to 10 selectable drive and terrain modes through its Terrain Response II system.

Available Drive and Terrain Modes

• Auto Mode: Intelligently senses the surface and automatically adjusts vehicle settings.
• Comfort/General: Optimised for everyday, smooth on-road driving.
• Dynamic: Tunes engine mapping, steering, and transmission for a sportier response.
• Eco: Maximises fuel efficiency and softens throttle response.
• Grass/Gravel/Snow: Tailored for slippery, loose surfaces.
• Mud and Ruts: Calibrated for deep, muddy, or uneven tracks.
• Sand: Maximises momentum and throttle response on soft sand.
• Rock Crawl: Engages specific gearing and traction control for slow-speed boulder negotiation.
• Wade: Optimises vehicle systems for crossing water.
• Configurable: Allows the driver to manually customise differential slip, throttle, and stability settings.

The Trophy features an air suspension setup that can be raised or lowered using a simple pair of switches on the dash, giving it up to 291mm of ground clearance for rough track work. It has 500mm of wheel travel. The Trophy's safe fording depth is a serious 900mm. The suspension can be manually controlled, or the driver can let the Terrain Response II system do the work.

Trophy will tow 750kg (unbraked) or 3,500kg (braked). 

All of this circles back to the thought that – with its all-terrain and adventure gear – the Trophy most neatly sums up what Defender is all about.

Driven, the Trophy is everything a Defender 110 is, and more. Rock-solid AWD, air suspension, communicative steering, commanding driving position.It has the same wheelbase as the Defender 130, but with far less rear overhang. Approach angle is 38 degrees, departure angle is 40 degrees - minimising chances of digging the front bumper into a ditch crossing or hanging up the rear as the vehicle claws its way out of trouble. That means it will go places many owners would never consider. The fact that it can do so, though, is the key. How it does it, using those drive modes, diff locks and that mountain of torque, is pretty much unique.

The Land Rover Defender 110 Trophy Edition costs $188,900. So yes, we’re swimming in the deep end of the market here, but bear in mind even a four-year-old pre-loved 110 can run to $144,000 while an HSE-spec 110 retails at $155,000 - and maybe consider what else on the market can do what the Trophy does, or deliver the ‘one-in-twenty’ exclusivity it does.

Defender Trophy - a global challenge

Imagine an adventure that pushes you to your limits, tests your resolve and connects you with a global community united by a passion for exploration and conservation. Welcome to the Defender Trophy, a unique competition that's as much about the journey as it is about the destination.

Inspired by the iconic Trophy and Challenge events of the past, this new global initiative is designed for individuals with an unstoppable spirit of adventure. The competition will unfold across three demanding rounds of training and challenges, culminating in a global final in Africa.

The event was open to participants from 55 countries, and New Zealand even fielded a team in the event, which harks back to the challenge of the very first Camel Trophy. Charles Murray (New Zealand) and Ron Ng (Singapore) won the Asia-Pacific regional qualifier held in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, after competing against a field of 24 regional competitors.

The world final takes place in October.