FEATURE - 2026 Defender 110 Trophy Edition
Words: Mike Ryan
Photos: Land Rover Australia
For two decades, the Camel Trophy pitted man and machine against some of the most unforgiving terrain and conditions across the globe. For almost the entirety of the Camel Trophy’s existence (1980-2000), Land Rovers were the vehicles used for what became known as the ‘Olympics of 4x4’. Now, 25 years after the last Camel Trophy was held, the event is back, with Land Rover once again at the forefront – announcing the all-new ‘Defender Trophy’ and a complementary new Defender 110 Trophy Edition.
To be held in Africa in 2026, the inaugural 2025-2026 Defender Trophy will see multiple international teams of two take on driving challenges, physical challenges and ingenuity challenges in what’s being described as a unique test of wit, willpower and teamwork. The event will be held over three rounds of training and competition, hosted by Defender and their conservation partner, Tusk.
“Global adventure and community have been the fabric of the Defender brand’s DNA for decades, staying true to roots that can be traced back to the original Land Rover of 1948,” said Mark Cameron, Managing Director, Defender. “Our unique new global adventure challenge will bring nations together, as competitors co-operate to navigate tough terrain, conquer extreme physical challenges and solve tactical tests – all united by a greater purpose.
“Working with Tusk, our conservation partner of more than 20 years, we will bring epic adventure to a new generation of enthusiasts, watching online, while leaving a legacy we can be proud of.”
Entries for the Defender Trophy opened in June, but Australian residents have been excluded from taking part in the inaugural event. However, Land Rover advises that Aussies will be able to enter the 2026-2027 edition of the Defender Trophy.
Defender 110 Trophy Edition
To mark this new competition, Defender has released a special edition of their 110 4x4 – the 110 Trophy Editon – that’s ready for adventure.
Equipped with “curated expedition accessories,” the Defender 110 Trophy Edition is offered in a choice of Deep Sandglow Yellow or Keswick Green. Deep Sandglow Yellow is a direct nod to the pale yellow finish of Land Rovers that defined the Camel Trophy back in the 1980s and ’90s, while Keswick Green said to be a nod to “rural exploration” in the UK, and an alternative to those uncomfortable with the cigarette sponsorship element of the original Camel Trophy.
In each instance, these exclusive colours are contrasted with a Gloss Black finish on the bonnet, lower body, wheelarches, brake calipers and rear recovery eyelets. New-look 20-inch alloy wheels are also finished in Gloss Black and wear all-terrain tyres. A matte protective film for all the painted areas is optional.
Matte black is applied to the front bumper, as well as the front and rear skidplates. Trophy decals feature on the bonnet, C-pillar and tailgate.
Inside, illuminated sillplates carry Trophy identification, with the logo from the outside also featuring on the endplates of the ‘Cross Car Beam’ that covers the width of the dash.
Ebony Windsor leather seat trim is used throughout, and while the Defender 110 has a seating capacity for up to seven, on the Trophy Edition it’s five.
Diesel and Durability
The driving force for the Defender 110 Trophy Editon is Land Rover’s ‘D350’ 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo diesel engine. Producing 257kW at 4,000rpm and 700Nm at 1,500-3,000rpm, the 3.0 six can propel the vehicle from 0-100km/h in 6.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 191km/h – although neither are likely to be experienced on the Defender Trophy challenges!
With combined cycle economy of 8.1lt/100km, this mild hybrid powerplant (48V with regenerative braking) is matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission and intelligent full-time all-wheel drive, with a two-speed transfer case. Land Rover’s Terrain Response 2 system is standard, applying the optimum traction, transmission, braking and throttle settings to suit the driving conditions.
Electronically-adjustable air suspension features front and rear, with big 380mm ventilated brake discs with six-piston monobloc calipers up front, and 365mm discs with single-piston calipers at the rear.
For off-roading, the Defender 110 Trophy Editon’s wading depth is listed at 900mm, with a 222mm ground clearance and turning circle of 13.12 metres. Approach, departure and breakover angles are 30.1, 37.7 and 22 degrees, respectively.
Fuel capacity is 89 litres, braked towing capacity is 3,500kg and GCM is 6,700kg.
Trophy Kit
To make the Defender 110 Trophy Editon even more adventure ready, an optional Trophy Kit is available – and recommended for demanding off-road work.
This consists of an Expedition Roof Rack for gear storage, Black Deployable Roof Ladder to access said roof rack, and a Side-Mounted Gear Carrier in Gloss Black. Lockable and waterproof, this side carrier is made for holding wet, muddy or sandy gear that you don’t want to bring into the cabin or rear storage space.
The kit also includes Classic Mud Flaps front and rear that carry subtle ‘Defender’ identification, plus a Raised Air Intake (aka snorkel) for water crossings and to reduce dust ingress into the engine.
Premium Adventure
With order books open now ahead of an Australian release in Q4, 2025, the Defender 110 Trophy Edition is priced from $118,900 RRP (+ ORCs), which equates to $132,578 drive away in NSW. Customers in other states should check with their Land Rover dealer to confirm drive away pricing. Whether the Defender’s standard 5-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty applies to this vehicle is also something prospective buyers should check with their local dealer.
The Trophy Kit, made up of already available genuine Defender accessories, is an additional $9,188, including fitting.
Although it’s not a limited edition, the Defender 110 Trophy Edition is likely to get a limited Australian release. But if the Defender Trophy event gains traction, expect the 110 Trophy Edition to be a regular part of the Defender lineup in the future, maybe even expanding to the 90 and 130 platforms.
While the Defender 110 is currently available in several grades in Australia, the closest equivalent to the Trophy Edition would be the D350 X-Dynamic SE, which lists for $114,500 (+ ORCs). Other 110 D350 variants include the X-Dynamic HSE and X, which list for $130,200 and $165,100, respectively.
For more information and to order the Defender 110 Trophy Edition, see your Land Rover dealer, or go to: landrover.com.au
