The 2027 Defender 90 is built around a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and permanent all-wheel drive. A twin-speed transfer box with high and low range adds mechanical low-range gearing for demanding terrain and low-speed off-road driving.
The powertrain difference between the two models is significant. The Defender 90 S produces 296 hp at 5,000 rpm and 347 lb-ft of torque between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.0 seconds. The Defender 90 Vertex uses a higher-output version of the same 3.0-liter inline-6, rated at 395 hp at 5,500 to 6,500 rpm and 406 lb-ft between 2,000 and 5,000 rpm, reducing the 0-60 mph time to 5.7 seconds.
Both models are capped at a 119 mph top speed. Towing capacity is 8,200 lbs across both models, with a maximum combined vehicle and trailer weight of 14,745 lbs. The usable fuel tank holds 23.8 gallons.
Both Defender 90 models use a mild hybrid (MHEV) system integrated into the 3.0-liter inline-6. The mild hybrid architecture uses a belt-integrated starter-generator to recover energy under braking and deceleration, feeding it back into the system to reduce engine load during acceleration. This is not an electric-only mode, and the system does not offer plug-in capability. The engine handles propulsion while the MHEV system supports the powertrain at key moments.
Power delivery goes through an 8-speed automatic transmission across both Defender 90 models. The twin-speed transfer box adds a low-range gear set that multiplies torque for low-speed off-road driving.
The Defender 90 Vertex adds Adaptive Dynamics, an active damping system that reads body and wheel movement up to 100 times per second and continuously adjusts damper stiffness. The S uses a different suspension configuration. Electric Power Assisted Steering is standard on both models, reducing steering effort at low speed and adjusting assistance as vehicle speed changes.
| Specification | Defender 90 S | Defender 90 Vertex |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 | 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 (higher output tune) |
| Horsepower | 296 hp | 395 hp |
| Torque | 347 lb-ft | 406 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 7.0 seconds | 5.7 seconds |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD with twin-speed transfer box | AWD with twin-speed transfer box |
| Suspension | Coil or Air Suspension | Air Suspension standard |
| Adaptive Dynamics | Not included | Standard |
| Wheels | 19-inch Style 6010 | 22-inch Style 7030 Diamond Turned with Satin Dark Grey tinting |
The Vertex’s air suspension also affects ground clearance. At standard ride height, clearance is 8.5 inches. In off-road mode, the air suspension raises the body to provide 11.5 inches of clearance, compared with a fixed 8.9 inches on coil-suspended S models. The approach angle on the Vertex in raised mode reaches 37.4 degrees, and the departure angle reaches 41.9 degrees.
Both models share a 35.4-inch maximum wading depth, a 38.0-foot curb-to-curb turning circle, and the full 8,200-lb towing rating.
The 347 lb-ft torque peak on the Defender 90 S arrives at 1,500 rpm, providing low-rpm torque for situations such as highway merging, climbing a boat launch ramp, or pulling a loaded trailer. The Vertex produces 406 lb-ft between 2,000 and 5,000 rpm and reaches 60 mph in 5.7 seconds while retaining the Defender 90’s 8,200-lb towing rating and 35.4-inch maximum wading depth.
Terrain Response 2 and All Terrain Progress Control provide additional support for low-traction and off-road driving. Terrain Response 2 allows the driver to select from preset terrain modes such as grass, gravel, snow, mud, sand, and rock crawl, or use an automatic setting that adjusts vehicle systems based on surface conditions.
All Terrain Progress Control can maintain a set low speed on difficult surfaces without constant throttle or brake input from the driver. Advanced Tow Assist uses the camera system and touchscreen guidance to help the driver position a trailer while reversing. The 23.8-gallon fuel tank provides the vehicle’s available fuel capacity.
The Defender 90 Vertex reaches 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. Both the S and Vertex tow up to 8,200 lbs and use a twin-speed transfer box with mechanical high and low range.
The Defender 90 also provides up to 11.5 inches of off-road ground clearance with the Vertex air suspension raised and a maximum wading depth of 35.4 inches. Wade Sensing monitors water depth during a crossing and provides information to the driver as the vehicle approaches its maximum wading depth.
Maximum output from the higher-output 3.0-liter inline-6 in the Defender 90 Vertex.
Maximum towing capacity across both 2027 Defender 90 models.
Maximum off-road ground clearance with the Vertex air suspension raised.
Maximum wading depth with Wade Sensing providing depth information to the driver.
The 2027 Defender 90 S and Vertex offer two different output levels built around the same core inline-6 architecture, twin-speed transfer box, 8,200-lb tow rating, and 35.4-inch maximum wading depth. Browse available 2027 Defender 90 inventory online at Land Rover of Grand Rapids to see current listings and configurations, or contact the retailer for current availability and to schedule a test drive for an available vehicle.
The 2027 Defender 90 uses a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 engine with mild hybrid assistance, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and permanent all-wheel drive with a twin-speed transfer box.
The Defender 90 S produces 296 hp and 347 lb-ft of torque. The Defender 90 Vertex produces 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque from a higher-output version of the same 3.0-liter inline-6.
The Defender 90 S reaches 60 mph in 7.0 seconds. The Defender 90 Vertex reaches 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. Both models share a 119 mph top speed.
The 2027 Defender 90 uses a mild hybrid (MHEV) system that integrates a belt-driven starter-generator to assist the engine and recover energy during braking and deceleration. It is not a plug-in hybrid and does not operate in electric-only mode.
Both the Defender 90 S and Vertex are rated to tow up to 8,200 lbs, with a maximum combined vehicle and trailer weight of 14,745 lbs.
Yes. Both the S and Vertex include a twin-speed transfer box with high and low range, providing mechanical torque multiplication for demanding off-road situations.
The 2027 Defender 90 has a maximum wading depth of 35.4 inches. Wade Sensing monitors water depth during a crossing and provides information to the driver.
Yes. Adaptive Dynamics is standard on the Defender 90 Vertex. It continuously adjusts damper stiffness based on body and wheel movement. It is not included on the Defender 90 S.
