Land Rover Defender Towing Capacity Guide
The Short Answer: How Much Can It Tow?
When properly equipped, the Land Rover Defender can tow up to 8,200 pounds. The exact rating depends on the engine and wheelbase:
Defender 90: Up to 7,716 lbs (with P400 or V8 engine)
Defender 110: Up to 8,200 lbs (with P400, requires Advanced Tow Assist, or V8 engine)
Defender 130: Up to 8,200 lbs (with P400 engine)
Defender Towing Capacities by Powertrain
The engine you select directly impacts your maximum trailer weight. Always verify your specific vehicle’s rating on the door jamb sticker before hitching up.
| Engine Option | Defender 90 Max Towing | Defender 110 Max Towing | Defender 130 Max Towing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L P300 i4 Gas | 7,716 lbs | 7,716 lbs | N/A |
| 3.0L P400 i6 MHEV | 7,716 lbs | 8,200 lbs (with proper equipment) | 8,200 lbs |
| 5.0L P525 V8 Gas | 7,716 lbs | 7,716 lbs | N/A (P500 available) |
Critical Towing Features You Should Order
Having the power to pull is only half the equation. If you plan to tow regularly, you must look for Defenders equipped with:
- Advanced Tow Assist: This system allows you to steer a trailer in reverse using the rotary dial on the center console. The vehicle handles the complex counter-steering automatically.
- Electronic Air Suspension: Standard on the 130 and available on the 90/110, air suspension levels the vehicle automatically when weight is applied to the hitch, preventing dangerous rear-sag.
Local Expertise: Towing on Long Island
At Land Rover Freeport, we know many of our clients tow boats out of the Nautical Mile, or haul campers upstate.
- Towing Boats: With an 8,200 lb capacity (Defender 110/130 P400), you can easily pull most 24-foot center console boats or large deck boats. The Defender’s impressive 35.4-inch wading depth also means launching your boat on steep, slippery ramps is virtually stress-free.
- Hauling Campers & Horses: The Defender provides exceptional stability on the LIE and Southern State Parkway. The built-in Trailer Stability Assist detects sway and gently applies individual brakes to bring the trailer back under control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Defender pull a boat? ▾
Yes, easily. Even the base 4-cylinder engine can tow up to 7,716 lbs, which is more than enough for jet skis, bass boats, and most mid-size recreational boats. The 6-cylinder bumps this up to 8,200 lbs on the 110 and 130 models.
Does the Land Rover Defender come with a tow hitch? ▾
A tow hitch receiver is optional on many trims and standard on higher configurations. If the specific Defender you want in our Freeport inventory does not have one, our Service Center can install a genuine Land Rover hitch receiver for you.
What is the Defender’s maximum tongue weight? ▾
The maximum tongue weight for the Defender is generally 330 lbs (150 kg). Always consult your owner’s manual to verify the specific tongue weight limits based on your payload and passenger count.
What is Advanced Tow Assist? ▾
Advanced Tow Assist takes the stress out of reversing a trailer. By using the rotary Terrain Response controller on the center console, you simply steer the trailer where you want it to go, and the system automatically calculates the required steering inputs for the vehicle.