Can the Defender SUV Handle the Dakar Rally? We’re About To Find Out

This is going to be good. Defender is ramping up to enter the glorious, infamous, deadly Dakar Rally with a trio of production-based SUVs: in other words, Defender is doing Dakar the right way. Unlike other car companies, the British marque is not heading into the unforgiving deserts of Saudi Arabia with an exotic, purpose-built prototype. Instead, Defender will be fielding a three-SUV team in the Dakar’s updated “Stock” category for production vehicles beginning in 2026.

“We have chosen...