Defender

Introduced for the 2016 model year, this nameplate marked the brand’s first purpose-built utility side-by-side and was positioned as a work-focused machine for ranching, hunting, farming and general off-road labor. It was presented as a ground-up design rather than a repurposed recreational vehicle, with an emphasis on durability, cargo versatility and practical access to the cab and bed. The early lineup established the vehicle’s core identity with a heavy-duty utility mission and multiple trim and cab configurations aimed at both jobsite and outdoor-use buyers. Over time, the nameplate expanded into a broader family that included longer six-passenger versions and more specialized work-oriented variants, but it has remained centered on utility rather than sport. In later years, the platform was updated and refreshed while retaining the same fundamental role as the brand’s flagship work side-by-side. The nameplate is still in production, making its initial 2016 launch the first model year for this exact marketed vehicle.