Highlight: The 130 is the longest model in terms of length in the Defender family.
Test
Vehicle's MSRP: $93,338 (Base
Model Defender S: $70,575)
Seating
Capacity: 5 to 8 (depending upon seating arrangement)
Standard
Safety Features (Test Model): airbags; ABS; a
360-degree rearview camera; electronic brake force distribution; an electronic
blind spot monitor; a stability system; a low traction control system; lane
keep assist; an adaptive speed limiter; an adaptive dynamics to reduce body roll; a roll stability control system; a
terrain response system; a cornering brake control system; a full size spare
wheel; an air quality sensor; a wade sensing system; a trailer assist system; a
perimeter alarm system; a tire pressure monitor system; and outside rear
mounted tire protection
Standard
Equipment (130 Outbound): 20-inch wheels;
3.0-liter, 6-cylinder engine; 395-horsepower; an 8-speed automatic transmission;
5 seats; a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system; an electronic air
suspension; panoramic roof; privacy rear glass; Heated and cooled power front
seats with memory; power tilt and telescopic steering wheel; a heated steering
wheel; and offers additional cargo room
Other Trims:
Defender 110
Defender 90
Standard
Audio On Test Vehicle: A 10-speaker, 400 watt Meridian AM/FM/HD with
SiriusXM
Bluetooth
Connectivity: Standard
USB
Connectivity: Standard
Apple/Android
Connectivity: Standard
Bumper-to-Bumper
Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles
Powertrain
Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles
Standard
Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter turbocharged, 4-cylinder/296-hp (base
Defender 90)
Recommended
Fuel: Premium
Standard
Fuel Mileage: 16-cty/18-hwy
Towing Capacity: 8,200 lbs
What’s
New: For the 2024 model
year, the big news is that some Defender 130 trims gain a throaty V8 engine.
Why:
A choice of powertrains
Stylish and sophisticated head turning exterior design
The Defender 130 features an extended
A luxury SUV designed for off-roading
35.4-inch wading depth
19 thru 22-inch wheels
A two or three row vehicle
Loads of cargo room - Outboard
Heated and ventilated front seats available
Heated rear seats available
Roomy interior due to boxy design
Roomy rear seating
Easy access to rear seats with two door
Easy-to-use optional 11-inch infotainment system
Wireless charging
Optional rear heated seats
Great visibility
4x4
Off roading with an ability to tackle a variety of terrains
High clearance for off roading to handle severe weather conditions
Fullsize tire
The Defender trims are also available in a 4 cylinder and a
6-cylinder mild hybrid powertrain
A few means to personalize the vehicle
Smooth riding vehicle despite being designed for off roading
Excess towing capabilities
But:
Swing out rear door with exterior spare tire
Some control switches might be confusing to use
We experienced difficulty in activating the radar cruise control
system
No electrification like the Jeep Grand Cherokee
While the upscale exterior design of the Land Rover Defender 130 we tested exuded an air of sophistication, yet, unlike many of its luxury competitors from Cadillac and Mercedes-Benz, this British SUV is designed to navigate and conquer most rugged terrains, as well as tread through water. The only luxury midsize model that comes close to matching the Defender is the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
The 130 Outbound is the longest vehicle in terms of length in the Defender line up. At a starting price in the low $70,000 range, the boxy SUV is available in five trims. The trim we tested, the Outbound, was outfitted with two rows of seats, as opposed to three. As a result of losing a third row, which can seat up to eight, we gained more storage or cargo space.
Moreover, the 130 Outbound line is available with both a 6-cylinder and 8-cylinder powertrain. The 130 Outbound trim limits the buyer to a 3.0-liter, 6-cylinder engine, which spewed out close to 400-horsepower. Despite this trim not being available with a throaty, gas-guzzling V8, we found the power to be more than adequate in this roomy SUV. In fact, by not having access to the V8, this also aided us in cutting fuel expenses too, before the engineering team considers soon electrifying the vehicle. Currently, the larger Range Rover is the only vehicle offering electrification with its plug-in model.
Furthermore, the 130 Outbound can be outfitted with a host of features ranging from a three-zone climate control system to heated and cooled front seats. And like with most vehicles these days, the vehicle was equipped with the latest safety driving aids. We did experience in our attempts to activate the radar cruise control system.
Overall, in a world where many in the automotive industry loosely uses the word SUV to design their utility vehicles, the Land Rover Defender 130 Outbound truly earns the name. The Defender isn’t a car like crossover. Although the Defender is designed for off-roading, the bold looking SUV is still able to balance the suspension, offering a ride and handling experience that is also suitable for cross country trips, too.
Competition: 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2024 Lexus GX
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