For decades, the Land Rover Defender was the world’s answer to the rough and tough terrain. With its latest generation, the brand has developed more in luxury, comfort as well as off-roading capabilities. The Defender is designed with both two and four-door body styles, a modern cabin, and advanced infotainment and tech features.
What’s New
The Land Rover Defender 130 joins the lineup this year. Its body is extended so that it can fit a third row, making it the total number of passengers to be eight. This is ideal for families or groups who need more space and versatility.
Performance
The Land Rover Defender comes with impressive capabilities of off-road and on-road handling and steering precision. This car has some behaviors of a luxury SUV, with its transmission offering smooth and quick gear changing. The Defender comes with a standard four-cylinder turbocharged engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, or a 3.0-liter inline-six that utilizes an electric supercharger and a 48-volt hybrid system. As for acceleration, the long-wheelbase 130 model can move from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds.
Interior
The Defender’s cabin is a blend of premium and utilitarian, with its design inspired by other Land Rover models to make it familiar and feel at home. Exposed rivets on the door panels add a rugged appearance, and a magnesium beam that runs the full width of the dashboard adds a touch of sophistication. The dashboard provides space for buttons and switches for the climate control system and driving modes. Just within the dashboard, a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system is seen, and an 11.4-inch display is optional. Unlike the rest of the Land Rover lineup’s pro duo interface, this one relies on one touchscreen, which makes it easier and faster to use. It can also handle over-the-air software updates. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard, as is an in-dash navigation system, a six-speaker stereo, and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot. Both 10- and 14-speaker Meridian stereo systems are optional features, and buyers of higher-end Defenders receive a digital gauge cluster and a head-up display.
Comfort
The Defender offers a large room for comfort. The interior remains quiet and relatively free from road vibration in all kinds of terrains. The driver’s seat is provided with a range of adjustment, and passenger space is generous on all models. Headroom, legroom, and shoulder room are plentiful, though the steering column can get in the way of some drivers’ knees when they get in.
Cargo
The cargo space between the 90 or 110 is limited, but the seats can be folded to open up more room for cargo. Another area of cargo is the rooftop carrier. The longer 130 model offers additional cargo space with the third row stowed.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Among the slew of available driver-assistance technology, the Rover has several unique systems tailored for off-roading and towing. For more information about the Defender’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
– Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
– Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
– Available adaptive cruise control
Tarification
The price of the 2023 Land Rover Defender starts at $54,975 to $116,475, depending on trim option and location of buying. The trim and options are:
– Defender 90: $54,975
– Defender 90 S: $59,175
– Defender 90 X-Dynamic S: $63,275
– Defender 90 First Edition: $66,475
– Defender 90 X: $83,475
– Defender 110: $57,475
– Defender 110 S: $61,675
– Defender 110 SE: $69,375
– Defender 110 X-Dynamic SE: $71,775
– Defender 110 X-Dynamic HSE: $77,375
– Defender 110 X: $86,375
– Defender 110 V8: $98,550
– Defender 110 V8 Carpathian Edition: $104,000
– Defender 130: $76,475
– Defender 130 S: $80,675
– Defender 130 SE: $88,375
– Defender 130 X-Dynamic SE: $90,775
– Defender 130 X-Dynamic HSE: $96,375
– Defender 130 X: $105,375
– Defender 130 V8: $116,475
