Land Rover Defender 130 Review: A Spacious and Luxurious Off-Roader

The Verdict: Refined, Capable, and Roomier Than Ever

The Land Rover Defender 130 takes the iconic Defender's rugged heritage and enhances it with a longer body, providing additional passenger space while retaining its off-road prowess. With smooth handling, upscale interior features, and an extended frame, the Defender 130 brings a new level of versatility to Land Rover’s lineup.

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How It Stacks Up Against the Competition

Compared to rivals like the BMW X7, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, and Mercedes-Benz GLS, the Defender 130 stands out with superior off-road capabilities. However, while it boasts an eight-seat configuration, its interior space is slightly more compact than some competitors that prioritize passenger comfort over off-road agility.

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What’s New With the Defender 130?

The 2023 Defender 130 extends the Defender 110’s wheelbase by 13.5 inches, offering a full three-seat third row. This design change makes it the most spacious Defender yet, exceeding seating capacity found in other Land Rover models like the Discovery and Range Rover, which top out at seven seats.

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Refined Exterior: A Better Proportioned Defender

The Defender 130 benefits from a more balanced design thanks to its extended rear section. While the increased length slightly impacts its departure angle, it enhances overall aesthetics. Its classic boxy frame, round headlights, and modern taillight design retain nostalgic elements while integrating contemporary styling.

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A Luxury Interior With a Rugged Edge

Previous generations of the Defender were known for their no-frills utilitarian interiors. The latest iteration changes that narrative by offering premium leather, wood, and metal trim, while maintaining practical elements like durable rubberized flooring. A well-designed infotainment system ensures ease of use, featuring a responsive touchscreen and retained physical controls for essential functions.

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Performance and Powertrain Options

The Defender 130 is equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine available in two configurations: a 296-hp base version and a 395-hp upgraded variant. Both are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, ensuring impressive towing capacity of up to 8,200 pounds. However, fuel economy lags at 17/21/19 mpg (city/highway/combined).

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How It Feels on the Road

On urban roads, the Defender 130 provides ample power but suffers from slight acceleration delays, likely due to its mild-hybrid system managing power delivery. Once in motion, however, it drives smoothly and confidently. Its off-road capabilities remain strong, though most buyers may never fully utilize them.

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Third-Row Seating: Functional but Compact

While the Defender 130 offers three-seat third-row seating, its narrow width limits comfort for full-sized adults. The second-row seats slide forward to improve legroom, but overall space remains best suited for children or shorter trips. If true third-row comfort is a priority, larger competitors like the Jeep Grand Wagoneer or Mercedes-Benz GLS may be better suited.

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Cargo Space: A Trade-Off

When all seats are in use, cargo space behind the third row is minimal. Folding the seats down expands capacity, but the lack of a flush loading floor creates some inconvenience. Additionally, the side-swinging rear door can be cumbersome, especially in tight parking spaces.

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Pricing and Trim Levels

Pricing for the Defender 130 starts at just under $70,000 for the base S model, with high-end trims like the Defender X exceeding $100,000. While it is more affordable than some luxury SUVs, competitors offer more spacious interiors for similar prices.

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Is the Defender 130 Worth It?

For buyers seeking a luxurious SUV with legitimate off-road capability, the Defender 130 is an excellent choice. However, those prioritizing passenger comfort and cargo space over off-road prowess may find better alternatives in other three-row luxury SUVs.