Since its debut in the 1980’s the Land Rover Defender has been a long-time favorite. And it hasn’t lost its touch – in fact just a few years ago it was named SUV of the Year by MotorTrend. And with three different sizes, the small two-door Defender 90, the mid-size Defender 110 with four-doors and two rows of seats, and the Defender 130 with is longer wheelbase and three rows of seating, there is a Defender size to meet any need.
The styling of the Defender is what you would expect from Land Rover. A squared-off design with an upright appearance gives the Defender its trademark look as well as an aggressive stance. While it still looks boxy, bulging fender flares break up the flatness, providing some subtle curves in the overall design. For off-roaders, the short wheelbase and the small front and rear overhangs will be appreciated.
There is never mistaking the interior of a Land Rover, and the Defender is no exception. Much like its exterior, the interior appears to have started out as a box, and then gives way to a chiseled dashboard with a shelf that spans across the length of the cabin. Torx-head bolts scattered around the interior provide a technical look. Overall, the interior of the Defender is less luxurious than some might expect but is ruggedly practical making it distinctly different from other upscale SUVs.
Last year, Land Rover debuted the 130 with its longer wheelbase and three rows of seating – which allows for a passenger count of 8. For 2024, Land Rover bring us a new Outbound trim level that is a two-row version of the Defender 130. With its longer wheelbase yet retaining a five-seat cabin layout, the Outbound version of the Defender can accommodate more adventure gear than any other Defender.
The Land Rover Defender 130 Outbound comes standard with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a mild hybrid system which produces a combined 395 horsepower and 406 lb. ft of torque to all four wheels. A supercharged 5.0-liter V8 is optional but offers only 100 horsepower more and an insignificant torque increase. And considering the inline six has a higher towing capacity (8,201 pounds) compared to the V8 (7,716 pounds), unless you just have gotta have a V8, the standard engine is the way to go.
The Outbound is clearly the most adventurous Defender available, with lots of interesting options available for it. The tester came with a roof rack, side-mounted storage bin, and even a side-mounted ladder. The Outbound version of the Defender 130 comes in just four color options: Fuji White, Eiger Grey, Santorini Black and Carpathian Grey – and each nicely complements the matte finish on the bumpers, grille inserts, and side vents.
With the turbocharged inline-6, the Defender 130 Outbound can hit 60 mph in 6.4 seconds and the quarter mile disappears after 14.8 seconds. While those numbers may not sound great at first, consider that the Defender weighs nearly 6,000 pounds – which puts it in the same weight class as a Chevy Suburban.
Like all other Defender’s, it’s the 130’s off-road abilities that give it the reputation of being one of the best off-road vehicles money can buy. It has an adjustable air suspension, adaptive dampers, and Configurable Terrain Response – a system that allows you to tailor the vehicle’s behavior to various surfaces, like mud, sand, rocks and more. Combine that along with its generous ground clearance, short overhangs and powerful drivetrain, and it becomes clear why the Defender is considered a British mountain goat. Pricing for the Defender 130 Outbound starts just under $86,000. The tester had an MSRP of $101.093.
The Defender has always seemed to be in a class of its own. And now with the 130 Outbound and its appeal to the ultimate adventurer, it is even more so. If you don’t need a third-row seat, but can still benefit from the extra room, the Defender 130 Outbound pulls it off.
— Christopher A. Randazzo
By The Numbers:
Base Price: $84,500.00
Price as Tested: $101,093.00
Layout: front-engine / all-wheel drive
Engine: 3.0 inline 6-cylinder
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Horsepower: 395 hp
Torque: 406 lb-ft
EPA Fuel Economy: 16 mpg city / 18 mpg highway
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