An all-new 2023 Defender 130 joined the top-selling Land Rover family of SUVs. Known for its history of off-roading, the Defender 130 is a complete all-around vehicle on- and off-road for families, travelers, and urban commuters.
The 2023 Land Rover Defender 130 midsize luxury SUV extends the Defender 110 model by 13.5 inches, making it the largest Land Rover yet. In addition, the rear is stretched to create three-row seating, as standard, accommodating up to eight passengers.
The 130 is even bigger than the four-door Range Rover, which comes in two- and four-door options; the Defender 130 promises to increase attraction to Land Rover luxury SUVs because of its functionality, price range, and brand appeal.
The new 2023 Land Rover Defender 130 has significantly improved in style and has a plethora of luxury conveniences, high-performance tech, and the latest safety features. Advancing its off-road reputation while improving on-road driving characteristics, Land Rover’s top-selling SUV, now with an eight-seat capacity, maybe the luxury midsize SUV class leader.
Models/Price: The all-new Land Rover Defender 130, which starts under $70,000, is reasonably priced for a three-row, eight-seat luxury SUV. It comes in four trim levels: S starts at $69,475 MSRP, and the price increases for the SE, X-Dynamic SE, the First Edition, and the top-of-line X trim, which is in the $100K range.
I got to experience the 2023 Defender 130 First Edition, which started at $84,700 and topped out at $92,075 after optional 22-inch wheels, towing, and cold climate packages were added.
Power: The stretched 130 is powered by two turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engines that produce 296 and 396 horsepower. The Defender 130 First Edition I tested was powered by an electrically turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder gasoline and a 48-volt electric motor that generated 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque.
The superb handling and performance of the 130 are exemplified by an eight-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, electric power steering, air suspension, and a terrain response that switches effortlessly from on-road and off-road driving.
Although I didn’t venture off-road, the Defender 130 has features that raise the vehicle, allowing it to wade through 35.4 inches of water, navigate steep terrains, go up and down steep hills, and climb over rocks.
Fuel Economy: The EPA rates the Defender at 17 city/21 highway mpg.
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