The Land Rover Defender, an off-road SUV that has been a favorite among car enthusiasts for decades, has a new addition to its already impressive lineup: the 2023 Land Rover Defender 130. This version of the Defender is longer than its predecessor, the 110, with an additional 13.5 inches attached to its rear end. This elongation may result in a reduction of the departure angle, but the ground clearances remain the same. Furthermore, this difference in length changes the Defender’s appearance, making it appear more spacious and roomier than its shorter counterpart.

The Defender 130 is designed to provide a comfortable driving experience for its passengers, with its inclusion of a third-row seat that can accommodate larger individuals. Additionally, it comes equipped with a sunroof instead of the traditional safari windows, providing more light and illumination in the interior. However, in terms of cargo space, the 130 only offers 15.3 cubic feet of storage, which is useful but not as spacious as other three-row SUVs. Despite this, it still offers more space than the 110.

The Defender 130 is a heavyweight, weighing in at 5931 pounds, which is 158 pounds heavier than its predecessor, the Defender 110. To power this mammoth machine, Land Rover offers two engine choices, both of which are 3.0-liter six-cylinder engines. These options include the 296-hp P300 and the 395-hp P400, both of which are trimmed from the lower and upper limits. Unfortunately, the turbo four and V8 options are not available for the Defender 130.

Generally speaking, the P400 engine is the preferred choice for most drivers and is included in all but the lowest trim level. This engine is boosted by an inline-six turbo, which has an electrically driven supercharger that effectively combats turbo lag. Additionally, a 48-volt motor-generator is present in the Defender 130, although restarts from the auto stop-start system could be snappier. With its immense power, the Defender 130 charges from 0 to 60 mph in an impressive 6.2 seconds and can tow up to 8200 pounds, which is a testament to its power.

The Defender 130’s ZF-built eight-speed automatic gearbox works seamlessly with the engine, providing a smooth and comfortable ride that makes driving the Defender 130 a truly luxurious experience. However, its EPA estimates are lower than expected, with 17 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. This is likely due to its sheer size and power, making it a trade-off for its impressive capabilities.

The Defender 130’s interior is a charming combination of utilitarian features and materials. It is equipped with shelves and grippy buttons, as well as splashes of luxury, such as natural-finish wood trim and sleek infotainment graphics. The driver’s seat has excellent visibility, but the rear visibility is somewhat lacking due to full-size headrests for every seating position that fill up the rearview mirror.

The Defender 130 is similar to the 110 model in terms of its driving experience, with air suspension that offers adjustable ride height for better off-roading or easier access when parked. However, it is not suitable for cornering, as it has a decent bit of roll. In conclusion, the Land Rover Defender 130 is an excellent choice for individuals who require a vehicle that is both powerful and luxurious, providing a spacious interior, comfortable third-row seating, and plenty of cargo space. However, its soft suspension makes it less than ideal for cornering, making it a better choice for off-road adventures.

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