Land Rover Defender 2023 Reviews, Prices and Specifications

S

$53,650

Base

$54,975

$65,350

X-Dynamic SE

$68,250

30th Anniversary Edition

$76,350

X

$86,750

75th Limited Edition

$93,355

Cup Edition

$96,475

V8

$105,750

Carpathians

$112,750

While we like the look of the two-door 90 models, the four-door 110 and 130 models are more practical for most buyers. That the base powertrain of the P300—a 296-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder —seems fresh enough for everyday driving, so we’ll stick with it; those planning to tackle serious off-road trails might find the optional six-cylinder or V-8 engine a better option. We recommend the SE trim level because it adds a number of desirable features to the Defender’s spec sheet, including 19-inch aluminum wheels, automatic high-beam headlights, 12-way power-adjustable front seats and a digital gauge display. Land Rover Offers several accessory packs, each of which complements Defenders with specially themed features. There is also a set of personalization options available, but we’ll leave the customization up to you.

Engine, Transmission and Performance

The Defender is powered by a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Of course, every model features four-wheel drive and a locking differential to navigate treacherous terrain. The Defender is also available with a 3.0-liter inline-six that uses an electric supercharger and a 48-volt hybrid system. The long-wheelbase 130 model we tested with this powertrain sprinted to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. Buyers looking for added performance can opt for the 518-hp supercharged V-8, which accelerated the Defender from 90 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds in our test. Unlike its predecessor, the Defender has a unibody construction versus a body-on-frame arrangement, and replaces the old solid axles with a fully independent suspension. Basic suspension uses coil springs, but can be improved with air suspension which allows for an adjustable ride height. The Defender has 11.5 inches of ground clearance and 35 inches of water wading capability, which exceeds both. owned by the Jeep Wrangler maximum clearance and wading ability.

Real World Fuel and MPG Savings

The EPA’s fuel economy ratings for the various Defender models are similar regardless of what’s under the hood. The 90-cylinder model received a city rating of 18 mpg and a highway of 21. Upgraded to the six-cylinder engine and the 90s city rating dropped to 17 mpg but the highway rating increased to 23. The 110 model with a six-cylinder engine had the same estimates as the six-cylinder 90, but old-wheelbase 130 is rated for 17 mpg city and 21 mpg highway with the six-cylinder. The V-8 variant of the 110 is rated for 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway; The 90 with the V-8 is good for 15 mpg city and 19 mpg highway. On our 75 mph highway fuel-efficient route, The Defender 110X with the optional six-cylinder powertrain produces a disappointing 18 mpg; the 130 model only managed 19 mpg in the same test. For more information on Defender fuel economy, visit EPA website.

Interior, Comfort and Cargo

The Defender’s cabin walks the line between premium and utilitarian, with enough design cues from the rest of the Land Rover range to make those familiar with the brand feel right at home. Open rivets in the door panels add to the rugged look, and the magnesium beam that runs across the width of the dashboard isn’t strictly cosmetic—it’s also structural. Below the infotainment display, the dashboard’s trapezoidal extension provides space for buttons and switches for the climate control system and driving modes. The shift lever and ignition switch are also mounted on this center stack instead of the center console. On some models, the center console can be rotated backwards to create a jump seat between driver and passenger, similar to the triple seater on some full-size pickup trucks. Cargo space behind the rear seats on the 90 and 110 models is limited, but on par with off-roader rivals like the Wrangler; the rear seats can be folded to reveal a much larger cargo space but those looking to haul people and equipment may want to look at the larger Land Rover Discovery or invest in a rooftop cargo hauler. The longer 130 model offers additional cargo space with third row storage, but when in use there isn’t much room for equipment.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Defender’s dashboard uses a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system that runs a new interface for Land Rover called Pivi Pro; a larger 11.4-inch display is optional. Compared to the Touch Pro Duo interface of other Land Rover lineups, the Defender system relies on a single touch screen instead of two, offers a faster response time, and can handle over-the-air software updates for future releases. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard, as is an in-dash navigation system, six-speaker stereo, and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot. Both the Meridian 10 and 14 speaker stereo systems are optional features and buyers of the high-end Defender receive a digital gauge cluster and a head-up display.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Among the many available driver assistance technology, Rover has several unique systems adapted for off-roading and towing. For more information on Defender crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) website. Key safety features include:

• Standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane departure alerts with lane maintenance assistance
• Adaptive cruise control is available

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Like its counterpart, the Defender will come with a standard warranty package that lasts four years or 50,000 miles. That Lexus GXa similar luxury off-roader, offers more value here in the form of a six-year powertrain warranty and one year of free maintenance.

• The limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• The powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• No free scheduled maintenance

More Features and Specifications