History/Overview
Introduced in 2020, the Defender is a modern interpretation of one of Land Rover’s best-known models.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
This year, Land Rover adds a third variant to the Defender lineup called the 130, whose stretched body accommodates a third row of seats. The only other change is the addition of Amazon Alexa functionality to the Defender’s infotainment system.
Available Trims
Land Rover offers the Defender in S, SE, X-Dynamic SE, X, and V8 trim levels. There are also three distinct body styles: a two-door 90, the four-door 110, and the three-row 130. Engine choices include a 2.0L turbo four-cylinder, a 3.0L turbo V6 with mild hybrid assist, and a 5.0L supercharged V8. Four-wheel drive and an eight-speed transmission are standard with all engines.
Standard Features
S trim comes with 19-inch wheels, auto-leveling LED headlights, power-fold side mirrors with driver’s side auto dimming, a heated steering wheel, two-zone A/C, and heated/12-way front seats. Also included is an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a garage door remote, wireless phone charging, passive keyless entry, digital gauges, leather upholstery, and a 10-speaker stereo.
The Defender’s standard safety kit comprises automatic high beams, forward collision mitigation, blind spot assist, surround-view cameras, lane keep assist, 360-degree parking assist, rear traffic monitor, and traffic sign recognition with adaptive speed limiting.
SE and X-Dynamic SE trims add a panoramic roof, 20-inch wheels, 14-speaker audio, and ventilated front seats. X trim gains 14-way front seats, a camera-based rearview mirror, and a larger touchscreen.
Defender V8 models add 22-inch wheels, and a suedecloth steering wheel.
Key Options
A comfort and convenience package adds upgraded cabin lighting, a front console fridge; a cold climate package brings a heated windshield and washer jets, and headlight washers.
Air suspension is a stand-alone extra that includes adaptive dynamics.
There are also four packages designed to tailor the Defender to your needs; the explorer, adventure, country and urban packs all bundle features that optimize the truck’s performance in different ways.
Fuel Economy
As we write this, Land Rover hasn’t published the 2023 Defender’s fuel consumption estimates, which means we can’t give you figures specific to the new 130 variant. However, the 90 and 110 models’ ratings should be similar to those from the 2022 model year: the mild-hybrid V6 is most efficient, rated for 13.5/10.8 L/100 km (city/highway); four-cylinder models are estimated at 13.2/11.3 L/100 km in the Defender 90 and 14.2/11.7 in the 110. The V8’s figures are 15.8/12.4 L/100 km in the 90, and 16.4/12.7 L/100 km in 110 models.
Competition
Most of the Defender’s competitors come from non-luxury models: the Toyota 4Runner and the Jeep Wrangler provide the most obvious competition, but the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wagoneer are good ones to cross-shop, too.
