V8 2dr 4x4 90
2023 Land Rover Defender

Pros: Variety of engine and body styles; excellent ride, handling and interior noise for an off-roader; go-anywhere capability Cons: Sub-par fuel economy for a luxury SUV; pricey trims not overtly luxurious; definitely not cheap Big, boxy, off-road-oriented SUVs are all the rage at the moment, especially when glammed up with ritzy, definitely-not-for-off-roading trim and luxury feature content. The 2023 Land Rover Defender definitely fits that bill, and indeed, it’s certainly popular among those who have no intention of ever venturing to the sorts of dirty places this mighty Land Rover is capable of. Yet, whereas other big, boxy, off-road-oriented SUVs make their owners suffer through rough rides, sloppy handling, booming interior noise and/or compromised interior space, the Land Rover Defender does not. It’s practical, refined, comfortable and spacious. OK, so the two-door Defender 90 isn’t that spacious, but the new three-row, eight-passenger Defender 130 certainly is. Basically, the Defender is a no-compromises off-roader and, if money is no object, one of the best SUVs you can buy. Of course, money typically is an object of concern, and the Defender does not come cheap. The way-cool Defender 110 V8 pictured above cost more than $111,000, and even the most basic Defender starts at nearly $55,000. It doesn’t take many options, including checking the mild-hybrid inline-six engine box, before you’ve zoomed past $70,000. The good news is that you don’t really need that many options. The Defender is very well-equipped in its more basic forms and those pricier versions don’t offer the sort of overt luxury look and materials choices you’d find in a comparably priced Range Rover model. In other words, no shame in getting a lower trim model. But hey, if you’ve got the cash, you probably won’t regret enjoying the decadent, rich rumble of the V8 and the silky, effortless power it provides. It’s hard not to be smitten. Interior & Technology   |   Passenger & Cargo Space   |   Performance & Fuel Economy What it's like to drive   |   Pricing & Trim Levels   |   Crash Ratings & Safety Features What's new for 2023? The Land Rover Defender 130 debuts, pictured above, adding a far more usable third-row seat than the rinky-dink one offered by the 110. Not only is their adult-friendly legroom, but there are three seatbelts across, making the Defender one of the rare eight-passenger luxury SUVs. This extra row is the result of 13.4 inches of length tacked onto the back of the same 119-inch wheelbase. It’s not a difficult difference to spot, and indeed, the 130’s proportions certainly aren't as tidy as its smaller siblings. The departure angle also suffers considerably, falling to 28.5 degrees from 40. Every 130 comes with the inline-six engine and air suspension, and like its siblings enjoyed, there will be a First Edition model that offers special color configurations and most available features. What are the Defender interior and in-car technology like? With its bold horizontal lines, metal trim, rubber flooring, numerous grab handles and bins galore, the Defender's cabin has an …
Hide Full Review